Another new Diagnosis and introduction
Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 6:55 pm
Hi everyone,
Add me to the list of new MS folks. Been lurking for a while and wanted to introduce myself and especially thank the moderators for this wonderful site.
I got the official diagnosis one month ago(day before my birthday...some present,huh?) Like most, my story is long and frustrating so I will try to be brief. I am a professional pianist and director of music for a school system. Have always had problems with numbness in hands or pain in wrists or arms but figured it was a trade hazzard. Had mild carpal-tunnel several times. This past year, in the middle of a demanding Christmas performance at my school, my right hand sort of "popped" and went numb. Tests showed definate carpal tunnel, but back and arm numbness caused primary to recommend MRI of back. Neuro saw something she didnt like, ordered upper spine and brain and then was informed had several lesions in both areas....very prominantly in spine. Since, symptoms have been progressing at a rapid pace. All the usual menu: weakness in legs and stumbling,total lack of movement in arms at times, random,painful "electric headaches,right eye throbbing and closing,numbness in face,etc.
Due to spinal lesions, was tested for Devics Disease but luckiy negative. Spinal tap was ok and waiting on results of evoked potential.
Found excellent MS center and noted Neuro in area who is great. Just finished my first IV of Solu-Medrol followed by prednisone taper.
Ok...where now....feel aweful...symptoms worse. I know it takes some time to see if the IV had any effect but as you all know it is still frustrating.
Going over medical history, the docs seem to agree that I actually had first attack about 20 years ago in my late twenties but never diagnosed. I just got used to numbness and weakness and assumed it was part of my work. Unfortunately, now it looks like this reared it's head when I am already in secondary stage and may have some permanent damage.
Next step is to see what meds the neuro wants to start me on.
Sorry for the length...I know you have all been there. Like all of you, sharing this with fellow travelers is a great way to also accept for yourself. Fortunately, have a fantastic fiance(only for one more week...we get married next Sunday!) who not only has stuck by me but has been there for every test and appointment. couldn't have made it this far without her.
Thanks again...I hope to chat with some of you and contribute as I can.
stevericc
Add me to the list of new MS folks. Been lurking for a while and wanted to introduce myself and especially thank the moderators for this wonderful site.
I got the official diagnosis one month ago(day before my birthday...some present,huh?) Like most, my story is long and frustrating so I will try to be brief. I am a professional pianist and director of music for a school system. Have always had problems with numbness in hands or pain in wrists or arms but figured it was a trade hazzard. Had mild carpal-tunnel several times. This past year, in the middle of a demanding Christmas performance at my school, my right hand sort of "popped" and went numb. Tests showed definate carpal tunnel, but back and arm numbness caused primary to recommend MRI of back. Neuro saw something she didnt like, ordered upper spine and brain and then was informed had several lesions in both areas....very prominantly in spine. Since, symptoms have been progressing at a rapid pace. All the usual menu: weakness in legs and stumbling,total lack of movement in arms at times, random,painful "electric headaches,right eye throbbing and closing,numbness in face,etc.
Due to spinal lesions, was tested for Devics Disease but luckiy negative. Spinal tap was ok and waiting on results of evoked potential.
Found excellent MS center and noted Neuro in area who is great. Just finished my first IV of Solu-Medrol followed by prednisone taper.
Ok...where now....feel aweful...symptoms worse. I know it takes some time to see if the IV had any effect but as you all know it is still frustrating.
Going over medical history, the docs seem to agree that I actually had first attack about 20 years ago in my late twenties but never diagnosed. I just got used to numbness and weakness and assumed it was part of my work. Unfortunately, now it looks like this reared it's head when I am already in secondary stage and may have some permanent damage.
Next step is to see what meds the neuro wants to start me on.
Sorry for the length...I know you have all been there. Like all of you, sharing this with fellow travelers is a great way to also accept for yourself. Fortunately, have a fantastic fiance(only for one more week...we get married next Sunday!) who not only has stuck by me but has been there for every test and appointment. couldn't have made it this far without her.
Thanks again...I hope to chat with some of you and contribute as I can.
stevericc
