Hi,
I'm 39 year old female and this all started in early September 2014. I had some numbness in my big toes and also my hands had days where they ached/felt arthritic but not swollen or anything. This would last a couple days and go away.
Then the symptom that really sent me over the edge in mid September 2014 was I had sudden skin burning sensation /felt similar to how a severe sunburn would feel but there was nothing that anyone could physically see on my skin. The burning was and is hell, in my entire face, down my arms, chest, back, and even buttocks. About a week after these symptoms started, the left side of my face went numb. Thought I was having a stroke so went to ER, CAT scan on my head was normal, released me and said to see a neurologist.
Long story short, got in to see neurologist and did clinical exam, etc., which was normal. Ordered MRI of head which showed a non enhancing lesion in the left frontal lobe. Neurologist said he did not think the lesion is anything serious but to follow up in 6 months. He prescribed Gabapentin for the burning (said my symptoms have nothing to do with brain finding). Have gone for 2nd and 3rd opinion on this. Also have been to many doctors and have many tests, all normal (EEG, EMG, cervical MRI, NCV and many more).
Since September, the burning varies in intensity and I've even had a couple periods of 2-3 weeks where it was totally gone. Right now it's been pretty much gone since 1/22/15 but it always comes back. It moves around, sometimes chest, back, etc but seems to like to settle in to both of my hands (burning is always symmetrical). I can say it has greatly improved since the beginning but hard to know if it's the Gabapentin helping me or if I'm just getting better. Other strange neuro symptoms I've had are internal vibrations, tremors, blurriness, twitching muscles, strange facial pain and numbness and I'm sure I'm leaving some out. Prior to September, I'd never had any neurological problems.
Sorry this is so long but the anxiety and burning has taken control of my life as i know many on here are like me, I think of this constantly and feel like I can't talk to anyone about this anymore. I am very thankful for the days of normalcy, when they occur.
I've been on Ativan for 2 years. I started wondering just recently if all of this could be due to Ativan tolerance. I've read on other sites where people have had horrible burning skin from tolerance withdrawal.
If you are still with me and reading this long post, Im just looking for some support and wondering if this can really be due to Ativan......
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Keera