Thursday, November 11, 2010 Kathryn asks

Q: Symptoms include, having trouble hearing, forgetfulness, tingling right foot, dropping things a lot and at times my right arm feels heavy, but not necessarily weak. I don't want to make a big deal.

Also, sometimes there is extreme tightness around my ribcage (around breastbone). Maybe my undergarments are too tight but it gets bad enough that it is hard to breathe. I really don't want to make a big deal about nothing. And yes, I know these can be symptoms of MS. I just feel like a hypochondriac and was thinking that since I can live with the symptoms that I should just wait and see. Any thoughts? Thanks!
Answer This
Answers (1)
Lisa Emrich, Health Guide
11/15/10 10:07am

Hi Kathryn,

 

Welcome to MS HealthCentral.  You are right; these could be neurological symptoms.  But they could also be related to some other underlying problem.

 

I know that it can be scary when we're experiencing strange things which alone don't really cause a lot of distress, but when put together start to look more significant.  You're not being a hypochondriac (well, at least I have no reason to think so by reading your question, lol).

 

I do encourage you to write down the varous symptoms you are experienced or have experienced in the past.  Document when they occurred, for how long, what seemed to make them go away (if anything), their intensity, etc.  Make an appointment with your primary doctor and bring that notebook with you.  Be clear and concise; present what is going on with you and tell the doctor that you'd like to find out the cause.

 

This would be the first step in trying to find out if you might have MS or not.  I know that it can be scary even if you don't want to make a big deal of things.  You're not making a big deal of it.  Your body is showing symptoms of something going on and it makes sense to try to learn what that something is.

 

Good luck and please let us know how your doctor's visit goes.  If you've got any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Reply
Answer This

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

Btn_ask_question_med
View all questions (1954) >
By Kathryn— Last Modified: 12/27/10, First Published: 11/11/10