Your Symptoms: Which Specialist Should You See? - Family Medicine

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Based on your symptoms and the timeline you've provided, it seems that you are experiencing a combination of neurological and possibly musculoskeletal issues. The sensations of numbness and tingling in your left hand and foot, along with feelings of anxiety and difficulty breathing, can be concerning and warrant further evaluation.


Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Numbness and Tingling: The sensations you describe, particularly the "ants crawling" feeling, are often associated with nerve compression or irritation. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as poor posture while sitting at your desk, which can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve entrapment. The fact that you mentioned these sensations are positional suggests that they may be related to how you are sitting or using your computer.

2. Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling fatigued and weak can be linked to several factors, including stress, anxiety, or even underlying medical conditions. Given your work environment, prolonged sitting and poor ergonomics could contribute to muscle fatigue and discomfort.

3. Anxiety and Breathing Difficulties: Anxiety can manifest physically, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and changes in appetite. It’s not uncommon for stress to exacerbate physical symptoms, particularly in a high-pressure work environment.


Which Specialist Should You See?
Given the nature of your symptoms, the following specialists may be appropriate for you to consult:
1. Neurologist: A neurologist specializes in disorders of the nervous system. They can evaluate your symptoms of numbness and tingling to determine if there is an underlying neurological issue, such as nerve compression or neuropathy.

2. Orthopedic Specialist: If your symptoms are related to musculoskeletal issues, such as poor posture or repetitive strain injuries, an orthopedic doctor can assess your condition and recommend appropriate treatments or physical therapy.

3. Psychiatrist or Psychologist: Since anxiety seems to play a role in your symptoms, consulting a mental health professional could be beneficial. They can help you develop coping strategies for anxiety and assess if there are any underlying psychological factors contributing to your physical symptoms.

4. Primary Care Physician (PCP): Starting with your primary care physician is often a good first step. They can perform an initial evaluation, rule out any serious conditions, and refer you to the appropriate specialists based on their findings.


Additional Recommendations
- Ergonomics: Consider evaluating your workspace ergonomics. Ensure that your chair, desk, and computer setup promote good posture. You might benefit from using an ergonomic chair or keyboard and taking regular breaks to stretch and move around.

- Stress Management: Incorporating stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can help alleviate anxiety and improve your overall well-being.

- Physical Therapy: If your symptoms are related to musculoskeletal issues, physical therapy may help strengthen the affected areas and improve your posture.

- Follow-Up: Keep track of your symptoms and any changes. If they persist or worsen, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, your symptoms could be multifactorial, involving both physical and psychological components. Consulting with a neurologist or orthopedic specialist, along with your primary care physician, would be a prudent approach to address your concerns comprehensively.