Hi. I am male, early 50s and live on my own. 5 months ago I developed some odd symptoms, but tried to rationalise them as they were not too bad, plus I am prone to health anxiety which I was trying to overcome. Initially I noticed an intermittent sharp nerve pain in both elbows. I also had intermittent burning in the scapular are (bilateral.). Since then things have morphed. I get the burning sensation intermittently when swallowing, and bizarrely it often coincides with shooting pain to right elbow at precise same time. I have had nerve zaps to the face,stabbing nerve pain to the heels and more. Most worrying over past few nights I have wakened to find left pinkie numb, and sometimes right thumb. I am terrified I will waken and won’t be able to call ambulance.

I also have spotted an intermittent aching pain, that sometimes presents in left scapular - today it was closer to the spine. The intensity of the pain is 5 at most. My weight is stable, though I did stop eating much last weak due to worry, Ive spoken to doctor, who will see me at end of week, and I mentioned my fear of a spinal tumour. He said my symptoms were a mixed bag, and could be caused by lots of things.

After the hand numbness I panicked and ended up in A and E. They did the standard blood tests, ECG etc, and said everything was ok, but that really does not rule out many cancers. Doctor mentioned diabetes, B12 deficiency, but I really doubt it here.

I am terrified I have lung cancer that has spread to the spine, and is now causing neurological issues from head to toe. My mother died from the disease 4 years ago.

Family members are trying to get me into a group BUPA plan. At this stage family seem to think there is nothing or little wrong with me.