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Concerned about the possibility of MS

Posted , 3 users are following.

annarock
annarock

Hi Everyone!

I'm new here and am hoping to get some feedback from some of you.  I'm 52-years old and have been experiencing some strange symptoms lately.  It started with intense confusion that was constant for about two months but now comes and goes.  Then, for the last five weeks or so, both of my legs have been experiencing various degrees of weakness.  Sometimes, they just feel very odd, other times they are shaky and I'm not sure my knees aren't going to buckle under me, and on the worst days, I can't walk at all.  I am in little pain however. I am starting to have some muscle cramps in the last few days.  Also, in the last 

few days, my left arm and hand have felt numb/pins and needles/tingling.

The fatigue is so bad that I can't seem to get anything done.  I'm so tired and confused most of the time that my roommates won't let me drive.  Regardless of the fatigue, I can't sleep at night.  Part of that is because I have to get up 3 times to go to the bathroom.  I'm also experiencing some blurry vision, tremors (at times), and much dizziness.  I was evaluated for MS 3-4 years ago by a neurologist.  I saw him 3 times over a 18 month period.  (I was sent to him because of blurry vision and losing control of my arms/legs while driving).  He said I didn't have MS.  He never did a spinal tap.  His main reason as to why I didn't have it was because I hadn't had another episode.  Now, my GP is sending me back to his office but I can't get in for 2 1/2 months.  I don't know how I'm going to wait that long with my legs the way they are.  I also have Type 2 diabetes and hypothydroidism.  

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • wendy80842
    wendy80842 annarock

    Posted

    Hi, having just read your post, my blood is boiling for you, that (so called) neurologist sounds like a complete joke. I hate the way some apparent professionals can casually dismiss someone in distress. Given your symptoms, I'm shocked that you weren't given both MRI's (plural, months apart) AND a lumbar puncture, THAT'S how MS is either diagnosed OR dismissed. Even if no evidence of MS can be found, at the time of testing, it could simply be dormant at that time. It's a notoriously slippery condition to diagnose.

    Hopefully you DON'T have MS, hopefully it's something simple and cureable. In the meantime, keep an ongoing record of what's happened to you, including dates when symptoms begin AND end, medical appointments, questions or concerns, anything else you think might be connected. When you can't get in, to see your GP, if you're worried, go to A&E/ER, this might even 'short circuit' the usual pathway to diagnosis. I do think that you have a good case for seeking a second opinion, where the awful neuro is concerned.

    I'm sorry that you're currently getting nowhere with your search for answers, it will happen, just keep plowing onwards.

  • wendy80842
    wendy80842 annarock

    Posted

    Apparently we're the only ones left standing, that was peculiar?!

    Might it be possible for your general Dr to send you to a different neurologist? Another might see you both earlier AND with a more open mind.

    Some years ago, I was having 'urgency issues' regarding to my needing to pee all the time. I was seen at a continence clinic. The medic I saw gave me a useful tip, to 'retrain' my bladder. During the day, when you feel the need to pee, if you're OK doing so, wait about 15 minutes before relieving yourself. Do this for a few days, then go to 20/25 minutes. It helps to regain more control, which, in turn, translates, naturally to during the night. Don't try to extend the length of time to anything too long, it isn't good for anyone.

  • Treezie
    Treezie annarock

    Posted

    Hi Annarock, this website deleted all my posts.  My Dad died today in Reading, U.K. I do not know if I will stay on this forum because I get more support from Patients Like Me.
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