How can I tell if I have MS? I have been diagnosed with Fibro, but I think it may be MS. What do I tell Doc?

Question

I am a 43 year old woman. I have been dealing with fatigue and pain for years and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 5 years ago. I am worried it may be MS because of other symptoms I have, like vision disturbances, balance problems, numbness, and stiff muscles.

I also thought prednisone would not help fibromyalgia, because fibro isn't an inflammatory disease. I was in the hospital in December, with pnemonia, and was on a HUGE dose of prednisone while in the hospital, which I tapered off over a few weeks. For about 2 months I felt better than I had for years, other than the usual recovery from Pnemonia. The main difference being much more energy and much less pain. Now the pain and fatique is coming back with a vengence. I am also getting a stiff neck and my sleep patterns are getting bad again.

I see my doctor on Monday, and I want to make sure I know what I should tell him, and whether this sounds worrisome to anyone else.

Answer 1

The other symptoms you feel: vision disturbances, balance problems, numbness and stiff muscles are all common with Fibromyalgia. Most people do think they have multiple sclerosis because the symptoms are so similar. As the other person told you if you have an MRI you will know for sure if you have MS.

The reason you felt better on predinsone is because it has an euphoric affect on the body because of its stimulating properties To the heart . Many people with Fibromyalgia do take this medicine regularly. I don't recommend it because it is hard on the body.

Anti inflammatory medications can be of help for some of the pain. Tell your doctor about all of the symptoms you are now having. Ask for an MRI. You will know for sure after that what you are dealing with.

Fibromyalgia is a terrible condition that affects over six percent of the population. I've enclosed a web site with more information about Fibromyalgia.

I also suffer from this conditions so I do understand.

if you have any further questions please let me know,
Billie77

Answer 2

Your concerns are valid. Prednisone will make most people feel better, regardless of the condition, in nearly 100% of patients. This has more to do with the other actions of prednisone, not necessarily the antiinflammatory effect.

Have you ever had an MRI? If so, and it was in the last few years, then it will definitively tell you if you have MS. MS can have several courses of symptoms. In most people, this is a lapsing and remitting course: you will have symptoms for a few weeks to a month, then they will resolve (for the most part). There are other symptoms that go with MS, too. These include ataxia (a specific symptom with walking or or other movements), other eye irregularities, and other neurologic deficits. Pain is a symptom, but not usually the most important or prominent.

You should ask your doctor. Again, your concerns are valid, and without the ability to do a physical exam over the internet, I cannot make a good guess. A simple MRI will give you the answer, a definite yes or no. Most doctors can diagnose it on physical exam. After 5 years, the symptoms would be so prominent that it should be easy to tell. At 5 years without treatment, however, many people have significant impairment (like not being able to walk, or only with a walker). That sounds like good news in your case, and makes the diagnosis of MS less likely. Best of luck.

Answer 3

I have MS ..
AN MRI preformed by a Neurologist is one step in diagnosis. You will want to request a referral to a Neurologist from your primary care doctor and let the Nero take it from there. MS is a puzzle for doctors to find . They have to find it by eliminating other things. A spinal tap can find Ms Legions in your spinal cord done under a Neurologist orders. A Neurologist or an eye doctor can locate Ms legions on your optic nerves.
To top off the puzzl there are different forms of MS , I have Relapsing remission MS only time under a neurologist care can them determine what form of MS if you have it. The steroids you mention are not protocol for MS treatments but they do help with repertory problems . Get with a Neurologist and keep us informed . Fell better and email me with any MS questions if you would like .

Answer 4

Fibromyalgia is one situation, discomfort from an unknown source. MS is any form of issues blended, all fairly problematical to be certain, so as that they positioned one huge be conscious on it to cover all of them, no count number what blend you will have of it. rapid walking to walking is likely one in each and every of the only right thank you to wrestle it.

Answer 5

You have two options: EITHER YOU TRUST YOUR DOCTOR AND ASK HIM TO EXPLAIN YOUR CONDITION TO YOU IN GREATER DETAILor ASK FOR A SECOND MEDICAL OPINION FROM A SPECIALIST. But, please don't do any self diagnosis in such serious matters. It can complicate your relationship withthe doctors and make treatments difficult and tortuous.