Hi:

I was diagnosed with MS almost 3 years ago.  I live in Nebraska where there aren't too many neurologists.  My neurologist is not very helpful with any questions I have ever had.  He discounts any symptoms I ask him about as my MRI's have been stable and only showed two brain lesions (I also have one in my neck and two markers in my spinal fluid).  I believe his basic treatment is good.  I am on Copaxone and it has been a very good medication for me. But as I say my neuro does not seem to think I should have any problems as only a few brain lesions show up on the MRI. 

I initially went to my MD as I had severe trigiminal neuralgia.  I also had many areas of numbness in my head, arms, and right leg and cognitive issues where I can't remember things, think of words, sometimes put together a sentence. Steriod infusions helped greatly with the numbness although I do have numbness off and on.  

I have had psoriatic arthritis with psoriasis since I was about 6 years old and since IBS and anxiety attacks for years.  So I am used to ignoring or pushing through the pain.  MS doesn't seem to respond well to that for me. 

My questions are: I have a terrible time with leg pain, shooting pains, numbness that comes and goes.  I am 48 years old and am trying to stay in shape.  My legs do not cooperate.  I can't walk near as fast as I used to.  I am uncoordinated also so I have to be careful not to fall - which I tend to do alot.  I also have shooting pains in my legs whether I am walking or at rest.  My legs seem to not only have severe pain but mobility issues after travel and I have terrible fatigue and often dizziness. I stay fairly active by walking our dog 2 x a day and doing housework and yard work.  This winter I tried to bump up my exercise routine a little by adding some swimming while visiting relatives and walking on a treadmill.  I could do the swimming but after trying to add other activities my legs turned to jelly and i could not walk the dog or go swimming for several days due to leg weakness and immobility.  Pre-MS when I overdid I might have had some muscle pain after a big workout but now I can't accomplish typical stregnth building exercises without some scary consequenses.  Has anyone else experienced this?  I also have terrible cognitive difficulties. Today is very bad cognitively which is why it has taken me an hour to write thisout.  My neuro told me it might be medication related but I don't think so as some days are much worse then others and my meds are consistently the same each day.  I guess I am wondering if anyone else has experienced any of these symptoms?  This winter I really was scared for the first time because although I suffer with a lot of pain and stiffness in my legs - after traveling to Texas I had trouble just doing regular walking for several days and the last two months I feel like my legs are heavy and just can't build up any speed walking or do anything to exercise more then a simple dog walk. Since I have been writing this I now have one numb leg, two numb feet and part of my butt and lower back are numb. LOL. It is a very interesting disease.  Any comments or thoughts would be very appreciated.  Thanks.