HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Diabetes, Sleep Apnea, Morbid Obesity, Numbness In The Left Hand, Chance Of Heart Attack?

default
Posted on Fri, 28 Sep 2012
Question: I am a morbidly obese 43 year old male. I have type two diabetes and sleep apnea, for which I have a CPAP machine. Two days ago, I went to the emergency room for an altered sensation (not numbness) and weakness in my left hand, accompanied by some short-lived pain in my triceps area and my chest. Both an EKG and two CAT scans came out negative. The sensation and strength returend to my hand slowly, and fully in two hours. The resulting diagnosis was either a minor stroke or some kind of 'pinched' nerve. I was released later that same day. I also had a follow-up Echocardiagram the next day. This morning, I woke up with a dull pain in the upper left side of my chest. At first I thought it was anxiety, but it gets worse when I either turn my neck all the way to the side (a little lateral motion is ok) , or lift my left arm above my head in an XXXXXXX (as if to touch my ear). I've also noticed the pain responds to Flexeril, which I took at first, but which I fear taking now because there is a warning not to take it if one has had a heart attack.
I just recently noticed the chest pain, again, localized to the left side, is worst when I bend my neck forward, as in touching my chin to my chest. Please advise.
doctor
Answered by Dr. V. Kumaravel (5 hours later)
Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

I can understand that you have are a morbidly obese adult with diabetes, sleep apnea and minor stroke/pinched nerve.

Your dull pain in left chest and arm could be of varied reasons starting from heart, nerves, muscles and lungs. your pain seems to be related to muscular problem and you had responded to Flexiril. Flexiril is a muscle relaxant and should be used with caution for long term.

It is also worthwhile to rule out a cardiac problem as well, considering the nature of pain. You might require a stress ECG or stress Echo, to diagnose any underlying ischemia.

I would suggest you to consult your physician for detailed physical examination. Treatment will follow according to the cause.

Hope this answers your query.

I will be available for follow up queries if any.

Regards.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Jyoti Patil
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. V. Kumaravel

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 297 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Diabetes, Sleep Apnea, Morbid Obesity, Numbness In The Left Hand, Chance Of Heart Attack?

Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

I can understand that you have are a morbidly obese adult with diabetes, sleep apnea and minor stroke/pinched nerve.

Your dull pain in left chest and arm could be of varied reasons starting from heart, nerves, muscles and lungs. your pain seems to be related to muscular problem and you had responded to Flexiril. Flexiril is a muscle relaxant and should be used with caution for long term.

It is also worthwhile to rule out a cardiac problem as well, considering the nature of pain. You might require a stress ECG or stress Echo, to diagnose any underlying ischemia.

I would suggest you to consult your physician for detailed physical examination. Treatment will follow according to the cause.

Hope this answers your query.

I will be available for follow up queries if any.

Regards.