Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Strange Symptoms

Good Morning,

I'm not sure if this has happened to anyone else here, but I figure with the number of smart folks around here someone may be able to give me an idea of what might be going on.

For over 10 years now I have had a numb spot on my left shoulder blade that tingles every once in a while, but is always there. Last year I had a fall and really bruised my left knee, I have a numb spot on it that the Dr. said would eventually go away, but that it might take 3 months, it's still there. Then about 2 weeks ago the tip of my thumb on my right has gone numb and sometimes that radiates down to the pad at the base of my thumb. Now for the last 3 days my cheek and up to my left eye lid have a pins and needle feeling and it almost feels like a bad sunburn. When I rub it though it has the same feeling as all the other numb spots, it feels like I have had local anesthetic in that area. I am starting to get freaked out.

Any ideas would be so appreciated.

Thanks,
Jill

Jill, I'm not sure what that is, but it does not sound good. Have you talked to your doc about this?

Many hugs,

Jill, does your doc know about ALL the different numb spots? it sounds pretty scary and I would get to the doc ASAP! Nerves come to mind when you describe the numbness.

Go to the doc, and make sure he knows of all the different spots and the time frame involved [they don't know if you don't tell them]

Let us know what happens--

Rita
Squeaky

Hi, Jill:


What you might be generally describing seem like neuropathies: The shoulder blade and thumb could be the result of some stenosis in the neck. You may have severed surface nerves on your knee and they either take a very long time to heal or they might not heal at all; these are sensory nerves that are not critical.

The eyelid and cheek could be due to a cranial nerve compression. It takes a lot of supplementation with calcium and magnesium to get rid of this. AS continually robs us of all minerals and B, Zn, Cu, and B12 (cobalt) are also important to supplement with more often. Best way to get magnesium is that cheap liquid form sold for cleansing before a 'procedure:' Magnesium citrate. Instead of the whole bottle, just take about 1tbs daily.

Good luck to You,
John

Thanks Kat,

I tried calling the Dr. several times today and it was busy everytime. I think she was on holidays last week, so they were probably busy today. I'm going to try again tomorrow.

I did talk to her about the shoulder quite awhile ago, but she said she didn't know, but nothing else really. The knee I only mentioned when it first happened, so I'll mention it again when I go in.

Jill

Thanks Rita,

I'm going to try again tomorrow to get into contact with my Dr. I tried several times today and each time the phone was busy.

On a side note, I see that you are from Tappen....I live in Kamloops, so we aren't too far from each other. I have a friend whose dad's family is in Tappen, Art Kennedy is his name. Don't know if you know them or not.

Thanks for your concern.
Jill

Hi Jill,

Your story really caught my eye. Since about 1998, my right thigh had been numb constantly. It started fairly soon (like a month or so) after a skiing accident. Tore the ACL in my right knee. I didn't have surgery, managed with rehab. But couldn't resume any sports related to lateral movements. Anyway, the ortho kind of just raised his eyebrows when I mentioned the numbness. Here's the thing, now that I've been on painkillers, nsaids and Remicade - it's gone! After 8 or 9 years, I can't believe it. I'm wondering if the condition wasn't related to AS. Of course, I'm quick to blame everything on AS, but the doctor says I've had it at least 10 years because it showed up on my x-rays last year.

Thanks for your post and good luck to you.
Jessie

I never had numb spots across the body, but extremities such as feet and hands would be cold and tingly. I was diagnosed with neuropathy at the ER.

May be similar.

Tim

Thanks John,

When I was a kid I used to get severe leg cramps so I would take the Magnesium before bed and it really helped. I may have to try that again.

As far as the stenosis, would that have shown up on my bone scan? I had that done in Feb/Mar 2006 and it showed that my inflammation levels were within normal ranges. I am still trying to get an official AS diagnosis because I'm not showing any damage yet it has been difficult.

To supplement for all those minerals how much should I take?

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions.
Jill

Thanks Tim.

When I looked up Neuropathy alot of it sounded quite similar to me. So you could be on to something. How are you dealing with it? I know you are NSD and has that helped with the pain and irritation of it?

Thanks again,
Jill