This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Hi from the Memphis area!

I've been having weird "episodes" since last fall (Sept 2008) detailed below that I've been told are possibly MS by two doctors (see below) and am looking for a good MS specialist in the Southeast as close to Memphis as possible, but am certainly willing to travel.

Look forward to support and friendship here. I'm not sure if this is the place to list symptoms and will move the info if need be.

I've listed "episodes" symptoms beginning with how they start and progress. Most episodes are just woozy and double vision, but some go all the way. They resolve in reverse order from how they begin. Motion induces them. Occur usually in the am. I usually go a week and half or so without them though may feel a little bit woozy with motion during the day. Then I'll have them for anywhere from 3-6 or so days in a row.

How they start and reverse:

woozy
double vision - doesn't move
double vision that floats
chills
diuretic effect (I've learned to run to the bathroom when I feel the onset!)
loss of muscle control
slurred speech

Symptoms resolve from slurred speech back to woozy. Sometimes my left leg feels like it's going to sleep. (I've had a sore, tingling spot on my upper left thigh for over 10 years and it's worse now.) I'm tired after the "spells".

I often get "brain" lapses ...will try to say or type something and get stuck, have to stop and think before I can get to what I intended.

Saw 2 ear docs who have ruled out any inner ear problem. The second ear doc said it could be MS. No vertigo drug has helped. I've tried them all.

Saw neurologist who did MRIs with and w/o contrast, Computerized Tomographic Angiography, EEG. All were fine as well as the physical exam. He said MS or basilar migraine.

Saw a holistic MD who did thyroid, b12, Lyme, heavy metals, food allergies, hormones - everything was normal except DHEA which was twice above normal (some MS pts have low DHEA, but not all from what I've read).

Anyway -wondering if anyone with MS has or knows anyone with similar manifestations. I've found online that all of the symptoms can occur with MS - even motion as a trigger.

I am so anxious to find a good MS doc or clinic to rule out MS or tell me I have it so I can know what I'm dealing with.

Thanks all,
Look forward to learning and fellowship if it turns out to be MS

hey there, sounds like the neuros have make a start on the tests, but they might not take it all the way to lumbar puncture etc if your mris were clear..
there is a new test that is supposed to be found in *all* ms patients and you could start looking for a memphis area doc that would perform that test for you. it's a sort of super-ultrasound test for an ongoing blockage in the blood flow through the brain (the condition is called chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency). cheerleader is the local TIMS champion of this approach
elevated DHEA sounds like overactivity in the adrenals but i'm not an expert.
i deal with my ms diagnosis via nutrition and i'd approach treating the adrenals in the same way. lots of approaches here to choose from.
if you want to ask the holistic doc for a few more telling tests, try getting your d3, zinc, uric acid, magnesium, and selenium tested. if you decide you are interested in that angle, there's a 'normal range' for each, and a spot within it where ms patients sit, and a different spot where 'healthy controls' sit. i can refer you to that info if it sounds like something you care to pursue.
i hope you DON'T have ms, but if it turns out you do then you've come to a very supportive community.
welcome!

Hi elaurie,

I live in Northeast Mississippi, about 90 miles from Memphis. My MS Specialist is located in Cullman, AL which is about 90 mile from me in the other direction. Not much help for you unless you would be willing to make a 3 1/2 hr drive. Although he has patients from all over the US come to Cullman.

There should be several good Neuros in Memphis, Nashville or even Little Rock.

Best of luck to you,

Cat

_________________
Holly - Shine On You Crazy Diamond - Pink Floyd

9/3/09 Stanford - Dr Dake - Stent in R-J to unblock Arachnoid Cyst in Sigmoid Sinus. Stent in narrowed L-J. Balloon in narrowing where R & L Jugulars meet.

Thank you both. Catfreak, I'm not opposed to driving to a good doc. May contact yours first tho to see if he knows of a good one close to me.

eLaurie,

I PM'ed you!

Cat

_________________
Holly - Shine On You Crazy Diamond - Pink Floyd

9/3/09 Stanford - Dr Dake - Stent in R-J to unblock Arachnoid Cyst in Sigmoid Sinus. Stent in narrowed L-J. Balloon in narrowing where R & L Jugulars meet.