[38M] Experiencing left arm weakness and systemic symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you may be experiencing the following conditions:

• Neurological conditions: The weakness and heavy feeling in your arm, along with numbness and shaking, could be signs of a neurological condition such as Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson's disease. These conditions often cause muscle weakness, numbness, and tremors.

  • Treatment for these conditions often involves medication to manage symptoms and slow progression of the disease.

• Cardiovascular conditions: Given your history of tobacco use and family history of cardiovascular diseases, it's also possible that your symptoms could be related to a cardiovascular condition such as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). PAD can cause muscle pain, numbness, and weakness, especially in the limbs.

  • Treatment for PAD often involves lifestyle changes, medication, and in some cases, surgery.

• Fatigue and breathing difficulties: These could be related to a number of conditions, including anemia, sleep disorders, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially given your history of tobacco use. COPD can cause shortness of breath and fatigue.

  • Treatment for these conditions often involves medication, lifestyle changes, and in the case of sleep disorders, changes to sleep hygiene.

What you can do

It's important to seek medical attention to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, here are some things you can do:

1. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol.
2. Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or patterns. This can be helpful information for your doctor.
3. If you're feeling fatigued, try to get plenty of rest and ensure you're getting enough sleep.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden worsening of your symptoms
• Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
• Sudden severe headache
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.