After reading some of the posts on here, I have decided to reach out; to find support.
My name is Jennifer and I am 31 y/o.
2 years ago, I had tingling pain in my hands and feet. It would come and go at times. I didn't think much of it until I had an episode where this pain spread to my arms and legs also. I went to the PCP, who then referred me to a rheumatologist. Even though I did not have muscle or joint pain and did not have pain where she touched the "trigger points," I got diagnosed with fibromyalgia, provided a prescription of Cymbalta, and was was released from her care. No lab tests were ran. I took the Cymbalta for awhile, but felt worse than I did previously so I stopped. The feeling of pins and needles would come and go; so I didn't think much about it.
Starting this year in January, a lot of physical changes has occurred. When I have chronic pain, it is in my hands/arms/feet/legs now. It can range from tingling to burning sensations. I have had episodes of extreme fatigue/tiredness/trouble sleeping. For someone who use to be able to walk 5-10 miles 3-4 times a week, walking a 1/2 mile can be too much. When I do try to go for a walk, I have trekking poles I use now. I have reduced my work schedule to try to accommodate to what is going on.
The right side of my face will go numb at times. My vision will become blurred, having contrast issues, or seeing double at times. This can range for hours to days. Other symptoms include bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, numbness in my hands and feet, involuntary muscle spasms in my arms and legs, sometimes repeating myself and forgetting things, low back pain and muscle spasms (which I never had back pain before). My cousin, who is with MS, told me to get checked out.
About a month and a half ago, I saw my PCP again. She noticed how I looked and tested my reflexes, to which I did not respond. She immediately ran blood tests and referred me to a neurologist. The neurologist referred me to an infectious disease doctor. All lab tests came back negative. They have ruled everything out.
I have had MRI's, lumbar puncture, X-rays, and have been poked and prodded it seems like all the the time. Everything so far has come back negative; even though I am experiencing the symptoms as they come and go with varying degrees of intensity. The neurologist basically told me that "it's all in my head;" it's because of my job as a counselor and that I need to talk to someone. The infectious disease doctor stated that she thinks that it is possibly MS and referred me to another neurologist, who I will see in about 2 months.
With all of this uncertainty, I guess I am trying to ask...how did you all handle this? A lot of times, I felt more like an object than a person when I went to all of the appointments. I have become depressed and anxious because I do not know what is going on. My cousin told me that her symptoms were similar to mine before she got diagnosed with MS.
If there is any advice you can give for someone in limbo, I would appreciate it.
Thank you for sharing your stories. Take care.
My name is Jennifer and I am 31 y/o.
2 years ago, I had tingling pain in my hands and feet. It would come and go at times. I didn't think much of it until I had an episode where this pain spread to my arms and legs also. I went to the PCP, who then referred me to a rheumatologist. Even though I did not have muscle or joint pain and did not have pain where she touched the "trigger points," I got diagnosed with fibromyalgia, provided a prescription of Cymbalta, and was was released from her care. No lab tests were ran. I took the Cymbalta for awhile, but felt worse than I did previously so I stopped. The feeling of pins and needles would come and go; so I didn't think much about it.
Starting this year in January, a lot of physical changes has occurred. When I have chronic pain, it is in my hands/arms/feet/legs now. It can range from tingling to burning sensations. I have had episodes of extreme fatigue/tiredness/trouble sleeping. For someone who use to be able to walk 5-10 miles 3-4 times a week, walking a 1/2 mile can be too much. When I do try to go for a walk, I have trekking poles I use now. I have reduced my work schedule to try to accommodate to what is going on.
The right side of my face will go numb at times. My vision will become blurred, having contrast issues, or seeing double at times. This can range for hours to days. Other symptoms include bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, numbness in my hands and feet, involuntary muscle spasms in my arms and legs, sometimes repeating myself and forgetting things, low back pain and muscle spasms (which I never had back pain before). My cousin, who is with MS, told me to get checked out.
About a month and a half ago, I saw my PCP again. She noticed how I looked and tested my reflexes, to which I did not respond. She immediately ran blood tests and referred me to a neurologist. The neurologist referred me to an infectious disease doctor. All lab tests came back negative. They have ruled everything out.
I have had MRI's, lumbar puncture, X-rays, and have been poked and prodded it seems like all the the time. Everything so far has come back negative; even though I am experiencing the symptoms as they come and go with varying degrees of intensity. The neurologist basically told me that "it's all in my head;" it's because of my job as a counselor and that I need to talk to someone. The infectious disease doctor stated that she thinks that it is possibly MS and referred me to another neurologist, who I will see in about 2 months.
With all of this uncertainty, I guess I am trying to ask...how did you all handle this? A lot of times, I felt more like an object than a person when I went to all of the appointments. I have become depressed and anxious because I do not know what is going on. My cousin told me that her symptoms were similar to mine before she got diagnosed with MS.
If there is any advice you can give for someone in limbo, I would appreciate it.
Thank you for sharing your stories. Take care.
Tira
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