
Ask A Question - Help - Register - Login

Numbness and pressure

Sent to Health Experts June 18, 2006 2:54 p.m.

Hi 3 weeks ago I started getting numbness of the hands then I started to get numbness of the brests and torso. i went to the ER and they found low oxygen in the blood I think it said L18. They said to watch it and eventually get an MRI and pinal tap. I had traveled back in forth from 6000 ft to 1000 ft 6 times in 3 weeks sitting in a car for 12hours each time. I was also filled with anxiety about my condition and had a panic attack. My sist traveled with me as well for 4 of the trips and started to experience numbness of the hands. MS has been thrown around quite a bit by the doctor. I am terrified. I have been back home in Colorado which is 6000 ft for the last 2 days. I am now experiencing pressure on my rib cage like some is pushing down on my ribs. Is this just travel, stress and altitude? how long should I wait to go the Doctor??

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 24

Already Tried:
Been to the ER

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $25

Info Request
June 18, 2006 3:08 p.m. (14 minutes and 8 seconds later)

REPLIED to Info Request

Hello Ms K,
Best not to panic and get all the information first before worrying about any particular condition.

1) Find out exactly what the low oxygen test was all about. "L18" doesn't mean anything to me, but maybe you have it written down somewhere. If you have a condition that causes your oxygen level to be low, you should work with a doctor to get it diagnosed. MS does not affect oxygen.

2) MS is a neurologic condition that is diagnosed based on multiple episodes and findings on MRI, neither of which sound like they are the case.

3) Try to stay put and get things straightened out a bit before flying all these different places. Talk to the ER doc, if he is still there, by telephone and ask him/her what to do next, because they have already seen you and have some idea of what the best diagnosis is at this point.

4) Buy a relaxation CD and use it to calm down while you wait for results and gather information.

--Dr. Sun

1 Other Expert Agrees with this!

ASun -- Doctor (MD) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 103 Health Accepts
MD, MPH, specialized in internal medicine

Reply to ASun
Sent June 18, 2006 3:28 p.m. (20 minutes and 4 seconds later)

I don't have the paper work at hand with my blood work info. I also saw the ER doctor in another state. Should I go to the emergency room? Or just make an appointment with my doctor. How do I get my Doctor to quit throwing MS in my face. Is there other possiblities that i could bring up that could get me diagnosed properly. Also what could cause the rope like pressure around my rib cage?? ER doc said my blood cells were slightly mishapened as well? I just don't like feeling this way. I feel that both doctors I've seen are acting like it is just this wierd mystery.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
June 18, 2006 3:56 p.m. (27 minutes and 51 seconds later)

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

ASun -- Doctor (MD) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 103 Health Accepts
MD, MPH, specialized in internal medicine

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 > Doctor