Very Close to Being Diagnosed

[Chicken Mama]

Hello Everyone!

I have been reading here for a week or two and it has been comforting to read posts from others who are going through similar circumstances.

My story starts back in late summer when I went to the Optometrist because I was having blurriness in my left eye. It felt like an opaque mat had been placed over it. The Optometrist said my eye looked beautiful physically, but he asked me if I had MS. I sort of blew that comment off thinking that was ridiculous, however, my new prescription did not clear up the problem. He suggested that maybe it was stress and if it didn't clear up to come back.

I had also started to have a buzzing in my left ear, headaches on the left side of my head and sometimes I would get stabbing pains in the top of the left side of my head.

About a month later, I was sitting on the couch and I felt my right leg go numb from the bottom of my calf down. It freaked me out because I had never felt anything like that. It lasted about three days and during that time I was dragging my foot and almost tripped several times. My husband compared it to a friend of mine that had MS and that is the first time I really started thinking about MS. I finally looked it up online and was surprised to find out that I have had many of those symptoms for several years.

I have had embarrassing urinary urgency and frequency that has come and gone and which I have explained away as having a 'small bladder'. I have also had some numbness at times from my elbows down, especially after a nap. I had also had severe pain from the waist down that would come and go, as well as numbness and tingling in legs and arms and sometimes burning in my calves. I have also had weakness in my arms. Some of these symptoms, I thought were just menopause symptoms.

After my bout with the numbness in the lower part of my leg, I began to notice that my legs felt weak and like they were going to buckle at times and I finally confided in a friend who suggested that I go to the Neurologist.

I know it sounds crazy that it took me so long to go the doctor, but I have had some bad experiences with doctors so I generally do not go unless it's really bothering me, or I think it's something really serious.

On the first visit, the Neurologist told me that my clinical evaluation was abnormal and that my reflexes were 'too jumpy'. He sent me for an MRI of my brain and spinal cord (with and without contrast) as well as blood work. He told me that it was 'probably' MS or some MS-type disease and to bring a support person with me to the next visit.

At my second visit, he said my blood work was negative for everything they tested except that I had a positive ANA, but that the other tests indicated that it was not Lupus. The MRI showed that I have 15-20 lesions on my brain (none in my spine) and although they are not typical MS lesions, they could be indicative of demyelination or vasculitis. He said that since I don't drink, smoke, and I'm not diabetic that it's most likely MS lesions. They are on my frontal lobes.

He wanted to do a spinal tap and was able to do it in his office then and there. He said that if the results are positive, it will seal the diagnosis of MS and that he highly suspects it is MS. I will find out at my next appointment in a week and half.

Thankfully, I have been doing a lot of reading about MS, so it is not that much of a shock to me. If anything, I will be relieved to have a name for what has been bothering me, to know that my symptoms are not just 'in my head' (no pun intended) and I will know exactly what I am fighting. I would much rather know than be in limbo not knowing. I have great compassion for all of you who are still in limbo.

I am 46, married and I'm a Mama to 8 chickens.

I look forward to getting to know the rest of you!

[futurmil2b]

Hi Chicken Mama...

I am hoping its not ms but I know you will be relieved to get answers to what's going on.

I was told back in Feb 2011.. I still have not accepted it. For the most part, I am doing ok. I just stay tensed a lot and body feels tight from all the tension. I take small dose ativan to help me try to relax.

I am also at the wonderful magical age of peri-meno which is a BIT challenging all on its on. Sometimes I wonder if its ms or peri-meno. I belong to a peri-meno on-line group and a lot of what I am going through, my peri buddies are going through as well.

So, I know all of what I am going through is not ms. I just had another MRI which showed decreased lesions but one new lesion.. CRAP.. did not want to see any new lesions. I am not on any type dmd meds.. now may have to decide to go on Copaxone.. the thought of taking those meds..aagghhh.

Wishing you the best.. keep us posted.

Ms. Jay

[Chicken Mama]

Thank you Ms. Jay. I know where you are at, and yes...I know a lot of the symptoms are similar to menopause/peri-menopause. That is one of the reasons I waited so long to go to the Neurologist.

I'm sorry you had a new lesion. I know that was tough to hear. I'm picking up that you don't want to go the medicine route? Have you explored, or are you trying any alternative/nutritional routes?

I stumbled upon Dr. Terry Wahls the other day. It sounds interesting. She was in a wheel chair with MS and is now out of it. You can do a search to find her website.

It's all a little overwhelming right now. My Doc is waiting for a definitive diagnosis before prescribing meds, I think. I have started taking vitamin D, but I'm sorta waiting on everything else to see how it all turns out.

