This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Hi, everyone. I'm new here. I have been having issues/symptoms for about a year and don't know what to do.

My symptoms started as having pins and needles all over my body. That went away and then started having burning in the feet. The burning just started while I was running. Then it lead to going up my legs and arms. I went to see a neurologist. He did the regular neurological exam and said I just have small nerve fiber neuropathy. My symptoms are being controlled by neurontin.

I went back to the neurologist a few weeks ago because my symptoms got worse. Just seemed like my meds weren't working. I had problems grasping, pains in my hands and legs. My pains are now in my upper legs. I was extremely fatigued. Now I am feeling like I have been run over by a truck all the time. My muscles hurt constantly.

The neurologist does not think I have MS. He just prescribed stronger neurontin (300mg to 600mg). I am frustrated because I just feel like he's treating the symptoms but not finding out why I am having the symptoms.

I have just had a spinal MRI and blood work. All came back normal. We talked about a brain MRI. He does not feel it is necessary to do the brain MRI because he doesn't feel my symptoms are MS symptoms.

Basically, I just don't know what to do at this point. I am considering going to another doctor. Should I go to a doctor that specializes in MS?

Thanks for any advise.

Celticgal – My suggestions will sound familiar to old friends here:

Find a GP or internist, who is sympathetic and compassionate and willing to work with you in a partnership.

Request a baseline assessment, a thorough physical exam and a thorough workup of blood tests, including cortisol levels, insulin (which is different from glucose), all thyroid hormones, vitamin D levels, etc.

Start your own file at home with copies of every test result you get.

Read, read, read. Go into each doctor's appointment with a page of written questions that have come to you as you read and educate yourself on MS.

Your description of your condition COULD be MS; there are also MANY other possible reasons for your symptoms. You need a doctor who is also a good detective – there are many explanations to be ruled out first.