Please tell me to chill!

[teachermom89]

So I'm one of those people that when something feels wrong I search and see what it could be. I've been reading posts here and need you to tell me to relax!

Here's what's going on:

Last fall I had really bad tingling in my leg. Started on my foot and ended up traveling up to my knee. I went to the dr. They did an MRI to rule out and disc issues. All was fine. Eventually it went away. Well in the last few weeks it has started again. Same leg, same symptoms. It's happening now as I type.

I've had migraines forever. I get auras with them, so I know what they are. But for the last few years (yes years) I always feel like my vision isn't right. It feels like I don't ever see clearly. I've had them checked etc.

In the last year my toes have started what I call cramping. It hurts sooooo bad. They just curl up or down. It's like the worst charlie horse ever but in my toes (mostly the same side as the tingling). I've looked at them when this happens and you can see my toes move.

In the last year the weirdest sensation. It's like dizziness but not quite. It feels like when I turn my head it takes several seconds for my vision to catch up with me. It makes me feel sick.

Lastly - although I think this is the muscle - my upper right thigh. After sitting I'll get up and can hardly stand it hurts so bad in my out upper thigh.

Can you all tell me I'm being silly and it doesn't at all sound MS related!

And if you recommend me talking to a dr who would I start with? Primary? Neuro?

Thank you so much!!!!!!

[jreagan70]

Hi teachermom:

Step 1: Chill.

Step 2: In your new chilled mode, make an appointment with a neurologist. No matter what's going on, your history of migraine is enough for you to be seeing a neurologist. Adding your other symptoms to your history of migraine is probably enough to have you get an MRI of your brain.

If your medical insurance requires a referral to see a specialist, you'll have to start with your primary care doctor and get a referral. If you have a PPO, you can start directly with the neurologist. Neurology appointments sometimes take a few weeks to get, so you might be able to get a head start on your testing by having your primary order some blood tests. Or you could wait for the neurologist. I'm hesitant to tell you to have your primary order a brain MRI because, if you need a referral to see the neurologist and the MRI doesn't show anything significant, your primary might refuse to give you a referral.

Some neurologists are excellent, some are complete duds. So it's hard to be able to tell you what's going to happen when you see the neurologist. At some point you should have blood tests and a brain MRI along with your physical exam by the neurologist. What happens after that depends on the results of your tests.

For blood work you should have a CBC, liver and kidney function tests, mineral levels, tests for vitamin D and vitamin B12, a test for Lyme disease and a rheumatology panel. There might be more later.

If you haven't already, start keeping a journal of your symptoms -- what unusual things have happened and when. Take that to your doctors' appointments.

Your symptoms could be caused by all kinds of things. MS is only one of literally dozens of possibilities. You'll have to go through a battery of tests to try to define what's going on.

Also start getting copies of all of your medical records, including all tests.

And no matter what tests or procedures you need and how long the process takes, it's important to stay chilled out through all of it. The better you can control your emotions, the easier the process will be.

[poohb3ar]

no, you're not being silly. with that many symptoms i would have definitely contacted a dr by now!

several of your symptoms sound like and are similar to MS sxs., but if you've not gone to any dr. at all, even though some sxs have been going on for yrs. , you should start with your primary.
some or all of the sxs. may be something else that is easily treatable.

i would hope some tests will be run so you can get definite answers and some relief from all this.
it's hard to imagine putting up with all that (the charlie horse toes sound awful!)
i can't imagine dismissing these for so long, but then again, after being told my sxs were in my head, i did quit saying anything about what was wrong for years. sooo, you're probably in good company with many of us here about not always running to the dr.

please keep in touch and let us know how you're feeling.
and what the dr. says

take care & God bless ya!

[Tess516]

Definitely Chill

Hi, I have been dx with MS since 2003. I still live a normal life and can do most everything I did before the diagnosis.
I'm not saying you have MS, there are tons of sys that mimic MS and turn out to be nothing. But I will tell you that everything you described I also have. Including the cramping toes! I actually think it's kind of funny when it happens because my toes go every which way. Yes they hurt and I try to relieve the pain asap. But first, anyone around me I say, Look! Look! Look at my toes!. Cuz they look possessed. and We all have a good laugh. That in and of it self doesn't mean MS You may simply not be getting enough fluids in...you'll get leg cramps from not drinking enough water
Don't worry, take each day for what it is. Learn to laugh and relax. Do pursue what your symptoms are. An early dx is best if you do have MS cuz then you can get on medication that will slow down the progression of this stupid disease.
Best of luck

[JerryD]

OK . I will tell you to CHILL ! Easier said than done. jreagan70 said everything that I would advise. All good suggestions! I would add that you get your vitamin D and B-12 tested (blood tests) and keep the numbers nearby. Don't rely on the doctors words if your tests are 'ok'.
Check the levels and try to maintain them at an optimum level. Most doctors don't understand the importance of these 2 levels in your body. I am not a doctor but I have discovered this information through many discussions with my doctors and others. Good luck