I think I may have Multiple Sclerosis. It's SO hard for a DR to diagnose. Anyone w/MS - share your experience?

Question

I've asked 2 Dr's, but got no answers. They thought I may have MS when I was 27 (I'm 46 now). I've had a blind spot in 1 eye that comes & goes. Sometimes 1 of my legs just stops working & I can barely walk. I have painful muscle spasms. My leg muscles are so hard & so weak at the same time. They barely hold me up. They are also numb and wobbly. There were times I couldn't even drive because I couldn't keep my feet on the pedals. I've had bladder & bowel issues, severe fatigue, memory loss, & depression. I have numbness & tingling in my hands & fingers that gets worse when I move them. I'm very sensitive to heat. The strangest thing is that some of these symptoms come & go.

I've had 2 MRI's & I had 1 spot of scar tissue show up. They said I had to have 2 spots show before I could get a definite diagnosis of MS. I just tried to blow it off, but the symptoms are getting more severe. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

It is not strange that your symptoms come and go. There are various kinds of multiple sclerosis. With relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis some of the symptoms do come and go. With progressive MS the disease continually worsens. I have the relapsing remitting form of the disease. It took the doctors ten years to give me a diagnosis. In fact I was able to diagnose it myself by doing my own research on the disease. By the time, the doctors found the scar tissue on the MRI, I could not walk or talk. I have been in remission for three years now, but none-the-less I have trouble with my left eye (optic neuritis) as well as tingling in my arms and legs and impaired short term memory. As someone already mentioned, MS can also be detected by a spinal tap. I would suggest you find a neurologist who will perform a spinal tap. You can also contact the Multiple Sclerosis Society for a list of neurologists in your area who specialize in the detection and treatment of MS. The very best of luck to you.

Answer 2

I was told the same thing, too. I have one spot on the left side of my brain. My symptoms are bad, but no diagnosis. I am being "fitted" for a wheelchair this week, to use occasionally, on days that are really bad.

Did you get a spinal tap? I have been told that they can sometimes find enough "abnormality" in the spinal fluid to get a diagnosis. I am going for mine on January 9th, because I really just want an official diagnosis.

I am on my 5th neurologist in 30 days. Just keep changing doctors until you find one who has your best interest at heart. For me, they kept putting me off, saying it was all in my head or it was something that could not be diagnosed. I finally found a doc that really listened to my symptoms and is trying to get me an offical diagnosis.

I understand what you are going through. Just stick with it and insist that they do every test in the book to find out what is wrong. Good luck.

Answer 3

Woah....seems really complicating... well, im only 17.. and i dont really knw much abt all this... i mean..those scans are really important.. i mean this is like kinda a life and death situation here..... u have to get all the help u can..u need. A good specialist doctor or even a neurologist ..wld be great...and that wld help to sort things.. especially the symptoms...everything... Good luck....;)... i hope everthing goes really well.. be strong..

Answer 4

If your above explanation is correct:
May I suggest you one important medication, that could cure your prolonged illness..

This is done in South India....the illness is cured through herbal medical care named "Ayurvedic medicines".... But you have to be there in the hospital as per their direction for about a year...is it possible????

You may please contact by mail:
Dr. Srivalsan, MD,
Nallepilly Village,
Palakkad Dt.,
Kerala..

He is having vast natural resources in the Western Ghats. He may assist you to come out of dilemma. Long back i have seen people get admitted by carried in the stretchers and returned home walking nicely....