possible MS?
- worriedincanada
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possible MS?
Hi everyone,
I joined this site to help figure out what is going on with my girlfriend.
she is now 31 and for the last 3 years (usually Nov-March, NEVER in the summer months), she gets extremely dizzy and tired. She says she can't stay awake and her limbs get heavy and "achy" - kind of like a growing pain. She also complains about not being able to recall words quick sometimes. She has headaches constantly during these months. Describes it as a "cluster headache" - kind of all over the place.
I am really worried about her. The docs think that maybe it is sinus related, but I can't see how sinusitis can cause heavy and achy limbs.
I am just wondering if you guys and gals have had symptoms like this before you were diagnosed and if it is possible for her symptoms to go away completely in the warmer months for 3 years straight.
Any info would be appreciated.
SHe has an MRI booked in a few months...
Thanks so much
I joined this site to help figure out what is going on with my girlfriend.
she is now 31 and for the last 3 years (usually Nov-March, NEVER in the summer months), she gets extremely dizzy and tired. She says she can't stay awake and her limbs get heavy and "achy" - kind of like a growing pain. She also complains about not being able to recall words quick sometimes. She has headaches constantly during these months. Describes it as a "cluster headache" - kind of all over the place.
I am really worried about her. The docs think that maybe it is sinus related, but I can't see how sinusitis can cause heavy and achy limbs.
I am just wondering if you guys and gals have had symptoms like this before you were diagnosed and if it is possible for her symptoms to go away completely in the warmer months for 3 years straight.
Any info would be appreciated.
SHe has an MRI booked in a few months...
Thanks so much
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- worriedincanada
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Hey there,chrishasms wrote:The first thing I would look into is her Vitamin D and her Vitamin B. They are a simple blood test.
In those months Vitamin D would be very low, especially in Canada. B deficiencies are common anywhere.
All of those things you described could very easily be lack of those key vitamins.
She did get her bloodwork done and everything is fine. She also takes B and D vitamins daily.
I forgot to mention she had a TON of "dizziness tests" for inner ear issues by an ENT and all came back clean. SHe doesn't have miniere's disease or anything like that. SHe eats well and exercises (when she isn't knocked on her butt by these symptoms)...
The more I read about MS the more her symptoms seem to fit. Is it normal for people with MS to have seasonal relapses (colder weather) and be fine in summer?
- worriedincanada
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Yeah, she had that tilt test, a hot and cold water in the ear test, etc...all came back good. That is what is scaring me a little.Petakitty wrote:Dizziness was my first symptom. had it for years before I was officaly dx. to this day dizziness is my biggest symptom, pretty much my only symptom. Like her my dizziness usually only acts up in the fall and winter months. I love the heat!
Dizziness can be caused by many many other things other than MS though. There is a tilt test that can help determine if the dizziness is neurological or inner ear related.
If dizziness is your only real symptom, how did you get diagnosed - mri?
Yours went completely away in the summer?
worried, you need to be pretty suspicious of 'everythings fine' when it comes to bloodwork.
which tests did they do exactly?
do you have the exact results including units?
are there any nutrient tests on the medical record?
how much D and B does she take daily, and which forms?
to start, on D3:
vitamin d3 blood test (the correct metabolite is 25 hydroxcholecalciferol) needs to be over 100 nmol/L , to a max of 250 nmol/L for best protection against MS.
daily D3 supplement four thousand 4000IU ...she can probably get away with less during canadian summer IF 15 minutes of full body sun exposure during peak hours is feasible daily between about april and october.
D3 must be accompanied daily by a staged cal mag zinc intake.
lots more deets on this kind of stuff available here.
HTH,
JL
which tests did they do exactly?
do you have the exact results including units?
are there any nutrient tests on the medical record?
how much D and B does she take daily, and which forms?
to start, on D3:
vitamin d3 blood test (the correct metabolite is 25 hydroxcholecalciferol) needs to be over 100 nmol/L , to a max of 250 nmol/L for best protection against MS.
daily D3 supplement four thousand 4000IU ...she can probably get away with less during canadian summer IF 15 minutes of full body sun exposure during peak hours is feasible daily between about april and october.
