uggggggggggggh I am so frustrated!!!!!

[cindylouwho2]

I am a 47 yr old female with history of asthma and allergies. I went to my doctors last January for headaches, neck pain and because I got confused while driving and did not know where I was. I was referred to a neurologist who did a ct scan and eeg and then put me on anxiety meds. I got very dizzy and tired...so he prescribed antivert...i started dragging my right foot...went into the ER....they did an MRI which was negative and told me to stop meds. My symptoms went away gradually and I was back to normal. I figured my symptoms were from the medications. This was a period of 3-4 weeks. Two and half weeks ago I went to get my eyes check since I was having trouble focusing. New glasses ordered. My headaches were worse and dizziness came back, so I went to PCP he said was from vision change wait and see how glasses corrected. Before glasses arrived, my right foot started dragging, toes curled in and felt like leg was in muscle cramp and extreme fatigue. He sent me for CT scan(negative) and did blood work, was low on vit D. PCP prescribed antivert and muscle relaxers and Vit D. Got new glasses, prescription still makes eyes blurry. Went back to PCP he said symptoms of head and leg unrelated to each other or previous situation. Asked if I was stressed and basically said it was in my mind. At the urging of coworkers, found new PCP and was referred to ER for MRI. Had x-ray of back, blood tests, saw Neurologist and was told she would order MRI, to put my mind at ease. Was I stressed or how was my work and home life. I am happy and my life is better than it has been in many years. The only real stress is my symptoms. I am beginning to think I am crazy. Is there a test that I am missing or should I go on anxiety meds?

[Scott1]

Hi,

Many of us have had similar issues. I don't know if you have MS or not but I wouldn't be impressed with the way your symptoms have been addressed. Dump your current medical advisors and try a fresh start. Not easy I know. I've found medical practioners move in clusters. Some are very good and some are very ordinary. You may be in a referral network of mediocre "nice" people.

I had years of enquiry asking doctors why I was so tired and they told me it was my "high pressure" job. They referred me for tests at clinics who found nothing. Knowing what I know now, they weren't even looking.

Some of the doctors and neuros are well meaning but are also quite useless.

Try a GP who is known for a holistic approach. Often they have better networks of specialists. There is no guarantee they will diagnose MS but your symptoms deserve a better diagnosis than you have been given.

Regards

[cindylouwho2]

Thank you Scott for your reply. I apologize for not responding sooner. I have finally seen a new neurologist. She did a very thorough exam. I had blood work that showed inflammation (elevated crp and sed rate) and a positive ana. I have had a brain and lumbar MRI, all clear. I had more blood work done and yesterday I had a neck and spine MRI. Although I still drag my leg, it has good days and worse days. If I get overheated it is worse or tired. Recently I have had pain and weakness in my right arm and pain and numbness in my lower jaw...from ear to center of chin. It feels like after you have had dental work with a lower block, and your mouth is starting to wake up. Lip and tongue tingly and such. My mouth also pulls to one side. Twitching in my face and hand. I have an EMG scheduled of my right side and tongue. It sounds scary and painful, but I will do anything to feel myself again. The Neurologist is thinking it may be just a muscle issue and that botox will take care of it. I feel for anyone that has to go through the many tests and the waiting and length of time to narrow down what could be wrong. It just shows me how much research is still needed in understanding the human body. A nurse at the hospital told me, never give up. You know if something is wrong. Fight for your rights to get a proper diagnosis. She herself had to fight when she knew something was the matter with her. It turned out she was right...and her fighting saved her life as it was cancer. I am trying so very hard not to over think, yet be knowledgeable. Not to worry or stress, because I can not control what is happening. Being told in the beginning that this was all from stress...I am not sure how to have less with all these symptoms..lol With serious illnesses still a possibility like ALS, its makes the others a better choice. I try and focus each day on what I can do, what I can control and be thankful for what I do have. Hugs to all who are in limbo and hugs to all who deal each day with their health.