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Wednesday, October 21, 2009 MsLoLo asks

Q: Could my symptoms be MS symptoms?

About 4 wks ago I started itching all over my body, but no rash no hives.  My PCP gave me some meds, made me drowsy so I stomped taking them after two days.  After about two weeks the itching subsided and finally stopped.  After the itching stopped and few days (3-4) my legs started to twitch while I was asleep to two nights straight.  Didn't think much of it until day 3 my thighs were achy and there was a sore spot on my right thigh, but no brusing.  My legs ached and twitched while I rested.  The pain started to move up my right side toward my back, I immediately rested.  Today, my legs (calf) and thight are still twitching, even while I type.  My left (tricept) arm aches and is somewhat tingley and my pinky & ring finger are tingley and numb.  I've had this particular thing happen before, but my PCP said is was probably a damaged nerve.  I know the difference in aches and muscle soreness.  My aches occur when I' resting, sitting or lying down.  No blurred vision.  Just got blook work results from PCP and everything in normal.  I ususally walk for 30 min a day, but today I was EXTREMELY tired.  Sporaticly, my limbs (legs and arms) will jerk.  Sometimes jerk so hard they wake me up if I'm asleep.  Sometimes I have a sharp shooting pain in my head that starts from the back of my right ear to the back of my head.  Sometimes the pain will be behind my right eye.  Should I be concerned?  I don't smoke, drink and I rarely eat red meat.  I've been loosing weight (intentionally) to get my cholesterol down.  Does anyone have any tips?

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Answers (2)
Lisa Emrich, Health Guide
10/23/09 6:58pm

Hi MsLoLo,

 

Multiple sclerosis is a bizarre disease and the symptoms you mention could be related, but could very well not be related to the disease.  Since your PCP has checked your bloodwork for likely culprits for your symptoms, was the suggestion of "damaged nerve" the only possible explanation given?

 

In MS, our nerves become damaged and do not function properly due to the lack of myelin covering.  Here is a post which briefly describes MS symptoms and steps to a diagnosis of MS.  Read Beginner's Guide to MS: Do I have MS? What does it take to get diagnosed with MS?

 

Did your PCP perform a neurological exam on you?  Test the strength and coordination of your muscles and reflexes, and such?  If you are concerned, bring it up again in a doctor's visit.  Explain your concern and be prepared with information regarding your symptoms, how/when they occur and for how long.  If nothing else, hopefully you will find some symptom relief.

 

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11/ 5/09 8:28pm

First of all I want to say I am in no way a doctor or nurse. Some of your symptoms sound like mine, the numbness and tingling and twitching you described. I just wanted to suggest you get tested for lyme disease. I have been having similar symptoms for years, along with memory loss, brain fog, muscle and joint pain, insomnia, migraines and the list goes on. Your symptoms may not be related to lyme disease but but I was misdiagnosed for 15 years and wish I had someone who could have steered me in the right direction years ago. Also lyme disease gets misdiagnosed as MS very often. Please excuse my poorly formed words, I am feeling particulary foggy tonight and know I am not coming across very clearly. Good luck

Melissa

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By MsLoLo— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 10/21/09