D3 must be accompanied daily by a staged cal mag zinc intake.
lots more deets on this kind of stuff available here.
HTH,
JL
- pinpricks
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Re: possible MS?
I have this too for long ... but no yet diagnose.worriedincanada wrote: ... She also complains about not being able to recall words quick sometimes.
Thanks so much
By the way, taking VIT D is a good start in winter.
I took 4000 UI a day and my IBS was in control (upper serotonin level it seems ...), you're more happy... The one to use seem to be D3 (Cholecaciferol).
In summer it's not necessary.
Like it was said, 15 mn exposure full body will give you a lot.
Hope it will not be MS for your girlfriend and they will find the trouble.
Have you looked about CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)? Fibromyalgia? Does she has "hot spot" where it hurts when you press?
Take care
- worriedincanada
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Re: possible MS?
Nope, no hot spots at all. ANd where we live it is always sunny (one of the sunniest places in canada), so even in winter months we get some sun, mind you not as much as in summer when we are constantly out in itpinpricks wrote:I have this too for long ... but no yet diagnose.worriedincanada wrote: ... She also complains about not being able to recall words quick sometimes.
Thanks so much
By the way, taking VIT D is a good start in winter.
I took 4000 UI a day and my IBS was in control (upper serotonin level it seems ...), you're more happy... The one to use seem to be D3 (Cholecaciferol).
In summer it's not necessary.
Like it was said, 15 mn exposure full body will give you a lot.
Hope it will not be MS for your girlfriend and they will find the trouble.
Have you looked about CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)? Fibromyalgia? Does she has "hot spot" where it hurts when you press?
Take care
She takes I think 4000UI/day of vitamin D.
The dizziness and heavy achy limbs is what worries me since like I mentioned, all her inner ear tests and such came back normal. SHe just is so tired now all the time with heavy and achy limbs and it is not the way she usually is - I usually can't keep up with her - it's just really hard to see her like this.
- lyndacarol
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Ideas for Worried...
Worried, you wrote that your girlfriend's doctors suspect a sinus related problem. Ask that the radiologist who reads her MRI note specifically the condition of her sinuses. On MRI it is always noted that I have chronic sinusitis, even though I have no symptoms -- headaches, pressure, etc. --except chronic sinus drainage.
Perhaps the sinus problem could be related to allergies found indoors, which clear up in the summer months with warmer temperatures, more fresh air, and more sunshine.
I think symptoms of heaviness can be reported by people with colds, flu, or allergies -- I suspect mucus production is responsible for this.
As all at this website know, I suspect that excess insulin is involved in MS. For that reason, I encourage everyone (even your girlfriend) to obtain a fasting serum insulin (NOT glucose) test.
Perhaps the sinus problem could be related to allergies found indoors, which clear up in the summer months with warmer temperatures, more fresh air, and more sunshine.
I think symptoms of heaviness can be reported by people with colds, flu, or allergies -- I suspect mucus production is responsible for this.
As all at this website know, I suspect that excess insulin is involved in MS. For that reason, I encourage everyone (even your girlfriend) to obtain a fasting serum insulin (NOT glucose) test.
- worriedincanada
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Re: Ideas for Worried...
Hey,lyndacarol wrote:Worried, you wrote that your girlfriend's doctors suspect a sinus related problem. Ask that the radiologist who reads her MRI note specifically the condition of her sinuses. On MRI it is always noted that I have chronic sinusitis, even though I have no symptoms -- headaches, pressure, etc. --except chronic sinus drainage.
Perhaps the sinus problem could be related to allergies found indoors, which clear up in the summer months with warmer temperatures, more fresh air, and more sunshine.
I think symptoms of heaviness can be reported by people with colds, flu, or allergies -- I suspect mucus production is responsible for this.
As all at this website know, I suspect that excess insulin is involved in MS. For that reason, I encourage everyone (even your girlfriend) to obtain a fasting serum insulin (NOT glucose) test.
my girlfriends symptoms are opposite. She has little if any drainage issues, but all the pressure, etc....Maybe the doctors are just thinking narrowly and not realizing her symptoms could be something else , like MS
Being sent to see an MS Specialist
Hi everyone.. Maybe someone can tell me if I am going out of my mind.
