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Neuropathy from anxiety?

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Posted 7/3/2009 12:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all,

I'm not sure where this post rightly goes, but Anxiety seemed like a good start?

Here goes. I am a 34 year old stay at home mother to three children, 5, 3 and 1.

I have an allergy to gluten (not formally diagnosed as Celiac because I gave up gluten before I knew that once it was out of my system, the diagnosis was more difficult.) I also deal with some ideopathic gastroparesis, but I think dropping beef from my diet has helped. Other than the diet related stuff, I am healthy and strong and as long as I eat well, I am in good shape.

A week and a half ago, my husband had a catastrophic fall and had to be rushed to the ER and then a trauma center. It was really terrifying, and I found him lying in a pool of blood, unconscious and struggling to breath. He suffered several broken vertebra, some lost teeth and a bad concussion,but two weeks later, he is well, well, well on the road to recovery. Unfortunately, the night of the fall, I began to lose feeling in my fingers and since then, I have lost feeling (mostly numb, like they are "asleep" prior to pins and needles, and it has spread to most of my body. My MD suggested some Xanax which had little effect, and now Valium, which I am nervous taking as I am still nursing my 1 year old.

Long story, short question, does anxiety like the kind provoked by what I described explain the neuropathy? And should I expect a recovery in time? I should see a neurologist, but I'd hate to pay the copay only to have him diagnose it as "your husband fell through a ceiling!"

Thanks so much!
Posted 7/3/2009 12:54 PM (GMT 0)

Good Morning AlittleLost,

Welcome to HealingWell and the A & P Forum. I am so glad you found us.

First of all, I do feel like you have had a major traumatic event in our life and yes what you have been through and are going through could certainly manifest itself in unusual sx due to anxiety. 

If your numbness and tingling would have remained confined to your fingers I may have thought you had a nerve pinching somewhere but total body tingling and numbness does sound more like anxiety.

If your physician prescribed Valium and knows you are breast feeding it should be OK.  However anytime you have doubts or questions about our medical condition or medications please do talk it through with your physician. 

I admire your strength in dealing with all you have going on.  Three children under the age of 5 is a handful and then to be there for you husband has certainly put a strain on you so please remember to make time for just you.  Be good to yourself.

I feel you and your husband have been blessed to have each other.

Gentle Hugs

Kitt

Posted 7/3/2009 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Kitt, I think the trauma triggered anxiety in you and is causing these numb situations. Sending healing prayers to both you and your husband.

God Bless,
Gail *Nanners*
Posted 8/15/2009 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
Friends,

Thanks so much for your support and kind thoughts. I ended up going to see my doctor after a friend suggest that my neuropathy might be due to a vitamin deficiency. It turns out, my celiac disease has damaged my stomach lining such that I haven't been absorbing B or D. These issues are often hand in glove with celiac, but I didn't know! My blood work showed a severe deficit of both, and my GP speculates that the shot of adrenalin and cortisol from the accident might have been enough to trigger more blatant symptoms. In retrospect, I'd been having other symptoms for some time, but attributed them (fatigue/moodiness/fogginess) to parenting three little children. My GP started me on B injections and mega D doses, and my symptoms have either cleared up, or improved tremendously.

Ironically, the accident helped me to uncover an ongoing medical issue, which might have continued undetected for some time, but was causing me problems globally. For once, stress proved to have a benefit...I just wish that it hadn't come at such a high cost for my husband, poor guy!

Again, thanks so much for your kindness and prayers!
Posted 8/15/2009 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
I have a Inflammatory Bowel Disease called Crohns, and due to me having the spot that absorbs B12 removed surgically due to an obstruction, I now have to take B12 shots bi monthly. They really will help you with your energy and the Vit D will help even more. There have been studies recently that show most Americans don't get enough Vit D and many might be deficient and not even realize it. I am glad that you are feeling better, and I hope that your hubby is continuing to do well too.

Hugs
Gail*Nanners*
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