This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Hi all,

I'm a newbie here, as I just got a diagnosis of probably MS yesterday. I believe mine started in 2009, when my left hand began going numb/tingling. My doc passed it off as a pinched nerve, and it went away after a few weeks. Over the years, I've had some periods of extreme fatigue as well. About three weeks ago, my left hand, arm, and side went numb, followed by three of my right fingers. I've had some mild balance and memory issues, weakness, and fatigue as well. My blood test from my PCP came back normal, so he sent me to a neurologist. First neuro was awful-- didn't look at my chart, heard I was a writer, and immediately dismissed the symptoms as carpal tunnel. I listed all my other symptoms and asked if that sounded like carpal tunnel-- uh, no. He ordered an MRI (and a prescription for wrist braces *rolls eyes*).

Had the MRI, and asked for a CD of images. I've got some minor medical background in medical coding, so I was curious. I was shocked that I could actually see obvious lesions myself. I kept telling myself I'm not a radiologist or neurologist, and I had no idea what I was really seeing. Regardless, I went through several days of fear and grief. Went to my follow-up appointment (with a different neurologist) yesterday, and the doc confirmed that I do have probable MS, with multiple large lesions in the brain and spinal cord. Oddly, at that point the diagnosis was a relief-- accompanied by a little shock. I'm still processing it, but feeling pretty hopeful.

I'm going in for an IV infusion of solu medrol next week, and the doctor recommended Rebif for treatment, so I'll start with that.

Anyway, just wanted to say hello. I'm 28, married with two gorgeous kids (boy, 3; girl, 8 months). I write novels and do contract work writing courses for medical coders. Look forward to meeting you all.

hi shalzee, welcome to TiMS

dx: a stressy time, but a learny time. lots of good info and support here.

again, welcome

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my approach: no meds so far - just balanced whole foods (partial 'paleo', much less outright elimination), science, supplements, & bloodwork
my regimen - www.thisisms.com/ftopict-2489.html
www.whfoods.com, www.nutritiondata.com

Welcome to ThisIsMS, shalzee.

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My hypothesis: excess insulin (hyperinsulinemia) plays a major role in MS, as developed in my initial post: http://www.thisisms.com/forum/general-discussion-f1/topic1878.html "Insulin – Could This Be the Key?"

Thanks, folks.

Sorry you have to join us here, but you can find a lot of great infomation on these pages. I understand that your doctor recommended Rebif but I would take some time and do your own research to decide which med your want to take. Once you have looked at the options than go and have the discussion with your doctor.

I am on Copaxone, vitiman d, and a dairy free diet. Doing great 8 years after dx.

You do not have to be in a hurry about choosing drugs. Some people treat the disease with diet and there is evidence the drugs do more harm than good. Posting two videos to explain this. Get all the information you can so you can make an intelligent decision because what you choose will effect the rest of your life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGmyUppmt-g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJyQTTZr ... _embedded#!

Thanks for the info, folks. I've been doing a lot of research-- my doc suggested it anyway-- on the meds and still making a decision. I'm on vitamin D and a B complex right now, and just had a 3-day stint of IV steroids to help with my current exacerbation. Hopefully that will help, and I'll find the right treatment path for me. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!