I just need to put in my 2 cents worth. I have officially been diagnosed with MS over 35 years. I would have multiple attacks per year with all the symptoms you have presented and a few more. They treated me with large dose prednisone during these exacerbations. I have been on Betaseron and Avonex. My neurologist took me off all MS meds because I have been stable since late 2002 with no further progression seen on scans.
The best advice I can give you is to see a MS specialist for a proper diagnosis and get on one of many MS drugs that would be recommended by your neurologist. For years I have worn compression stockings for edema. Without them my legs would swell and throb.
It sounds that you were well beyond the point where you should be seen by a neurologist if you were at the point of muscle atrophy. That alone would have me concerned. I would think seeing a good physical therapist can give you exercises that could help with this. Your doctor could give you a consult to see one so it could be covered by your insurance.
I do daily exercises which are a HUGE pain but it helps me. My entire left side is compromised like I had a stroke. I am paralyzed from waist down had spinal fusion with rods and screws and I have a Medtronic Baclofen pump that is know being filled with Prialt for spazm control.
Rich
Anomaly2017
The best advice I can give you is to see a MS specialist for a proper diagnosis and get on one of many MS drugs that would be recommended by your neurologist. For years I have worn compression stockings for edema. Without them my legs would swell and throb.
It sounds that you were well beyond the point where you should be seen by a neurologist if you were at the point of muscle atrophy. That alone would have me concerned. I would think seeing a good physical therapist can give you exercises that could help with this. Your doctor could give you a consult to see one so it could be covered by your insurance.
I do daily exercises which are a HUGE pain but it helps me. My entire left side is compromised like I had a stroke. I am paralyzed from waist down had spinal fusion with rods and screws and I have a Medtronic Baclofen pump that is know being filled with Prialt for spazm control.
Rich
Anomaly2017
Finally Seen a Neurologist
Finally got health insurance and got in to see a neurologist. Unfortunately my situation appears to be very serious. Without me even mentioning it Multiple Sclerosis was the first possibility raised based on my evaluation and prior MRI. Tingling, spasticity of left arm, double vision, impaired coordination, hyperreflexia and atrophy. The atrophy in my left hand, gluteal muscles and left foot was extremely concerning to doctor.
Other differentials range from thyroid disease to ALS. EMG and MRI are being scheduled. Blood work was drawn. So now I’m really nervous that disability or maybe even dying young (I’m only 31) is becoming a reality. I can still function right now as long as I stay away from stairs and wear shoes. Walking barefoot is hard due to atrophy in left foot.
My question is about atrophy. Is it typical to occur to this extent? Not a lot about muscle atrophy in MS on the internet. Mainly refers to brain atrophy. Atrophy searches tend to produce ALS sites.
Any insight would be appreciated.
Finally got health insurance and got in to see a neurologist. Unfortunately my situation appears to be very serious. Without me even mentioning it Multiple Sclerosis was the first possibility raised based on my evaluation and prior MRI. Tingling, spasticity of left arm, double vision, impaired coordination, hyperreflexia and atrophy. The atrophy in my left hand, gluteal muscles and left foot was extremely concerning to doctor.
Other differentials range from thyroid disease to ALS. EMG and MRI are being scheduled. Blood work was drawn. So now I’m really nervous that disability or maybe even dying young (I’m only 31) is becoming a reality. I can still function right now as long as I stay away from stairs and wear shoes. Walking barefoot is hard due to atrophy in left foot.
My question is about atrophy. Is it typical to occur to this extent? Not a lot about muscle atrophy in MS on the internet. Mainly refers to brain atrophy. Atrophy searches tend to produce ALS sites.
Any insight would be appreciated.
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