This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Hi! I'm new here. I've been in the midst of an MS diagnosis for a while now. I originally started seeing a neurologist five years ago after some interesting episodes with vertigo. I went through bunch of tests for gait disturbance, optic nerve, hearing test, mri, etc. The MRI showed some active lesions in my cervical spine, but my brain was clean. My neurologist went out on medical leave right after that MRI and she never came back. I was shuffled to another doctor in the practice who didn't seem to take much interest in me. I sat in her office and she told me with out even looking up from her desk that this was likely a B vitamin deficiency. She wrote a script and sent me on my way with no request to follow up. She didn't even order blood work. I never scheduled a visit again, and I took my prescription B's with no results.

Flash forward to present day. Five years and two kids later, I'm having all new weird symptoms. I still get vertigo occasionally, though never as bad as that first time. I experience eye pain, chronic constipation, depression, fatigue and MAJOR brain fog. The brain fog is what brought me back to the doctor. I thought I was loosing my mind. Driving is a big trigger for my brain fog. That and heat, which also makes my fatigue unbearable.

My PCP ordered blood work for Thyroid and B Vitamin levels. Both came out normal (No surprise!). He ordered a sleep study and and MRI to see if my lesions have changed. He also threw out the word MS to me. My insurance won't cover the MRI or the sleep study. I've been battling with them for two months now.

Then, this morning, my arm went numb. It was odd. It started in my fingers. I felt like I had electricity running up and down my arm for an hour or so. Then it became pins and needles, and has remained that way for about eight hours now. I don't have any weakness or paralysis, so the ER doctor didn't seem to think this was an emergency. He's right, it's probably not. But man it was scary to be holding my four month old son and all of a sudden there is a bolt of lightning in my arm. I was scared. My doctor's office wasn't open yet. I went to the ER. Now I feel like an idiot, because they basically told me there is nothing wrong with me.

I guess that brings you up to date on my medical history. I found myself on this forum today because I can deny most of my other symptoms, but nerve problems in my arm feel very real. I'm not diagnosed with MS, but I'm looking for answers to my questions.

Thanks!

Welcome to ThisIsMS, pretzel. Although you may not have a confirmed diagnosis of MS, we are sympathetic to the symptoms you have had because most of us have a similar story to tell. Many of us had no lesions in the brain on our initial MRIs (My first three MRIs were normal; lesions were first seen on my fourth MRI.).

You have not asked specific questions, but I hope you will allow my suggestions: Your PCP is the important anchor for your medical team; I hope you have a good relationship with him. You mentioned some blood work – has the doctor ordered tests for liver function? Cortisol? A fasting insulin test it? Vitamin D3? Please request copies of your test results; start keeping your own file at home of these results.

FYI, a flareup of MS symptoms is quite common a few months after a woman has given birth. You mention having a four-month-old son.

The information on this website is a good place to start reading. My best to you.

If you do not have MS you might have mercury poisoning. You get the same sympthoms. If you have amalgam fillings, root canals, vaccinations, eat the wrong kind of fish or live in an industrialized area you could be exposed to too much mercury. Mercury can mess up the nervous system. True health comes from the food we eat. You might want to consider the Paleo diet and see if it works.

Thanks, guys! I didn't realize that mercury poisoning had the same symptoms, but it makes sense since it affect the nervous system.

As for my PCP....he's been my doc for twenty years. I've always loved him. But at my last visit he seemed a little angry with me or something. I'm worried that I pissed him off by telling him that I didn't like my neurologist. Or I might have annoyed him because I basically ignored this problem for five years. The only other thing I can think of is that he's marked me as a nutter because of my past history of depression/anxiety. Or maybe I'm just perceiving his mood wrong. He could have been having a bad day.

I haven't had tests for Liver, Insulin or Cortisol. I was tested for D3 when I was about six months pregnant with my youngest son. The ER doctor tested my electrolytes. And my PCP sent me for all of the B vitamins, plus Thyroid. He wants to do a sleep study, which I think is a little silly. I know why I wake up at night. I have a very small baby. But if that's what he thinks will be helpful, then I'm very willing to try.

I must say, that I'm a little timid when it comes to the medical community. I know I need to form a thicker skin. I'm downright terrified of my health insurance company. I'm also worried that my doctors will always think there is nothing wrong with these symptoms, and I will forever have to live this way with no answers.

My husband gets frustrated with me when I resist pushing for further testing. Reading some of the posts here is giving me the momentum to really pursue this, though. It would seem that I'm certainly not the only person who has ever been confused and lost in this situation.

Thank you!

Something about the medical world turns me into a zombie sheep, so I always bring my wife to important medical appointments, and I strongly recommend bringing a supporter/secretary/advocate (spouse, family member or very good friend) for consultations about anything chronic or life-threatening. You don't need a thicker skin -- just a partner who does!

I'm extra lucky, because my wife has done some time as a reporter. She's good at keeping them talking...

Best of luck,
Mark