Are you having any new symptoms with the new lesions?

[hunterd]

WELCOME CHICKEN MAMA!!!!!! great to have you here, but sorry you need to be. i think ms is an overwhelming disease, no matter how long you`ve had it. i hope the vision, numbness, headaches, and all go away for you very soon. keep us posted on your dx, i would just love it if it weren`t ms good luck.

[Chicken Mama]

Thank you hunterd. It's so nice to be in a place where people understand. I love your tag at the bottom of your post. I hope I can keep that kind of attitude.

[futurmil2b]

Originally Posted by Chicken Mama

Thank you Ms. Jay. I know where you are at, and yes...I know a lot of the symptoms are similar to menopause/peri-menopause. That is one of the reasons I waited so long to go to the Neurologist.

I'm sorry you had a new lesion. I know that was tough to hear. I'm picking up that you don't want to go the medicine route? Have you explored, or are you trying any alternative/nutritional routes?

I stumbled upon Dr. Terry Wahls the other day. It sounds interesting. She was in a wheel chair with MS and is now out of it. You can do a search to find her website.

It's all a little overwhelming right now. My Doc is waiting for a definitive diagnosis before prescribing meds, I think. I have started taking vitamin D, but I'm sorta waiting on everything else to see how it all turns out.

Are you having any new symptoms with the new lesions?

You know... a few of my peri-meno buddies say they have lesions and it is not ms related. I am not saying my new lesion is not ms related but I do know people have lesions due to age as well.

No I have not had any new symptoms with my new lesion. I saw a utube on Dr. Wahls telling how she was in a wheelchair, etc. She talked about eating lots of fruits/veggies and liver.. I love liver and onions but I have not had liver in a loooonnnggg time. I am not a red meat eater.

I have not had red meat in years.. But I read up on Calf liver and it has a lot of health benefits. So I had my husb to pick some up from the supermarket. Not sure if I will be able to eat it.. being that I have not eaten red meat in a long time... but I may give it a shot.

You are right... I do not want to go the medicine route.. I am torn....mainly because I am not having any "flare ups".. so I dunno.

I try to eat healthy for the most part :0) I am pro Organic but not all my food is organic.. wish it was but I am leaning in that direction. I use tumeric in my food..heard that was good for ms. I also take 50mg Alpha Lopic Acid whenever I think about it.. I take 2000mg vitamin D3, magnesium and a multi vitamin.

Although there was a new lesion.. I was glad to see a few lesions decreased.. so I am praying this new lesion will decrease and go away :0)

Ms. Jay

[Chicken Mama]

Hi FutureMil2B,

I have heard that white spots can show up on your MRI which are age related...but I thought it was over 60 or so.

My symptoms have been so crazy and varied...unfortunately, I can't explain them all by menopause.

I'm still searching the natural route. I'm the kinda person that wants to get to the root and fix the basic problem. I tend to think that we get diseases due to our basic health breaking down and the fact that we don't get enough nutrients that our body needs. I know that might be controversial. There is some interesting info out there in the 'alternative' world concerning exactly what causes MS. It's something to ponder, at the very least.

Weston Price is worth looking up. I think a lot of people have had success with the SWANK diet, too. If you haven't checked out what Dr. Mercola has to say about MS, it's worth looking at too. He has some interesting ideas that people should eat for their metabolic type. If you sign up for his site, you can take the test for free to see what type you are. I'm not sure what I think about it yet.

The thing I took from Dr. Wahls video is that she eats what she eats in order to promote myelin regrowth, healthy mitochondria and all of the good things that give us a healthy brain. I have cut out a lot of the bad things, and eat whole foods, but I'm not eating enough of the good things to give my body the nutrients it needs.

I haven't tried organ meats yet. I have some grass-fed liver, but I can't make myself take it out of the freezer to fix it. Let me know how you enjoy yours if you eat it, okay?

Dr. Wahls also talks about iodine. There was a post on this board somewhere about someone saying that they started taking Iodine because of the radiation in Japan and found, incidentally, that their pain was much less and symptoms were better.

Dr. Wahls is also really big on the 'leafy greens'...especially Kale.

I just started taking vitamin D and some of my pain is better, and the numbness and tingling is a little better. I think my exhaustion is not as bad. I have ordered some Krill oil and Alpha Lipoic Acid...haven't received it yet.

Maybe the supplements you are taking are helping. I'm glad you are feeling better.

I understand completely about not wanting to take the medication. I hear that it's expensive and lots of side effects. Check out what Dr. Mercola has to say about the meds. After you get on his site, search 'multiple sclerosis'. I'm just suggesting it since you want to go the natural route.

