New/Possible MS

[christineavega]

Hi. My name is Christine, I'm 20 years old, 21 in 2 weeks. I have a daughter she is 15 months old. I've been having a lot of health problems that have only been getting worse. My doctor is only now starting to take me seriously after a visit to the ER.

My symptoms are:

-Muscle tightness in my forearms, elbows, and upper arms that causes a lot of pain
-Muscle spasms all over my body
-Joint pain in hands, fingers, wrists, knees, ankles, tops of feet, and toes
-Toe spasms, my toes will literally go underneath each other and it is so painful and I CANT move them
-On 2/28/13 my right leg went numb. It got the cold sensation and went pins and needles. Since then it has happened to my feet also.
-My hands shake, I can't make it better no matter what I do
-I have bowel problems
-I have to get up to pee 2+ times during the night even if I just went before bed.
-I'm tired all the time.
-Hand and feet swelling.

My doctor finally is going to be doing an MRI this week and more bloodwork.

My blood work had a high C-Reactive protein. But they are going to be doing it again.

I've been on Predisone, Naproxen, etc.

She thinks I may have MS.

Can anyone relate? Will you share your story please?

[JerryD]

I am glad you found this board. I am sorry you are experiencing these symptoms, but I have had all of those, as well. I suggest you get your blood tests from your doctor. You need to know your vitamin D, B12 and magnesium levels. Make sure you are in the upper levels of the 'good' range. Keep track of these levels. You may find that this helps you. Good luck

[Kate136]

Christine, Welcome! Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone - we all have had many of the same issues that you are experiencing.

I too, felt none of the doctors were taking me seriously as the symptoms would disappear on the day I would have a doctors appointment.

My worst experience happened this past summer, I was on my way to work and all of a sudden my lower back was killing me. By the time I got to work - could not even get out of my car - I had to physically pick up my left leg to get out!

Got to work and called my primary doctor who told me to come in. From there he told me that my back was inflamed and I have arthritis. I was then advised to a physical therapist. After therapy I felt worse.

Was then referred to see a spinal specialist. After 9 mri's she told me that I had stenosis of the lumbar spine. But also, that there were many lesions on the brain - she advised me to see a neuro as soon as possible (but did not tell me for what) within a month saw my neuro who reviewed all previous mri-s.

Was advised the morning after Christmas that I would need to have a spinal tap and 3 more additional mri's and bloodwork to confirm that I had MS. After all my tests came in - found out that my levels of B12 and D3 are low in addition to having MS.

I went home so terrified. I finally got my diagnosis, but was so worried as to what to expect in my future. Since then, I have started taking b12 shots, D3 pills and as of last nite - my first injection of Copaxone. I found out I can do it ~ and that I am not alone~

This forum as been a life saver to me! Bottom line~
Christine - know that you are not alone - and that there is a silver lining at the end of the rope. Good luck to you!
** Moderator's note - Post broken into paragraphs for easier reading. Many people with MS have visual difficulties that prevent them from reading large blocks of print. **

[MrsChip]

Hi and Welcome :-)

I so wish that I could say differently, but your symptoms are very similar to mine over the years. Good to rule out everything else first though so you're doing the right thing having lots of testing done.

On a positive note, Im at 22 years since Dx, and I am still RRMS and work full-time aside from if I get a bad relapse. I was an early starter (18). I've not let it affect my life if as much as I can help it, and always kept positive and have a real Tiger-Woman fighting attitude.

A positive attitude is very important (thats not to say that others who have fared worse had "the wrong attitude" - SPMS and PPMS are a different ball-game to deal with).
Also I have taken monthly B-12 shots and also take D3 so I really agree with the previous poster. I'm also on Copaxone but have been on all the other drugs except G in the past too.

MS diagnosis isn't "The End" but a new beginning where you will gain so much as well as having to find alternatives which makes you very resourceful and also more compassionate I think.

Fingers crossed for you, but I promise you that even if it is MS, you will still prevail and have a happy and fulfilling life :-)

xxx

[Krysalus]

hello!

Welcome. Nice to 'meet you'. Happy 21st Birthday (in 2 wks!)

I was dx'd at 14 and my mom told the dr he was wrong and it got ignored for most of my life until a few years ago when a different dr found the lesions and 'proof' on an MRI. They didn't have MRIs when I was 14.

I'm now 50 and I just want you to know that MS is not the end of the world. As a teen I had the reputation of being a klutz cause I was either falling over my own two feet or walking into things. I got unexplained 'sick spells' where I was too exhausted to get out of bed or 'phantom pains' that had no cause. Off your list, I've had the joint pains, the toe cramps, the numbness and tingling but mine is my arm and face. I get the arm pain in both upper and lower arms. We won't even get into the bladder issues. I will only say that I know where every bathroom is in every mall, store, library, and coffee shop everywhere I go. Some days I think pain is my middle name. Exhaustion is a constant companion.

During all of this I managed to learn to play several instruments very well. I married, had two kids, divorced, met another great guy and life is good. Some days are bad. Some days are great. Some days are just 'normal'. I've learned to pace myself and do what I can. If I can't do something today, I do it tomorrow. I had to learn to let people help me. I've learned to appreciate things and realize what is truly important in my life.

You have lots of options before you that can help with this dx. Don't be surprised if the dr wants to do more tests. Take care of yourself.

hugs - see ya on the boards!

[MrsChip]

Wow Krysalus - you sound so much like me in many ways - i loved your post and take my hat off to you as dx at 14 and that not being acknowledged for many years is tougher than anything that I have faced!! I was only fobbed off by doctors for 6 years and that was bad enough!
It is definitely not the End as you say though is it? The only way to carry on is to carry on so thats what we do :-) I too have some horrid days and other days that feel great and many in between days where I feel pleased in coping well with everyday life.
As a 36 year veteran I can't help but look up to you with my 22 years. I wish SO much that when I was diagnosed I had heard about people doing well after 20 and even better, 30 years. Hope this helps the author of the post as I think that it would have really helped me to hear this at diagnosis.
All my love to ya both
xxxx