Newbie with the "plexus"
 

Hello, just signed up today.

34, female, American living in Germany for 7 years. Married, no children, 1 cat.

Severe left arm pain in Dec last year developed into sporadic pain but more and more weakness. All neuro tests in Jan and Feb were normal. MRI of cervical neck in March showed 2 herniations at C5/C6 and C6/C7, with some compression but according to the moment I was in the MRI, not enough compression to cause my left arm problems. 8-Apr, a new abnormal EMG showing fasciculations, increased action potentials, positive waves in my deltoid and clinical weakness grade 4/5 gave me the diagnosis of plexus neuritis/shoulder neuralgic amyotrophy. Neuro does not think my arm problems are coming from my spine since the herniation is too low for the places I'm experiencing issues and my reflexes are normal.

Started prednisone last week, starting to taper off and started gabapentin today.

I joined here to reach out to other members with neuritis or neuropathy with questions, ask for opinions....as I have lots! I'm confused and have fears I'm trying to overcome.:confused::(

I appreciate everyone's time! I will of course chime in to support where I can!

Thanks!
PS: my name: twitchwitch
is because all of this started with twitching and a BFS diagnosis 2 years ago. I'm not a witch, just thought it sounded funny.:D

Hello twitchwitch,

Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups.

Here is the link to the
Peripheral Neuropathy Forum

There are current threads there actually talking about fasciculations and BFS, so they may be of interest to you. You can run a forum search using the forum search feature - link posted below - or by using the 'Search This Forum' button at the top right of the threads.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/search.php

I'm sure you'll find helpful information and support there.
btw I like your name
take care.

Welcome twitchwitch. :Wave-Hello:

Welcome Twitchwitch,

You will find good support here and plenty of understanding. It is frustrating when something is wrong and you can't get a clear answer. I would encourage you to explore any repetitive motion, activities, exercises, computer use, bedding, etc. That might contribute. I had horrible neck and shoulder pain with some numbness about 8 years ago, a little compression at c5/6 but nothing doctors found alarming. For me altering my activities ( no more half mile swim, weights overhead, hedge trimming, etc) made a massive difference in the pain and aggravation. It is really no longer a problem except on the occasion that I sleep on it weirdly or do something I shouldn't like put luggage in the overhead bin! Sometimes the constant irritation of a small amount of compression can really cause a problem. Perhaps you may find there is something you have the power to easily change that will help.

I hope you find relief soon,
Sending Healing Love, Littlepaw :hug:

Thanks!
 

Thanks for the welcome and tips! I'll be visiting the peripheral neuropathy forum soon. Wishing you all well!:)

Nice to meet you!!