Tuesday, March 10, 2009
"You have multiple sclerosis."
You've heard those words and now it's time to decide what you're going to do about it. There is no obvious right or wrong that applies to all MS patients. It's not going to be that easy.
In my last post, Early Intervention in Multiple Sclerosis: ...
I haven't heard those words yet, but I have been having a lot of symptoms that make me wonder if it might be MS. I am a very analytical person - one who wants to know everything I can about whatever is going on with me or anyone else, for that matter. I have searched the symptoms of MS and been amazed at how similar my symptoms are to the list.
I am going to a neurologist in a couple of days to hopefully start and end this journey to find out what is wrong.
Symptoms: Blurry vision in right eye with pain in moving or touching it, pins and needles in right arm and hand (my first thought was it might be a stroke) followed by excruciating muscle spasms and joint pain expecially with extension, facial and eye pain - all right side, right side palate numb off and on, bowel / gas incontinence.
Tests: MRI of brain showed no lesions but did show indication of several sites of small vessel ischemia and some fluid in the right mastoid air cells. Report said the ischemia might be indicative of migraine headaches (which I have had, but not for years) and no finding for the fluid. Did not do a spinal MRI or any other tests. My GP said he would send me to a neuro, but felt my symptoms would probably go away by the time I saw her. (They haven't - have been going on for a couple of weeks now).
Just wondering where your journey began ...
Hi, Christy:
I'm glad that you have an appointment with a neurologist soon. Whether it's MS or not, there's something going on.
There was some confusion with my MRI as well because of a long history of migraines. Apparently, they look similar on MRI images.
My first MS symptom, at least the first one major enough to get my undivided attention, was a complete numbness of one arm, then the other, then my legs, followed by the inability to walk. It all happened within the span of 3 weeks or so.
Naturally, by the time my GP was able to see me and send me to a neurologist, all symptoms were gone. The same events played themselves out several times over a period of 6 months before a series of tests and elimination of other causes got me the diagnosis of MS. The best evidence for me was right there on the MRI.
It's been almost six years since those first frightening days, but they are forever burned into my memory. My husband and I did a LOT of research and were very certain that the diagnosis would be MS.
Because of all our research and preparation, we were able to make important decisions fairly quickly with the advice of a neurologist.
Please stop by after your appointment and let us know how you are doing. If you like, you can send me a direct email at mandycane@comcast.net
Best of luck to you.