17 years without a real answer

[NytViolet]

I posted this on the MS General Discussion Board, but thought it would be more appropriate here:

At age 25, I had a sudden onset of severe fatigue which lasted 3 years. Gradually, it improved and my MD said I'd had an acute EBV infection and CFS. Thrilled to be in remission at age 29, I proceeded to engage in a strenuous exercise program to lose the 35 lbs I'd gained. I worked my way up to a 3 mile daily run, weightlifting and tennis on weekends. By age 31, I'd shrunk from a size 16 to a 6 (I'm 5'8") and felt / looked wonderful. Then it happened. One day I was about a mike into my run and my legs felt heavy, and I was exhausted. I assumed I must be getting the flu (it was Fall 1995). Within the next few weeks (in rapid succession) I developed the inability to fully empty my bladder -- I was at work and used to restroom as usual. Thinking my bladder was empty, I was horrified to find that my pants were soaked with urine that I'd failed to void. Around the sane time, I noticed that it was nearly impossible to reach orgasm, and if I did, it was weak and not worth the effort. A neuro appointment was arranged, and my clinical exam was normal as was a full MRI of brain and spinal cord...I was promptly placed on antidepressants. By 2000, I began having ocular migraines (prism-type blurring in one eye that would last about 30 minutes followed by a dull headache). By 2004, I was having mild trouble swallowing, and learned to eat very carefully and slowly. Because if the intense burning in my feet and muscle twitches combined with joint pains, I was referred to a rheumatologist in 2006 who said "I think you have fibromyalgia". I'm now 49 years old, struggling to work full time and my mornings are predictably awful with cognitive issues, numb hands, burning feet, and fleeting weakness/ heaviness in an arm or leg-- I am starting to wonder if the clear MRI has misled me? I'm not hoping for MS, but a dx would at least provide answers and prevent possible further damage! Please...am I the only person who's been undiagnosed for this long? I have an HMO an I only see the PA, so I worry that she'll simply order more blood work (they've taken liters of it). Advice appreciated. Blessings to you all.

[jimmylegs]

welcome - i responded on the other thread http://www.thisisms.com/forum/introduct ... ml#p226371

[NytViolet]

Thanks -- I'll look for it now