Scared for my son. Please help w/comments *Update 4/16*

[Medusa]

My son called me last night and told me that his forearms are so weak and that it's also in his hands but mainly his forearms. He's having problems gripping things and can hardly pick up his cell phone or toothbrush, tie his shoes, etc. He says he's not in any pain whatsoever but that he's really fatigued. I asked if he worked out too hard and he said that after he did certain weight lifting exercises, he did notice that his forearms were really pumped but not in any pain. No, he's not on steroids. He's 40 years old, has always been extremely health conscious, doesn't smoke and hardly drinks. He's been having bad sinus problems and was taking Nyquil and some antihistamines so I told him to stop taking them. He called me again just a few minutes ago from the emergency room because he says that his forearms are getting weaker and he's getting scared.

Does anybody have any idea of what this could be? Have any of you experienced this before? I thought perhaps carpal tunnel but he says that he doesn't have any tingling sensations. I looked up Guillain - Barre Syndrome on webmd and he doesn't have the symptoms of that either, other than the weakness in his forearms. But the other symptoms he doesn't have and he's in no pain. I'm really scared. He's in CA and I'm in OH or I'd be there w/him right now.

[Husky_mom]

I had no clue and was gonna suggest webmd.... but you already did that....

sorry I can´t help.... by best thoughts are with you and your son...((hugs))


ETA: did you used the symptom checker?... for what you said it comes like tendinitis or golfers elbow.. you might wanna try that with more details

[Karen]

He'll be in our prayers.

Our church organist almost called off a rehearsal one week because her forearms were feeling really weak and sore/numb - turns out that was the beginning of the flu for her. I hope it is nothing serious for your son.

[lvpets2002]

So sorry your son is not well.. No Mary I have no ideas at all.. Hey I will send Lots of Prayers & Huggss.. Keep us posted ok..

[petslover]

I was thinking the flu too. It can make your joints hurt really bad.

Whatever it is, I hope your son the best.

Keep us updated!

[lizbud]

Symptoms like you described could be many things. I'm glad he did get
to a Doctor to be checked out. Prayers that the cause is simple & easily
cured.

[caseysmom]

I will pray for your son that it is nothing serious.

[moosmom]

Mary,

You and your son will be in my thoughts and prayers. I'm glad he went to the emergency room. Please keep us posted on his progress.

(((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))

Donna

[Freedom]

I am glad he called back to say he is at the ER. It does sound scary, but I am praying there is a simple cause. I have heard people getting flu this year getting weird weakness symptoms, as someone above already said. So maybe that's it. Not that the flu is 'fun,' but heck, better than what you are imagining, wondering and waiting!

[Pam]

I have no suggestions either but can share the worrying with you. I am glad he is seeking medical treatment. Prayers that it is something easily fixed. (((hugs))) By the way, from your avatar I would never guess that you had a 40 year old son.

[cassiesmom]

Hummm... both of your son's forearms and hands, Medusa? Did he say if they were equally weak, or is one side different from the other? How are his neck and shoulders?

[Felicia's Mom]

Your son will be in my prayers!

[Medusa]

Hummm... both of your son's forearms and hands, Medusa? Did he say if they were equally weak, or is one side different from the other? How are his neck and shoulders?

He said both of his forearms are weak. He said he has no pain there or elsewhere. He said "Mom, I'm afraid I'm going to be paralyzed" which is why I looked up Guillain-Barre Syndrome but it says that it usually begins in the legs and works its way up the body plus the patient has pain and he has no pain whatsoever. I'm thinking now that he may have pinched a nerve in his neck or maybe have a herniated disc or something like that.

[Medusa]

from your avatar I would never guess that you had a 40 year old son.

Yes, I tell people that my son and I are the same age now.

[Rachel]

I don't have any knowledge to shed on this, but the weight lifting may be something the doctors will key onto. You know how macho guys can get and he may just have tried to do too much. Whatever it turns out to be he had the smarts to go to the ER. Time and the body may be able to heal itself.