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    New to the Site, Not Sure Where to Begin

    Hi All,

    Quick demographics - married, 35 year old mother of a 15 year old, live in North Georgia.

    About 3 weeks ago, I had a spot on my back go numb. I thought it was odd, but nothing really out of the ordinary. The numbness came and went for about 2 weeks. It bothered me, especially when I started to take in account my other symptoms. Prior to the back numbness, i had been experiencing some depression, but I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 19 years ago, so there again, I wasn't too worried. However, here I am today. The numbness in my back eventually stopped, but I also had numbness in my face, sharp pain shooting across my temples into my eyes, pain in the back of my left leg and in my left knee, along with pain and stiffness when I first get up to walk.

    Over the past few years, I've developed IBS, had unexplained pain in my gut, mystery rashes (I have one right now on my neck/chest), intolerance to cold and heat (even sunlight. It can be 20 degrees out, but the sun still bothers my skin). I also visited a doctor back in April for what was suspected carpal tunnel, but the results of the nerve test were negative. I've also had trouble with concentrating, which is affecting my work, fatigue that affects both work and home, and some loss of balance. I try not to read too much into things until I've seen a doctor, but I'm at the point I can't even stand myself. Luckily, I have an appointment tomorrow. Oh, and I also had Mono when I was 16, which I've read can be a contributing factor.

    If I look back over the last few years, I realize I've had what appears to be relapses of whatever "this" is. I'm looking for some insight and just a place to talk through all of this. This seemed likd a good place to start. Thank you in advance for any words you can offer.

    #2
    Hi,

    Welcome to the site. You say that you have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. Is it with a neurologist or with a primary care doctor? It sounds like it would be a good idea to see a neurologist.

    Have you ever had an MRI of the brain or neck? That is something that is used in determining likelihood of MS, along with your history. I am not saying that you have MS! There are a lot of (autoimmune disorders) that have a lot of overlap in symptoms. I am just guessing that an MRI might be deemed helpful in making your diagnosis. Also, along the road, you'll probably have blood tests done for all sorts of things.

    I'm 38 and was diagnoses with MS right after my 38th birthday. I'm guessing that my MS goes back at least 2 years though, when considering my own 'symptoms' and clinical history.

    It sounds like you are taking the right steps. It can take a long time to conclusively determine (or rule out) MS, so be prepared for a little uncertainty for a while. It can be frustrating because for a while, it seems like you are just waiting to get one test or another done and then the results for that--thinking that will be the final piece of information needed, but then you might be sent for another test or bloodwork. I was diagnosed within about a month of what turns out to have been my 2nd relapse this past February. That was a pretty 'quick' diagnosis, but it still seemed like forever to me. I think that not knowing for sure what is going on is really difficult. This board/website is great for support.

    Good luck to you!!!
    RRMS Dx: 3/23/15
    (Optic Neuritis Dx 2/27/15; Feb/2014 right leg numbness--at the time diagnosed as Sciatica, but probably first episode)
    Started Tysabri 5/22/15: (Infusions: 5/22/15, 6/18/15, 7/16/15)

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by Teekybird View Post
      It sounds like you are taking the right steps. It can take a long time to conclusively determine (or rule out) MS, so be prepared for a little uncertainty for a while. It can be frustrating because for a while, it seems like you are just waiting to get one test or another done and then the results for that--thinking that will be the final piece of information needed, but then you might be sent for another test or bloodwork. I was diagnosed within about a month of what turns out to have been my 2nd relapse this past February. That was a pretty 'quick' diagnosis, but it still seemed like forever to me. I think that not knowing for sure what is going on is really difficult. This board/website is great for support.

      Good luck to you!!!
      This is all true - sad, but true. It took 10 long years before they figured it all out for me. But that was a long, long time ago, and there are so many tools, tests, and knowledge available now. The waiting was the hard part. I hope your appt. goes well today and you are one step closer to figuring out what's ailing you!

      Welcome to MSWorld, gapeach79, and fill us in on how your appt went!
      1st sx '89 Dx '99 w/RRMS - SP since 2010
      Administrator Message Boards/Moderator

      Comment


        #4
        Wow....you could be talking about me! Except for the bi-polar, though do suffer from depression.
        I am dealing with the back numbness now-upper back-feels like I am wearing a weighty cape, plus it goes to burning/searing pain. I also have IBS! AND, I have the heat intollerance that is just terrible! I have numbness in my face as well as other areas-buzzing, vibrating, pins and needles all over. I too, get the sudden sharp, stabbing pains in my temples/eyes and the stiffness/fatigue/etc! Plus so many more issues/symptoms, even Lhermitte's.

        Back in 2007, small white matter lesions were found on my brain mri, since then its been a watch and wait thing...have these episodes that come and go over all these years. My rheumatologist (I have Lupus and Fibro and OA) and neuro have both told me MS is a big possibility. Well, recently it was thought I have neck/spine issues that were gonna require surgery, so I saw a neurosurgeon who ordered c-spine MRI since my last was 2 1/2 yrs ago. Turns out, no surgery because its NOT an issue for him to fix. He told me he sees lesions on my spine and referred me to an MS specialist at an MS Center, at which I have an appointment for on the 26th.

        So, after the neurosurgeon saying I probably have MS...its been a scary couple of weeks, even though ts been suspected for years, because lesions were never found on my spine till now. :/
        I hope you are seeing a neuro and get some answers. This limbo stuff is the pits! lol
        Cathy
        Limbo Lander w/lesions on brain and NOW neurosurgeon found on my c-spine as well-as of July 2015. Being sent to MS Center-Aug 26th. Have Lhermitte's too & many MS symptoms/issues for about 8-10 yrs.
        Have: Lupus, Fibro, Sjogrens, SVT, IBS, Tinnitus etc...etc...etc...
        Heb. 11:1

        Comment


          #5
          Got my test results back from my doctor

          Hi All,

          I first want to say "Thank You" for reaching out and responding to my post. I've been an emotional roller coaster here lately, and it helps having others who understand.

          My doctor put me on Wellbutrin for what he hopes is just a bad bout of depression. With that being said, I found out this morning that my lab results show I'm vitamin D deficient. I have to now take Replesta and have my vitamin D levels checked again in 4 months.

          Neither I nor my doctor said anything about MS. He's my ob/gyn who I've seen for 16 years now. I trust his opinion greatly, but he also respects me enough that if I feel something else is going on, he will hear me out and refer me to anyone else I need to see. I go back and see him the middle of September, so I'm going to give the Wellbutrin and Replesta a go. I hope these two medications resolve what I have going on, but if not, I'm well prepared to tell my doctor I want a consult with a neurologist. Thank you all again for taking the time to read this.

          Comment


            #6
            I also have VERY low Vit.D. Mine was 6.6 2 years ago (2 docs told me it was the lowest they had ever seen! lol) and is still only in the mid teens.
            I wish you all the best, hun!
            Limbo Lander w/lesions on brain and NOW neurosurgeon found on my c-spine as well-as of July 2015. Being sent to MS Center-Aug 26th. Have Lhermitte's too & many MS symptoms/issues for about 8-10 yrs.
            Have: Lupus, Fibro, Sjogrens, SVT, IBS, Tinnitus etc...etc...etc...
            Heb. 11:1

            Comment

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