Question about when to go to the hospital

[ccbettez]

My husband was diagnosed with MS in 2012. We are in the process of seeing an MS specialist. Until now we have only had a regular neurologist. Not the greatest people or medical skills. Since Dec 2013 my husband has what I describe as electric shocks down his body when he moves. And now feels like jolts of vertigo. Is this normal?


I have another question if I may. Last night my husband woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't move and it was hard to breathe. This morning he can move and breathe. We see an MS specialist next week and our current neuro is like talking to a wall. Should I be worried? Could this be a new lesion? This has not happened before. Thanks again :-)

[Chowda]

All symptoms of MS. The jolts would be neuropathic pain, I have that, my neuro pushed for Tysabri as my first med.

Vertigo is common and one of the most debilitating symptoms I have. Getting better.

The difficulty breathing might be what's known as the MS hug OR a lesion in cervical spine. Amount of lesions don't equate to symptoms, it's WHERE the lesion is.

I'm not a doctor (duh) this is from my own personal experience and what my doctors have told me and I still have so many more questions. I do find it odd your neuro isn't well versed in MS.

Well, I really don't have any better info, someone else might. Hope it helps you both have some peace of mind until you speak with a doctor.

Pro-Tip: Write your questions down, you have to be your own advocate.

[KitOP]

I'm glad that you are seeing the MS specialist next week.
And yes, write down all of these symptoms, when they happened and how long they lasted.

This can be important information to the neuro.

You ask about when to go to the hospital - well, you know your husband and know when he's in trouble with the symptoms. We just have to use our best judgement when this happens.

Early on in my diagnosis, I still hadn't learned much about MS and when something new and exciting happened, I would kind of freak out, and did end up in the ER more than once.

Good luck with the appt, I hope this neuro listens better than the one you have now.

And if you are interested, on Wed night at 8pm EST, we have a chat just for caregivers. If you'd like to talk to others whether it be in that chat or in our regular chats, we'd love to have you.