Let me start with a brief background. About 3 years ago, I developed progressive weakness and numbness in my arms and legs. Was admitted to the hospital for 4 days when I became unable to walk due to ataxia. lumbar puncture was negative. MRI showed nonspecific T2 changes in periventricular white matter (which every neuroligist I have seen attributes to artifact). I have seen 3 neurologists who all say it is not MS because none of my tests were abnormal. They all believe I have conversion disorder (not sure if this could cause clonus and hyper-reflexia, but I went with it), so I was started on antidepressants and gabbapentin for spasticity. Symptoms finally abatated, and it has taken 3 years to get my strength back. I still have symptoms of fatigue,heat intolerance, and exhaustion after exercise, but I push through this.
I would say that I have been doing really well for the past year. Then about a week ago I began having vertigo with the room spinning when I move my head. Figured I had an ear infection, so I went to my PCP. My ears were fine, and he said it is benign positional vertigo that would go away in a couple of days (gave meclizine, which makes me too drowsy with little kids). Two days ago I developed this lancing pain and pressure in my left ear (feels like a hot ice pick being driven into my ear), a loud hissing sound which makes it difficult to discriminate speech, and sensitivity to sound. Last night the left side of my face went numb.
Does this sound like symptoms that any of you have had? I am starting to feel like a hypochondriac. The last "bout" left me with $8,000 in medical bills (after insurance) only to be told it is "in my head". So I am afraid to go for more testing and only be told there is nothing wrong with me.
so I guess I am just waiting around for "the big one". Limbo is such a confusing, discouraging, isolated place.
I would say that I have been doing really well for the past year. Then about a week ago I began having vertigo with the room spinning when I move my head. Figured I had an ear infection, so I went to my PCP. My ears were fine, and he said it is benign positional vertigo that would go away in a couple of days (gave meclizine, which makes me too drowsy with little kids). Two days ago I developed this lancing pain and pressure in my left ear (feels like a hot ice pick being driven into my ear), a loud hissing sound which makes it difficult to discriminate speech, and sensitivity to sound. Last night the left side of my face went numb.
Does this sound like symptoms that any of you have had? I am starting to feel like a hypochondriac. The last "bout" left me with $8,000 in medical bills (after insurance) only to be told it is "in my head". So I am afraid to go for more testing and only be told there is nothing wrong with me.
so I guess I am just waiting around for "the big one". Limbo is such a confusing, discouraging, isolated place.
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