I'm still taking in all of the info and processing it all. When I find out what the verdict is at my next appointment, I'm sure I'll hear all about meds. if it's definitely MS.

[inthewoods]

Originally Posted by Chicken Mama

Thankfully, I have been doing a lot of reading about MS, so it is not that much of a shock to me. If anything, I will be relieved to have a name for what has been bothering me, to know that my symptoms are not just 'in my head' (no pun intended) and I will know exactly what I am fighting. I would much rather know than be in limbo not knowing.

This describes where I am right now to a T. I don't want MS, but I do want an answer. I know this is not in my head!

Welcome from a fellow chickenkeeping newbie. I've got a little flock too, and they're so funny.

[Chicken Mama]

Hi InTheWoods!

How long have you been in limbo? It IS frustrating, isn't it? My symptoms can come and go with durations of hours or days. It's enough to make a person feel crazy.

I'm so thankful I found a Neuro that means business and has experience with MS. I think we'll get to the bottom of it one way or the other, soon!

How many chickens do you have? You said you were a newbie...how long have you had them?

I have had mine since this summer, so I'm a newbie, too.

My chickens are my babies. They make us laugh so much. We have a tiny backyard in the suburbs. I just couldn't wait until the time that we will be able to move into the country.

[inthewoods]

Whoops, I'm an MS forum newbie, but I've had the chickens for a few years. We have a small flock of just 7. We live in a rural area, but we have so many predators that they stay in a coop and run. I really like them, I didn't realize they'd each have such distinct personalities, what with those teensy little brains. Mine are sassy and demanding.

I've had MS-like symptoms for over the last decade, but I've only had life-disrupting ones since this fall. I'm not sure I'll end up with an MS diagnosis, but everything else is coming up negative. I'm happy to hear you're having a pretty easy path to a diagnosis, and I wish you the very best.

[Chicken Mama]

Originally Posted by inthewoods

Whoops, I'm an MS forum newbie, but I've had the chickens for a few years. We have a small flock of just 7. We live in a rural area, but we have so many predators that they stay in a coop and run. I really like them, I didn't realize they'd each have such distinct personalities, what with those teensy little brains. Mine are sassy and demanding.

I've had MS-like symptoms for over the last decade, but I've only had life-disrupting ones since this fall. I'm not sure I'll end up with an MS diagnosis, but everything else is coming up negative. I'm happy to hear you're having a pretty easy path to a diagnosis, and I wish you the very best.

I was surprised about their personalities, also. Most of mine are nosy.LOL. They always have to be in everyone else's business and can't stand the thought that someone else might be getting something they don't have...but it's cute. A few of them are a little neurotic. Chicken Little comes to mind.

I'm sorry your symptoms have gotten worse, and I hope you'll get some closure on what exactly you're dealing with soon.

[Chicken Mama]

I wanted to give an update for anyone who might be following my situation in order to get a better handle on their own symptoms and 'limbo land'.

Please understand that this is MY understanding of what the Doc said. Admittedly, I am having some cognitive issues.

I went to the Eye Doc, and he said that problem is not (at this time) Optic Neuritis. Said my lens is cloudy and that my eye is very dry, but it could possibly be the beginning of a cataract. This blew me away as I am only 46 and have been in relatively good health...no major vices at this time, either (no smoking, drugs, alcohol, sugar addictions, etc.) He gave me drops to put in my eyes for two weeks and then I'll have a follow up with him.

The Neuro said there were no O-bands in my spinal fluid, and although I have what he seemed to indicate were a lot of lesions (10-15), they are not the typical shape, nor are they in the typical place for MS lesions.

He was honest enough to say that at this point, he didn't know what had caused the lesions, but surmised that I could have had some kind of mild infection or virus in my brain in the past that caused them. He said that based on where the lesions are, they could very well be the cause of the symptoms I have been having. To my understanding of what he said, the lesions may or may not heal, and stress can cause symptoms to increase, very much like MS.

So my understanding is that it's like having MS, only it's not progressive (as far as we know right now), which would be a very good thing.

I am supposed to go back in 6 months for a another MRI and followup.

The very best thing for me (after having lots of really bad experiences with doctors in the past) is that I have a GREAT Neuro. He's straightforward, honest, he listens to me and allows time and has patience for questions. My wish is that the rest of you can find the same in the future!



I appreciate the community here and I might be back from time to time. For now, I need to force myself out of 'limbo-land' and try to get on with my life. I'm content knowing that there are verifiable reasons for my symptoms. The good thing is that I am determined to add supplements and make changes to my health regimen.

I wish you all the best!

[futurmil2b]

Originally Posted by Chicken Mama

I wanted to give an update for anyone who might be following my situation in order to get a better handle on their own symptoms and 'limbo land'.

