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Re: MS Symptoms?
Hello, I am unsure where to go to ask these questions so I am hoping this works, or you can direct me to the proper areas.
I am a 39 year old woman who has many serious medical conditions. Two years ago, I felt a numbness in my right big toe, around the same time I began slight tremors in my hands, I also experienced a few extremely worrisome chest pain problems that had to be treated in the ER with medication and a watch on the heart monitor and I have suffered from Migraines for 20 years. (Migraines bad enough that I was on Imitrex injections since 1992 until last July 2005. I have been seeing a Neurologist who indicated some concerns and possibilities of my having MS, especially since I have such a family history of it. In July 2006, I had a brain scan that showed lesions, in Sept. I had a Spinal tap that showed clear, I have had increasing problems with double vision and my left eye does not follow or dilate with the right eye, I have increased tremors and general weakness in my hands, arms, head and legs. I have periods of muscles spasms, numbness, and shooting pains, especially in my face and more so when I am tired. The numbness that began in my toe has now extended to the top of my entire foot, which drags when I walk. I have atrophy in both my legs (especially my right) which is now extending to my knees and slightly beyond, which I will soon be taking physiotherapy for. I am off balance when I walk, and my tremors are always visible. I am now waiting for another brain scan for comparison followed by another appointment with the neurologist. My migraines are worse and have recently broken several teeth by clenching at nite, and my TMJ has progressed to the point that I have had to have teeth pulled, and am now wearing braces.
This has been very disruptive in my every day life as I am still in somewhat of a medical limbo for a year, and it is slowing taking away my independence. My double vision seems to be lasting longer and happening more frequently and am now trying prisms in my contacts and glasses. My eye doctor related to me that this was not a curable symptom and is 'cautiously optimistic' as to whether or not I will see much relief from wearing prisms. This cause the greatest concern, as I am a deaf woman and have been wearing hearing aids since I was 15 and I rely greatly on my ability to lip-read and rely on my vision to see what I can not hear!
My instincts tell me that I will in fact end up with a clinical diagnosis of MS, my question is, can it be anything else at all? If so, suggestions as to where I can look for additional advice?
Thank you for your time, I appreciate your help and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Jennifer
Answer:
MS Symptoms?
Hi,
Please browse the answers in the multiple sclerosis category:
There's a lot of information on the diagnosis and symptoms.
As for your specific question, the answer is yes, it can also be something else, not necessarily MS. Apart from that, I can't really add to what your doctors are telling you. The diagnosis os MS has not been made, so let's wait until all the examinations have been done and you've seen the proper specialists and not run before the horse to market. Good luck!
Answer:
jenraeand
Follow up to MS Query?
Thank you for your response. I have read the information regarding MS and have lived with many member of my family living with this illness for many years. As this has been progressing and now causing me concern, it is the only option my Doctors have given me. January will be one year since this has been finally investigated with my Neurologist and other Doctors, so my concern is what condition I will be in, if in fact this is not MS, how much longer before an accurate diagnosis can be made and begin treatments? I am concerned that my vision and atrophy in my legs are going to disable me, and I would rather try and prevent that as much as possible, before it has gone to far!
I am trying to be a pro-active as I possibly can and information is the key, so I don't know where else to look. Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you for your time.
Jennifer