
Ask A Question - Help - Register - Login

I am having a problem that started with my right arm and ...

Sent to Health Experts February 07 9:32 a.m.

I am having a problem that started with my right arm and shoulder and has progressed to pain in my hip as well as occasional body tremors.

Optional Information:
Female, Age: 41, Oklahoma

Already Tried:
Have had xray & MRI of right shoulder and c-spine. All showed normal. Have had Brain MRI - again Normal - have been to an orthopedic specialist and a neurologist. I am taking 3600 mg of gabapentin a day and the neurologist just started me on meds for restless leg syndrome. I have tried heating pad, cold packs, and tiger balm patches that temporarily relieve the pain in the right shoulder.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $9

Info Request
February 07 9:39 a.m. (6 minutes and 49 seconds later)

Hello,

Can you lift your right arm above your head?

Can you pick up heavy loads with the arm?

__________________
Experienced in the management of Pregnancy,Infertility,Menopause and all problems in Pregnancy and Gynecology

Dr.M.D.Mazumdar, MD -- Doctor (MD) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 3391 Health Accepts
Fifteen years experience in active private practice in Obst & Gynecology

Reply
Sent February 07 9:50 a.m. (11 minutes and 0 seconds later)

I can lift the arm over my head, I am unable to pick up heavy loads. I also have problems opening my medicine bottles. I also have numbness and tingling in my right hand and swelling at the Thumb joint. And I am right hand prominent. The neurologist said I have decreased sensitivity in areas on my right side including in my leg and foot.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
February 07 10:07 a.m. (17 minutes and 2 seconds later)

ACCEPTED

This sounds like a problem with the spinal cord. A decreased sensitivity along the entire one side of the body, including the leg and foot has to occur due to a problem in the central nervous system - either the brain or the spinal cord.

The fact that you can lift your arm over the head shows that your shoulder joint is all right. But the inability to lift heavy loads and being unable to open medicine bottles indicates muscle weakness.

I feel that you need to consult an orthopedist again - you need to get a test called a myelogram. This is a special xray which can identify the spaces in the spinal cord and if there is any stenosis. This may not show up clearly in a simple xray and MRI scan.

You also need to get a nerve conduction velocity test of the two main nerves of the arms as well as a muscle biopsy. These tests will show up if you have a nerve problem in the spine or a muscle weakness like a dystrophy.

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you need more input. If not, please click on the green"Accept" button on this page. A positive rating and adding a bonus will be warmly appreciated.

__________________
Experienced in the management of Pregnancy,Infertility,Menopause and all problems in Pregnancy and Gynecology

Dr.M.D.Mazumdar, MD -- Doctor (MD) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 3391 Health Accepts
Fifteen years experience in active private practice in Obst & Gynecology

Reply to Dr.M.D.Mazumdar, MD
Sent February 07 10:13 a.m. (5 minutes and 42 seconds later)

I believe the neurologist that I went to is going to set up a nerve test as I told him that the restless leg thing I could deal with but my job requires the continued use of my right hand and arm so he asked if anyone had done one of those tests yet and I told him no, so they are going to schedule the test. Should I schedule an appt with the orthopedic specialist before, during or after I have the nerve test.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
February 07 10:16 a.m. (3 minutes and 4 seconds later)

THIS ANSWER IS LOCKED!
You can view this answer by clicking here to Register or Login and paying $3.

Dr.M.D.Mazumdar, MD -- Doctor (MD) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 3391 Health Accepts
Fifteen years experience in active private practice in Obst & Gynecology

Reply
Sent February 07 10:17 a.m. (1 minute and 26 seconds later)

Thank you very much, I will consult with my primary care physician as well as the neurologist. I will definitely have the appointment with the orthopedic specialist setup as well. Thank you for you time.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

Related Answers:

	DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

Just Answer! > Online Health Advice > Arm Questions