This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

A friend with ms thought I should be checked for ms because of several problems I was having and continue to have over the last five years. Problems at the time included a feeling like an elctrical shock from hip down through leg to foot, causing weakness in the leg. (only happened once) Toes of both feet have a felt numb and sometimes wake me up with pins and needles. I have frequent numbness and tingling sensation in both arms, especially when sleeping. My skin has a wierd sensation from time to time, sometimes kind of crawley, other times, don't know how to explain the feeling, but can't have air movement on skin, very annoying, not really painful, sometimes feels hot but not flushed or sweaty. Was very depressed at the time as well, a condition I had been fighting for several years. Also have developed vertigo the last 2 years, often dizzy, stumble when walking, run into walls, etc. Sometimes loose strength in legs, especially going up stairs, leg will momentarily be so weak I can't go up step without help, kind of trembles. Have even crawled up a time or two. For the past 13 years I have had problems with my legs just giving out when I am walking, have fallen several times, just walking along and the next step I take my leg just folds under me.
The problem is my age, I am 67 and many symptoms are similar to menopause so Dr does not even comment about them. Not sure if I should get more adamant about further tests or just keep on keeping on. I am planning on following diet and exercise suggestion for ms, can't hurt no matter what this is. What do you think?? I don't worry a lot about ms, will deal with whatever comes along, is there any reason I should worry about diagnosis now?. I am more worried about my eyes and md and not being able to drive any more. Anyway, is it worth checking out from what I have said here?? Doctors don't seem to think so. Many thanks to whoever reads and responds to this, Anne

Hi Anne,

So your doctor says menopause is related to walking into walls? Really?

Falling can be dangerous. Even it's not MS, you might want to know why and what can be done.
If it were me, I would follow up, but I would emphasize the balance and muscle weakness and walking into things
when talking to the doctors. Lots of people live with pain and tingling for no known reason, and with no real harm other than discomfort.

But, only you can know how you want to handle this. An MS work up would likely involve seeing an opthalmologist.

I am a generation younger than you. Glad I know what I'm facing. Happy that my doctors know about risks to
me of relapse associated with things like surgery. Very glad I understand the risks and usual symptoms of my disease rather than just
thinking I'm odd and inadequate.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

Menopause and walls, no, but they didn't give that problem any consideration at all. Will go back and push a little harder. Thanks for your post. Anne

Welcome to ThisIsMS, Anne.

I agree with CaliReader that only you should make the decision on how to handle your situation. It often takes a lot of time, tests, money, and doctors to arrive at an MS diagnosis, a disease whose cause is unknown and for which there is no effective treatment, in my opinion.

I think you will have a better outcome with diet and exercise – you are absolutely right: "can't hurt no matter what this is." My personal belief is that many of the symptoms you describe can be caused when your pancreas produces too much insulin. You will find many suggestions in the Diet forum on this website. I'm sure you are wise and will be careful about falling. We wish you all the best.