This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Hey everyone, my name is Jenny, I am a 26yo female, and over the past year I have been having some strange symptoms, beginning with two episodes of temporary vision loss last year. I pretty much ignored those episodes, but over New years some very intense problems with my hands sent me running to the doctor to find out what could be wrong, given my symptoms I strongly suspected carpal tunnel syndrome, my hands were weak, numbish, shaky, twitching and painful all at the same time.

I first went to an orthopedist, who did tests, and told me that I did not have carpal tunnel syndrome. By this time I was also having symptoms in my legs, numb,twitching, weak, shaky, tripping etc. So I went to my family doctor, who recommended I see a neurologist. Went to the neuro, he scheduled tests, went back for the tests, and by this time my hands are 80 percent back to normal and my other symptoms are still there but fading. I had a brain and c spine MRI, with and without contrast, another nerve conduction test, and a VEP. The tech who did the VEP made a point to tell me the results were very abnormal, and that I probably had MS I was told to call back the next day about the MRIs. I called but all they did was schedule a follow up appt. for the doctor to discuss the results in person.

So I finally got my MRI results today, and my neuro told me that there are several bright spots on my brain, but since my symptoms are finally clearing up, he recommends taking a wait and see approach, having me come back in 6-8 months for another MRI to look at these areas again. That is, unless I have another attack in the meantime. He recommended this course of action over lumbar puncture... does this sound right? I also had a VEP which showed a delay in both eyes, but he said he would be more concerned by an asymmetrical delay. Any thoughts would be appreciated!!!

my .02 is to see another neuro for a second opinion and definitely check for lyme.

i saw three different neuro's after starting with a neuro surgeon, so i guess technically four and they all came back with the same result and thoughts on treatment.

also, check the 'natural approach' threads and think about your diet and vitamin supplements. that is a win win if your healthy or not. jimmylegs (a women!) is a guru amongst others in here for that stuff.

best of luck!

Hi Shaight,

Well, it sucks because I kind of live in the boonies and have horrible insurance, and this neuro is the only one around here, but I still might have to look into a 2nd opinion. I have been tested for Lyme already though and it was neg.

~Jenny

i'm sorry. i often forget where i live as opposed to others. i'm in the NH boonies, but close to boston.

did they do the 'western blot' lyme test? it is a very tricky disease to find and eventually diagnose. there are informative threads in here regarding lyme also.

keep pushing forward!

hi jenny if you have the resources to ask for a few blood tests, that info could be useful... is this service a feasible option for you?: http://www.lef.org/BloodTest

under the 'nutrient testing' list, #1, 9, 15 and 18 look like good things to have results for also ferritin (#18 under kidney/metabolic)

Just to add on to jimmylegs' suggestion, you can also check out directlabs.com for DIY blood tests. I can sympathize with the bad insurance.

thanks for that ikulo. wish canada had services like this :S