Please understand that this is MY understanding of what the Doc said. Admittedly, I am having some cognitive issues.

I went to the Eye Doc, and he said that problem is not (at this time) Optic Neuritis. Said my lens is cloudy and that my eye is very dry, but it could possibly be the beginning of a cataract. This blew me away as I am only 46 and have been in relatively good health...no major vices at this time, either (no smoking, drugs, alcohol, sugar addictions, etc.) He gave me drops to put in my eyes for two weeks and then I'll have a follow up with him.

The Neuro said there were no O-bands in my spinal fluid, and although I have what he seemed to indicate were a lot of lesions (10-15), they are not the typical shape, nor are they in the typical place for MS lesions.

He was honest enough to say that at this point, he didn't know what had caused the lesions, but surmised that I could have had some kind of mild infection or virus in my brain in the past that caused them. He said that based on where the lesions are, they could very well be the cause of the symptoms I have been having. To my understanding of what he said, the lesions may or may not heal, and stress can cause symptoms to increase, very much like MS.

So my understanding is that it's like having MS, only it's not progressive (as far as we know right now), which would be a very good thing.

I am supposed to go back in 6 months for a another MRI and followup.

The very best thing for me (after having lots of really bad experiences with doctors in the past) is that I have a GREAT Neuro. He's straightforward, honest, he listens to me and allows time and has patience for questions. My wish is that the rest of you can find the same in the future!



I appreciate the community here and I might be back from time to time. For now, I need to force myself out of 'limbo-land' and try to get on with my life. I'm content knowing that there are verifiable reasons for my symptoms. The good thing is that I am determined to add supplements and make changes to my health regimen.

I wish you all the best!

THAT IS WONDERFUL NEWS...

I don't know why.. but I feel deep down that is the case with me as well. But I have decided to take Copaxone but I really don't feel my ms if I have ms is progressive type ms. Lesions can come from anywhere.. and I do have a chronic sinus infection.

I still don't know what a relapse or flare is or feel like...

Jay

[Chicken Mama]

Originally Posted by futurmil2b

THAT IS WONDERFUL NEWS...

I don't know why.. but I feel deep down that is the case with me as well. But I have decided to take Copaxone but I really don't feel my ms if I have ms is progressive type ms. Lesions can come from anywhere.. and I do have a chronic sinus infection.

I still don't know what a relapse or flare is or feel like...

Jay

Thank you, Ms. Jay...and thank you for your reply. I thought it was extremely good news.

I'm not judging the decision of others, as I think everyone's situation and manifestation of MS is different, but I probably would not have chosen DMD's had I been diagnosed with MS.

I finally received Terry Wahl's book and I like that she goes into the specifics of why cells break down, what they need in order to be healthy, how most Americans today don't come close to getting the nutrients they need for their bodies to work properly, to keep a healthy immune system, etc. It makes so much sense to me.

Basically, from what I understand, it sounds as if I have the symptoms of MS without the progression of the disease, so I think TW's principles could apply to my situation (or anyone facing a chronic disease in need of healing) so I feel good about taking better care of myself in that way.

I hope and pray the very best for you, Ms. Jay.

[futurmil2b]

Originally Posted by Chicken Mama

Thank you, Ms. Jay...and thank you for your reply. I thought it was extremely good news.

I'm not judging the decision of others, as I think everyone's situation and manifestation of MS is different, but I probably would not have chosen DMD's had I been diagnosed with MS.

I finally received Terry Wahl's book and I like that she goes into the specifics of why cells break down, what they need in order to be healthy, how most Americans today don't come close to getting the nutrients they need for their bodies to work properly, to keep a healthy immune system, etc. It makes so much sense to me.

Basically, from what I understand, it sounds as if I have the symptoms of MS without the progression of the disease, so I think TW's principles could apply to my situation (or anyone facing a chronic disease in need of healing) so I feel good about taking better care of myself in that way.

I hope and pray the very best for you, Ms. Jay.

Thank you... I am trying to eat more healthy.. I fall off the healthy wagon sometimes.. but I get back on :0)

I am not sure which direction to go in - take dmd or not.. but I will continue to eat as healthy as I can. I also take my Vitamin D3 which is very important. If I can get my body back in a relaxed mode.. I will be fine.

I doubt if I will be on the dmd med for a long period of time.. My main issue is teaching my body how to relax.

In my opinion.. having ms without taking dmd meds is like driving without having insurance.. You are fine as long as you don't have an accident - same with ms.. you are fine as long as you don't have a really bad flare or it gets worst..

So glad you don't have ms or active ms... I still think I am in the same boat.

Ms. Jay