Everything started in 17 yrs ago with an Optic Neuritis, OMG having that is scary.. I lost vision and pain in the affected eye, to this day it is still blurry, and still have periphirical problems. I never recovered 100%. After that episode, i did not have any other symptoms, 4 yrs after, my eye started acting up again but this time I didn't get the pain, so went to see an Ophtalmologist who then referred me to a Neurologist. The neuro had me go for an MRI, the result was normal, nothing to be seen. So I went about my daily life, ever since my optic neuritis, if its gets too hot or my body temp goes up, my vision gets blurrier.. I can't stand hot summer, i get very tired.
After this second little episode, I had my second child, maybe after 2 or 3 months after giving birth, my legs started to tingle, its like I have an electric current going thru my legs all the time then it stopped, 6 months after I started getting migraines (never had a headache before) so went to see Neuro again, I was complaining of losing sensation (numbness) in my hands, sharp pain like an electical shock or stabbing to the head, dizzness, and electri current sensation in my legs, she sent me for an other MRI, this time it showed 2 lesions, so Neuro said it was do to the migraines. Now my legs are always getting this feeling, the stabbing pain comes for a certain period (fall) numbness of my tongue, hands from time to time and the pain in my legs just in the back of my knees, feels like someone hit the back of my knees with a baseball bat and it also feels tight, dizzness, burning sensations usually on my sides, lower back pain and numbness of part of my lower face, so after 5 yrs she sent me for a 3rd MRI, got the results a couple of weeks ago and now it is showing several new punctate also showing my old 2 unchanged and now they documented my optic neuritis saying it is smaller and associated with the new lesions, the radiologist is suggesting demyelinating desease. Now Neuro wants me to do an MRI of the spin and blood work and she also is referring me to an MS Specialist.. Should I think this is what I have ? Have any of you ever experienced these symptoms?
Thank you for your answers in advance!!
Everything started in 17 yrs ago with an Optic Neuritis, OMG having that is scary.. I lost vision and pain in the affected eye, to this day it is still blurry, and still have periphirical problems. I never recovered 100%. After that episode, i did not have any other symptoms, 4 yrs after, my eye started acting up again but this time I didn't get the pain, so went to see an Ophtalmologist who then referred me to a Neurologist. The neuro had me go for an MRI, the result was normal, nothing to be seen. So I went about my daily life, ever since my optic neuritis, if its gets too hot or my body temp goes up, my vision gets blurrier.. I can't stand hot summer, i get very tired.
After this second little episode, I had my second child, maybe after 2 or 3 months after giving birth, my legs started to tingle, its like I have an electric current going thru my legs all the time then it stopped, 6 months after I started getting migraines (never had a headache before) so went to see Neuro again, I was complaining of losing sensation (numbness) in my hands, sharp pain like an electical shock or stabbing to the head, dizzness, and electri current sensation in my legs, she sent me for an other MRI, this time it showed 2 lesions, so Neuro said it was do to the migraines. Now my legs are always getting this feeling, the stabbing pain comes for a certain period (fall) numbness of my tongue, hands from time to time and the pain in my legs just in the back of my knees, feels like someone hit the back of my knees with a baseball bat and it also feels tight, dizzness, burning sensations usually on my sides, lower back pain and numbness of part of my lower face, so after 5 yrs she sent me for a 3rd MRI, got the results a couple of weeks ago and now it is showing several new punctate also showing my old 2 unchanged and now they documented my optic neuritis saying it is smaller and associated with the new lesions, the radiologist is suggesting demyelinating desease. Now Neuro wants me to do an MRI of the spin and blood work and she also is referring me to an MS Specialist.. Should I think this is what I have ? Have any of you ever experienced these symptoms?
Thank you for your answers in advance!!
- lyndacarol
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Comment to Siehhra
Siehhra--From your description, the problem could always be MS -- especially considering your experience after the pregnancy with your second child. But in my opinion, IF it is, you are still early in the natural course of symptoms. I am not a physician, but I think it is wise for EVERYONE to review his diet. Modern diets contain too much sugar, carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners, etc.
I encourage you to READ about MS, EXAMINE your diet, and, REVISE your diet, if necessary.
