Question: I have a history of Iron deficiency anemia and low B12, and disorientating migraine headaches. But I've noticed over the last 3 days, I haven't slept all 3 nights, I have moderate/severe pain in my knees, ankles, toes, wrists and hands. I also have generalized body aches. I'm a nurse, so I did some basic neuro tests on myself:) I cannot maintain any kind of balance if my eyes are closed, or it's dark outside. Totally disorientated to my space. If I close my eyes, I constantly fall backwards. I first noticed it in the shower when I would rinse my hair, I'd fall into the wall. I cannot stand on 1 leg, they shake and I fall. Even with my migraines being bad, this joint pain and body aches, and being awake for 72 hours is new. I have some "jerking" in my hands, and the most disturbing thing happened today. I bent down to get something off of the floor, and literally could not go from squatting back to a standing position. It's like I lost the ability to use my knees. I had to have help to get up. That worried me. Do you think it may be my iron (I get infusions sometimes), or do you think it's a neuro problem?

I have a hematologist that follows my iron and B 12 deficiencies, I will make an appointment as soon as possible with him. I have a primary care physician appointment I've requested to be as soon as possible because I need to be examined tomorrow by someone. I'm still dealing with the above symptoms today as well. I was followed by Neurology about a year ago after an "atypical complex migraine" landed me in the hospital for 3 days. I had many cognitive issues associated with that one. They feel it was triggered by iron deficiency anemia...but I will make an appointment to be seen there as well. I'm gonna push for labwork to be done tomorrow by PCP or Hematology. It's been a rough week:( Thank you so much for reviewing this info, I was in panic mode with pain and all of the above mentioned. I appreciate it, I will take this report to the doctor with me as well. I'll let you know what they determine the cause was. I appreciate your input so very much. Thank you Dr. Raghu:)

Hello Dr. Raghu:) I spoke to my Hematologist by phone yesterday, Sunday October 9th. I read your report to him and he is in agreement that I need to be checked for any deficiencies, and evaluated for paraneoplastic syndrome as you mentioned, ASAP. He is seeing me today at 9 am. Thank you so very much...your service has moved my care along quickly, and has kept me out of the emergency room in a crisis situation...I'm so grateful. This is a wonderful service. We'll see what he says, and I'll message you after my appointment to keep you updated, and we can close this out very soon. Have a wonderful day:)