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    New diagnosis, still numb

    Well my journey began in January. I travel for work, and I was halfway through 2 stressful weeks of an 8-city tour. I woke up at home on a Sunday and my right arm was completely numb from elbow down with severe weakness. It was a deep numbness. I had previously been diagnosed with thoracic outlet and was status post surgery on the left (my most severe side) so I just chalked it up to my right side now acting up and becoming severe, but this was a totally different presentation.

    Fast forward, and after a neck x-ray, EMG and cervical spine MRI, I was called early June by the orthopedist's receptionist and told "we can't help you." After I had her read me the results, I started my Google search. I was in disbelief as everything I was reading about MS, was me! I have had brain fog for YEARS (thought it was just cuz I was blonde :O), various numb places that would come and go, and now this severe right arm numbness/weakness that was not getting any better.

    I found an MS specialist (through the advice of a great friend) and he ordered multiple blood tests and a brain and thoracic MRI. A few days later, this past Tuesday, 7/25/2017 (I feel like I will never forget this date), I received a phone call from the MS doc which confirmed MS. He said there was no doubt with multiple brain lesions in areas that are typical for MS. I was/am currently out of the country on business so I'm feeling very alone in this (hence my visit here to this page).

    I start IV Solu-Medrol infusion x3 days next week as I am experiencing dizziness and vertigo and my right arm is still pretty numb, though I doubt there is any help for that at this point. Then follow up in 3 or so weeks to pick a drug.

    On one hand I'm relieved. On the other hand I'm mad as hell. And scared. I have been pouring over these forums to try and get answers that I know aren't there. My biggest fear, now that I have this diagnosis, this dark cloud, can I continue my travels? I am going to be on DMTs so should I travel? I don't want to pick up every illness out there! And you know planes are not known for cleanliness. I don't want to travel as I'm afraid now that I will have an attack while in a strange city with no one to help me. If I take a different job, it will be a pay cut which means if I need LTD, I won't get as much $$. My husband is currently not working (and not trying very hard) so it all falls on me. I am the one obviously who carries the insurance as well. My current employer pays for my STD and LTD so if I changed jobs, i'm not sure I will be able to get it with this diagnosis.

    I'm just scared. My family are really no help. My kids don't know what to say to me. No one does. And my anxiety is through the roof. Has been for a couple of months now and I have never had issues with anxiety before. This unknown is killing me, but I'm sure I'm no different than everyone else on here. I'm also glad and consider myself one of the lucky ones, someone who had a diagnosis rather fast. My prayers go out to the ones still in limbo. My heart aches for you.

    Sorry if this is rambling, but this is how my brain has been working this week! Prayers for all of my new MS brothers and sisters!!!

    #2
    Hi Dsomday

    Welcome to MS World - glad that you found us (though not glad that you have been dx'd with MS).

    Sounds like you have a good, proactive MS specialist as your neurologist, so that's a plus.

    Stress and severe anxiety can negatively affect those of us with MS. Letting your doctor know about this would be wise, if it continues for very long.

    The unpredictability of MS is very unnerving, to say the least. But many are able to carry on with their regular occupations for many years. There are symptom management treatments and medications. And your DMT may help keep relapses at a minimum. Do not lose hope.

    Please feel free to ask questions, share your experiences, and just vent, if you need to!

    Wishing you the best.

    Take Care
    PPMS for 26 years (dx 1998)
    ~ Worrying will not take away tomorrow's troubles ~ But it will take away today's peace. ~

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      #3
      Hi Dsomday welcome to the forum. I can understand how you feel but if you are going to have MS now is the time to have it there is a lot of treatment out there and a lot of help available, lean on your friends and family, don't be too hard on them, as for them trying to understand what is happening to you is hard you don't look "sick" and sounds like your Neurologist is on the ball good luck Craig

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        #4
        Welcome dsomday.

        You have alot on your plate. I would definitely talk to your neuro about your anxiety. Everything you are feeling and fearing are all things we have experienced. It may help to talk to a therapist and/or take something for the anxiety. Or if you exercise or have hobbies that help reduce your stress and anxiety, try to make time for it.

        Please ask all the questions you want.

        As for your LTD, a lot of policies have a 2 year look back provision for pre-existing conditions. So as long as you don't make a claim in the first 2 years of employment, they cover pre-existing. Of course, after being offered a new job, you would have to ask.

        For now, just try to take it a day at a time. Give yourself time to adjust before making major decisions.

        Safe travels.
        Kathy
        DX 01/06, currently on Tysabri

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          #5
          I was diagnosed around 5 weeks ago and still in hospital I’ve no idea what to expect and can’t get my head around it either

          Comment


            #6
            bighusmc1

            I was diagnosed 4/25/2018 I was in total shock when I got the news. I don't know anyone who has MS so this is all new to me. I have no idea what to expect, and I don't even know if my symptoms will go away or even stop. I'm still numb and can't wrap my mind around it.

            Comment

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