This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

I'll try and be brief as possible

1. New member
2. Male-late fifties
3. Major back surgery due to spinal stenosis (2013)
4. Diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis

I've been seeing a rheumatologist for about a year and taking typical psoriatic arthritis medications. Within the last 3-4 months different symptoms have reared their ugly head. I'll list all of them so you can offer an opinion. My doctor hasn't been paying much attention since he's retiring in about 2 weeks.

1. Joint and muscle pain
2. Joint swelling, muscle weakness
3. Excessive sweating. Happens 3-4 times a week at no particular hour.
4. Dry mouth and eyes.
5. Difficulty swallowing. This just started.
6. Hand shakes when trying to point at something or when I write
7. Cramps in places that I didn't know existed as well as major muscles.
8. Extreme fatigue
9. Sleeplessness
10. Muscle jerks or contractions when trying to go to sleep. Some are violent.
11. Can't get the words out. I know what I qant to say but sometimes it takes much effort.
12. Numbness in my left thigh (primarily). Happens 1-2 times a week. Almost all while standing.

The pain is always present as is the swelling. Pain in both muscles and joints. Get headaches almost daily. I am seeing a pain clinic and am having to take two different prescriptions. The pain is still there just dulled somewhat. Oddly the pain medication does nothing for the headaches.

The last 3 years have been pure hell and I'm starting to panic a bit.

Is it possible I have MS? Is that possible with the psoriatic arthritis? Surely I don't have two autoimmune issues.

I'd appreciate comments no matter what they are. Good, bad or otherwise.

Hi,

What you have described could have many causes but it seems very unfair if you haven;t been checked for infections such as Bartonella, Mycoplasma or Rickettsia.

It could be something else but they should be checking for signs of inflammation in your blood and asking questions about infection. The sweats and joint swelling should be leading them to look for infection first and then nutritional deficiencies. Giving you something to mask the pain is not a satisfactory solution, The usual approach is to do a bunch of poorly targeted tests and tell you that nothing more can be done. You might have to thump the table or try other doctors.

Regards

Welcome to TIMS. Sorry to hear you are not feeling well.

it possible I have MS?

Yes. But keep in mind there are about 400 illnesses that mimic the symptoms of MS.


What kind of diet do you follow? Are you following a gluten free regemine? Do you take supplements, if so, what? Do you exercise daily? Are you overweight? How much sleep do you get each night? Do you smoke or drink alcoholic beverages? Have you had blood work done, both general and specifically vitamin D and B levels? I will share my thoughts once you respond.