Scared... New here !

[Kyhu3]

Hello all. Fairly new here. I have not been diagnosed with anything yet. Regular neuro says no MS, however I am headed to a MS specialist in Feb 2014. I have been have intermittent ongoing "weakness" in my Right hand and right foot. Feels more like incoordination then anything. Muscle tests are strong as I am a PT and have had co-workers check. This all started about 1.5 years ago and has been intermittent since onset, lasting from 1 week to 8 weeks at a time. I have intermittent changes in vision, however neuro-opthlamologist says no to ON and checked MRI and says they looked good. I have had 2 MRI's of head (with/without contrast) blood work (positive ANA), history of Lyme Disease, EMG and NCV test.

It does seem with rest the "weakness" that I Feel is not as bad. However is still present and increases with prolonged activity. Severe Fatigue has been present as well.

I am so very scared however would appreciate all and any suggestions and thoughts that you can offer. Thanks again and God Bless.

[javaaddict]

It is excellent that you are able to see a specialist. My general neuro would not (or could not?) diagnose me. When I saw a specialist, she said it was not an ambiguous case. Getting the actual diagnosis was devastating for me. I hope and pray that when you see the specialist, there will be another solution for you. If not, just deal with it as it comes.

I understand trying to fight though fatigue and weird neuro things while you're working. It sounds like you have supportive co-workers, which is great.

[Kyhu3]

Thank you for your reply. Can I ask you couple questions regarding your diagnosis? Did your regular narrow say that you did not have MS and then you went to the specialist and they said yes you do have MS? Or did your regular narrow just say he didn't know what was going on I have ask my regular narrow directly if you thought this was a mess and he says no

This is why am going further with this as there's still something going on and no one can give me answers. I would appreciate hearing back from you thanks!

[javaaddict]

My general neuro had ruled out everything else. He was leaning toward MS, but he was unwilling to make the diagnosis. He sort of maintained it as an academic process - it *could* still be something else. I refused a LP, and he said that even with that data he would not make a diagnosis (which is why I refused it!!!).

The specialist looked at the same data (MRI's, history) and said my diagnosis was firm. She did not even require a LP. At least there was a golden lining to my lead cloud. She said that generalists don't often see a lot of MS patients - if you are early in the disease process, it's sometimes hard for them to evaluate everything when they just don't see patients like that as often as those who are fairly progressed or have MRI's that look like Swiss cheese.

In their defense, and in my opinion as well, there really is nothing wrong with taking a "wait and see" approach. Why not? If you have MS, something else is coming. If not, it gives time to parse out what's causing your current neuro symptoms. (I do still think seeing a specialist is wise, though. It's good to have another set of eyes looking at a problem.)

[bailey7976]

MS diagonosed

Hello,Name is Elizabeth. I am 37. I was dx wih MS in 2008. Primary care doc sent me to one neurologist and he did a sleep study thinking I had seizures or a sleeping disorder. I did not like him, so she sent me to another neurologist and he diagnosed me right away.
He immediately had me to do an MRI which lesions were found on the brain and cerival area, next was a lumber puncture in the office. I was relunctant at first, but I needed to know for sure. Both bands they test for were positive for MS.
I started on Rebif right away and it did not work for me. Next copaxone. Daily injections. I do myself. I also take meds for hypertension. I have had the numbing, tingling, eye vision change, feeling of something wet on your body, vertigo, constipation, urinary retention, gait issues. Those things I could deal with until recent.

I was hospitalized for what I though was a stroke but it was spasticity. Could not move right side or speak at one point. Neurologist thinks it is due to anxiety and stress of school and work. Could be true. I was given 2 different meds for anxiety and something to help me sleep if needed.

I am learning that MS can be so unpredictable and trying to manage your symptoms with daily living can be a challenge, but I believe that God is the higher healer and I believe sickness comes from the adversary not of God.

I listen to what advice the doctors have for me, but I also turn to Jesus for healing in the body. Scriptures from the bible help. I am also changing eating habits and incorporating exercise. I have to try and not just give up. I hope this message gives you some hope.

Take care and be blessed
Elizabeth