MS?

[rmanta]

I am new to this and just wanted to get a bit of feedback from those that have more experience with MS. I have been in and out of the ER twice in the last few days and have an MRI scheduled for tomorrow. The doctors have told me they don’t think it’s MS (but haven’t ruled it out) and have suggested things like anxiety. I’m not exactly sure what to think, so I wanted to explain my symptoms and see what some of you think. Thanks.
I have had tingling in my both arms, my head, and my neck for about two years. A few months ago, I would occasionally feel lost at random times in conversation (couldn’t remember what I was talking about or I would lose really basic words). Also, I would occasionally notice my thumbs shaking while texting.
About two weeks ago, I realized that I was feeling exhausted in the afternoons. I increasingly would “lose words,” and I began to struggle with minor movements occasionally. Within a week, it felt like it was progressing more rapidly. Typing was more difficult than normal (I just didn’t feel like I had normal control over my fingers), and I was struggling somewhat with dropping things when handling them with my fingers. (major muscle movements such as lifting weights were fine). Last Saturday, I felt this coming on a lot more. Within a few hours, my right hand seized up, and I couldn’t move my fingers for about five minutes. For the next half-hour, I could not stretch them out without having a tightening/awkward sensation in my forearm. Over the next 24 hours, I continued to have waves of this. Within another 24 hours, I was having muscle numbness in my face, strong headaches, and tingling in my legs (I think this may have been related to anxiety after I the experience with my hand as, once I focused on trying to be positive, the numbness went away).
Eventually, the waves stopped. I continue to feel weird in my hands…occasionally tingling thorugh my arms and weakness, but they have not seized on me for about three days. I have waves of extreme exhaustion/fogginess come over me (even after having a solid night sleep or full meals). I often feel off-balanced as well.
Any thoughts? Does this sound way off from MS? Thanks.

[lyndacarol]

rmanta--Your symptoms certainly could be MS… or many other conditions. My personal opinion is that "anxiety" (or "virus" also) is used too often by physicians when they really have no idea of what is going on.

My first recommendation is always that you find a compassionate doctor (GP or internist) whom you trust and can work with. Start with a thorough baseline examination, blood tests that include establishing levels of cortisol, thyroid hormones, insulin as well as glucose, vitamin D, etc. Ask for your own copies of all test results and keep your own file at home.

And start reading – postings on this website, books recommended in the Reading Nook, MS articles, anything you can get your hands on.

Welcome to our community; we invite you to ask questions and contribute your ideas. All the best to you.

[Taurus]

rmanta
I also suggest that you should consult a good doc and get your baseline levels checked which also include B-12 Level. Make sure, your doc must be in knowledge of all diseases which could mimic MS including Lyme. Get a list from net and show him, if necessary. If upper limbs are issues, I suggest get your self checked for TOS also. Best Wishes for your health.