Just looking for help....

mstxgal · Newbie Joined: Aug 21, 2008 Posts: 2

I may be posting this in the wrong place...sorry if I am.

I've recently been placed in the "you may or may not have MS" category. I was hoping that I could just post some of what I've experienced over the past month and just get some opinions. I go for a second opinion with a nuero next Friday but until then, it's killing me not knowing anything.

Here's what has been going on:

ON started on July 21st (exactly one month ago today) - it wasn't officially diagnosed until July 31st. And that's when my "MS Journey" began. MRIs were ordered.

MRI showed enhancement on T12 nerve root (spine MRI) as well as an enhancement near the occiptal horns (brain MRI).

Both of my arms (but mostly my right) have days (sometimes just one day and then it disappears) where they feel numb, tingly, etc. I thought it was carpal tunnel. Neuro says "no".

My right leg has been my main frustration. Constant feelings of my leg falling asleep or feeling wet/cold. This lasted for almost a week and then suddenly disappeared. It hasn't bothered me at all since Saturday.

My left hip/thigh today has been giving me trouble, but it just seems so random. Almost like maybe it is sciatica pain or something. And it's coming and going throughout the day. It isn't constant.

I'm really eager to see another neuro and hear what she has to say. But like I said, in the meantime, I was hoping to get some opinions about my symptoms from those who do have an official dx of MS.

Would MS symptoms come and go like that suddenly? What exactly constitutes a "flare up"? How long do they typically last? Could this be what I'm experiencing?

Terry · Family Elder Joined: Oct 27, 2007 Posts: 269

Hi Mstxgal
You are posting in the right place. Welcome.
Your symptoms sound familiar. There has been discussion here before about what constitutes a relapse. Some believe symptoms lasting longer than 4 days constitute a relapse.
I have symptoms that come and go all day long. If I had to speak of each one as they came and went, I'd be doing lots of talking.
Some symptoms come on much stronger and last longer. Sometimes new symptoms come on for me quietly.
This disease is truly different for everyone.
Others will be along to answer your questions much better than I can, but I wanted to welcome you. I hope your appointment next Friday will bring some answers.
Terry

jimmylegs · Family Elder Joined: Mar 12, 2006 Posts: 1999

only one more day to go. the symptoms do sound familiar... right down to the cold/wet leg thing. i remember that the week of dx. it's all very come and go at the start i think, (except my hand numbness is pretty constant, grr) have they said anything about doing a lumbar puncture? or O-bands? i'm only 2 and a half years in. so not an expert. but i will say that my neuro added carpal tunnel to my dx a year and a half after my ms dx. they're not mutually exclusive. did your neuro make you do that test where you press the backs of your hands together?

catfreak · Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 5:47 pm Post subject:

Mstxgal,

Welcome, I hope your appointment goes well.

I was Probable MS for 5 years before my "Official DX". My symptoms come and go but my MS is here to stay.

Good luck,

CF
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