Possible Nerve damage...what do I do?

[Jennifer345]

Okay, so mind the long story, but I'm seriously lost. I went to get a blood draw to find out my blood allergies. A whole problem arised when the needle entered my arm, I felt immediate pain, a burning sensation, an electric shock down my arm, and weakness in the arm. It's almost 4 months down the line and I still feel the sensation as if the damage happened just yesterday. I did an Ultrasound, an MRI, an EMG, a Bone Scan, normal X Ray's, and each and every single one came out negative (normal). My doctor said it was psychological problems (via I'm only 19 years old). No one except my lawyer and the doctor (nerve specialist) he sent me to says I have nerve damage even though the tests came out normal. I have all the symptoms except swelling or extreme redness. I have, the burning, the electric shooting pains, weakness, some redness, my muscles are constantly burning from not using them as much, tingling, twitching, and numbness. I am also in physical therapy, but I feel so fake going in with a condition that hasn't even been diagnosed. My arm doesnt look damaged and has improved quickly, given the amount of pain I still feel. I dont know what to do. The specialist is staying away from opioids, but says Ketamine IV treatments should help. He literally looked at my arm for a solid 15 minutes, based on his tests he said I had nerve damage. I dont know what else to do...

[Jennifer345]

Sorry to add on...they are saying possible CRPS.. but my arm doesnt swell, it looks so normal and yet my entire arm can feel like it's on fire time to time. I do not have extreme discoloration

[paxo05]

Hi Jennifer

I don't know if this will help. I to have a sort of diagnosis of nerve damage.

I say sort of because although initially I was diagnosed with paralysis down my left side over the first two years there was some improvement. I was left with surface skin numbness in my left thigh and left foot.

I have no physical signs of a problem but my thigh and foot can be used as a pin cushion without me noticing.

So here comes the split diagnosis. Some specialists say because they cannot diagnose the problem then there is nothing wrong with me.

Others feel that it is literally in my mind. The pain receptors may have been damage initially as it is hard to show this on scans. Mainly because I don't feel anything it doesn't trigger anything on any tests.

So basically it depends on who you ask and if they admit they may not know all the answers and are afraid to admit it.

Keep pushing for answers and all the best.

Pax

[Danger19]

Hello my lovely,

There are two really good medications for nerve discomfort. They are called Gabapentin and Pregablin - sometimes called Lyrica. Both these medications are usually used in Multiple Sclerosis because it causes nerve pain and discomfort. It may be worth asking your GP about them. Also Amitriptyline is known to be effective for nerve pain but I have to warn you that it can be very addictive.

I wish you peace, happiness and lots of luck for your future.

Take care,

Vikki

[Kirk5w7]

Hi you have a diagnosis it is nerve damage. I too have nerve damage since my coma, the pain has lessened over the years and i take pregabalin now for pressure headaches but i have noticed it has helped the pain in my arms.

I know the discomfort you have but nerve damage is something that is only treated with painkillers etc, nerves do not easily repair but they may, it is a long process.

Janet x

[pinkvision]

Hi Jennifer 345

I have nerve damage in my arm, shoulder and neck which causes lack of sensation and wasting of the muscles across the shoulder, in parts of the arm and in the hand. It seems the only way to understand what and where the damage is located is by conduction tests where they send electric along the individual nerves and record how much of the current travels from one place to another.

Not sure if you have done this but it's worth a shot!

Wishing you well

[Hl33]

This is a 2 part response. I have crps in my right hand from a surgery 3 years ago and it is awful so I am quite familiar with the condition. Not everyone will have every symptom. You may not have swelling. I highly recommend you find a good crps specialist or neurologist if they think that's the diagnosis as they can try stellate blocks. Ketamine is supposed to be amazing as well. Part 2) I was just at my pain Dr last Monday and they were putting an IV in and hit a nerve I am having severe pain in my thumb. I have no feeling on the left side of my thumb and if I move my arm at all I get shooting pains. I am giving it a little more time but since I have crps the chances of me getting it somewhere else are greater. I keep praying this resolves itself.