I encourage you to READ about MS, EXAMINE your diet, and, REVISE your diet, if necessary.
- pinpricks
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Still me
Just want to say, i had trouble with ASPARTAME.
Took me 2 years to find it.
Some peoples are sensitive to this.
From wikipedia, it lower the serotonine level in the brain and so you could have an increase in pain and a mood swing (depression).
When I stopped taking it, it took me one month and i recovered completely.
I find it because when i was going to France (i was not taking sweetener), i was lot better and back to Canada, things started again.
So ...
I would recommend to look into your diet.
Is there any change you are doing in winter versus summer?
Avoid anything with Aspartame (cook diet, sweetener in coffee, gum ... etc).
Look what is different winter versus summer (even place where you work may have to do with ...).
Use a diary if possible.
Take care
Just want to say, i had trouble with ASPARTAME.
Took me 2 years to find it.
Some peoples are sensitive to this.
From wikipedia, it lower the serotonine level in the brain and so you could have an increase in pain and a mood swing (depression).
When I stopped taking it, it took me one month and i recovered completely.
I find it because when i was going to France (i was not taking sweetener), i was lot better and back to Canada, things started again.
So ...
I would recommend to look into your diet.
Is there any change you are doing in winter versus summer?
Avoid anything with Aspartame (cook diet, sweetener in coffee, gum ... etc).
Look what is different winter versus summer (even place where you work may have to do with ...).
Use a diary if possible.
Take care
- worriedincanada
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- Joined: Thu Mar 26, 2009 3:00 pm
Hey,
Well, has a referral to a neurologist but we aren't sure when yet. Our diet is very healthy - we have always eaten well.
I just need to talk to someone here because things seem to be pretty bad. Last week for two days she could barely walk - I had to help her anytime she needed to get up. Everytime she bent over she got SOOOO dizzy and her legs we so heavy, according to her - like walking through mud. All she did was sleep.
She felt better yesterday, but even going out for coffee exhausts her. I have read alot about people with MS getting "eceltric" feelings down their limbs. SHe is getting shots of "growing pains" - just achy feelings.
So far, her list of symptoms are (BUT NEVER IN THE SUMMER..usually between Nov and April for the lat 3 years):
-Severe fatigue
-Brutal "cluster" headaches - pain in one spot of the head, then gone and appears somewhere else in the head
-dizziness - not tlike the room is spinning, but she is on raft or something.
-itchy left hand
-when she gets fatigues, her legs get "heavy", and so do her arms, but iin both cases it is lower legs and arms
-pain behind the eyes
ANyway, it is heartbreaking seeing her go from spin class every day to needing me to help her to the bathroom. I am trying to be strong, but she is sensing me worrying, and I can't lie.....I just don't know what to do.
Am I crazy or is this classic MS progression?
Thanks so much for letting me at least talk to someone about this.
Well, has a referral to a neurologist but we aren't sure when yet. Our diet is very healthy - we have always eaten well.
I just need to talk to someone here because things seem to be pretty bad. Last week for two days she could barely walk - I had to help her anytime she needed to get up. Everytime she bent over she got SOOOO dizzy and her legs we so heavy, according to her - like walking through mud. All she did was sleep.
She felt better yesterday, but even going out for coffee exhausts her. I have read alot about people with MS getting "eceltric" feelings down their limbs. SHe is getting shots of "growing pains" - just achy feelings.
So far, her list of symptoms are (BUT NEVER IN THE SUMMER..usually between Nov and April for the lat 3 years):
-Severe fatigue
-Brutal "cluster" headaches - pain in one spot of the head, then gone and appears somewhere else in the head
-dizziness - not tlike the room is spinning, but she is on raft or something.
-itchy left hand
-when she gets fatigues, her legs get "heavy", and so do her arms, but iin both cases it is lower legs and arms
-pain behind the eyes
ANyway, it is heartbreaking seeing her go from spin class every day to needing me to help her to the bathroom. I am trying to be strong, but she is sensing me worrying, and I can't lie.....I just don't know what to do.
Am I crazy or is this classic MS progression?
Thanks so much for letting me at least talk to someone about this.