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Query For Dr. Zotaj Antoneta , Thank You For Advice.

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Posted on Thu, 25 Oct 2018
Question: query for
Dr. Zotaj Antoneta ,

thank you for advice. I am still concerned about tingling and XXXXXXX feeling in my fingers.
My neurologist said he is in't worried,

However, I am uncomfortable.

I just started medical marijuana on Friday , September 28, 2018

1T:20C

Any thoughts on this? See no change yet, actually seems a little more tingly. thank goodness no pain.

Although every once in awhile (playing pain) I get a very slight pain in my right thumb. Most of the tingling and XXXXXXX feeling in right hand (I am a righty). Bud also feel at a slighter degree in my left hand.


I am so frustrated.

Thank you again for your advice.

Best,

Melanie
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (1 minute later)
I don't know if I ever mentioned I was on cephalexin for a very bad staph infection from January, 2015 to XXXXXXX 2016 1.5 years

Could that be causing my issue and if yes, what to do?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Cephalexin does not seem to be the cause; marijuana is not found helpful with these symptoms- further considerations explained below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I don't think the symptoms you are experiencing are due to use of Cephalexin. It does not seem that Cephalexin causes changes in sensation or neurological symptoms with its use.

As for medical marijuana, it is a drug that is found to have some use in some neurological problems but it does not seem to work with peripheral sensation problems as it is your case so I don't expect it to work with the numbness and the XXXXXXX sensation you experience. It should not make it worse either.

As for the fact that your neurologist is not concerned, this is a great news, probably he did a thorough neurological examination and did not find signs or symptoms that are worrisome and to suggest serious conditions related to central nervous system (brain and spine). Have you ever had an MRI done or similar test? It is not always needed (the neurologist decides when it is needed) but if you did have one recently and it is normal, this gives even more peace of mind.

I would say that you will need to have some checks done though. A very common and possible cause of the numbness in hands is due to carpal tunnel syndrome and in this case nerve conduction test (NCT) and electromyogram (EMG) can help to distinguish if this is the case. These are easy tests and give a lot of information if the problem with the nerve is local in the hand or arm or above that level.

Have you got a CBC done yet or any other blood tests? Just in case of B12 deficiency is the cause of numbness and strange XXXXXXX sensation. Sometimes when we have vitamin B12 deficiency we get some changes in the CBC and also numbness.

I would recommend you to bring these issues to the doctor and ask if he considers any of them as the possible cause and if he sees the need for tests to rule them out.

I hope this is helpful and answers to your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Kind regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (1 hour later)
Thank you.

I don't think the medical marijuana is for me.

I am very weight conscious and I have been hungrier since I started it.

Also, feeling tired..

My EMG was normal and I will check if the other tests were done?

Do you think Vitamin B12 Shots will be helpful? or supplements and how much?

Best,

Melanie
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer and explanations given below

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Sorry for a late response.

I agree that very likely medical marijuana is not for you especially because the symptoms you have does not seem to be covered by it. It is important to have a NCT (nerve conduction test) to check how are the nerves doing and which is the level of the damage.

Vit B12 would help only if the numbness is due to Vit B12 deficiency. There are two ways to deal with it: 1. you do a CBC and blood tests to check the vit B12 levels in blood and rule out deficiency (this is the most accepted approach) 2. you take B12 injections and you see if it is helping you or not (diagnosis through trying treatment, is not the preferred approach but can be used sometimes)

Injections are preferred over oral treatment especially if the patient has neurological symptoms. Generally the dose is 1 mg of Vit B12 (or 1000 mcg) as an intramuscular injection. It is generally taken every other day for some time, you need a follow up with the doctor to see how long (most of the times is used every other day for 2-3 weeks)

I hope this is helpful and answers to your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Kind regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4435 Questions

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Query For Dr. Zotaj Antoneta , Thank You For Advice.

I don't know if I ever mentioned I was on cephalexin for a very bad staph infection from January, 2015 to XXXXXXX 2016 1.5 years Could that be causing my issue and if yes, what to do?