Missjen
07-25-2004, 03:33 AM
I know something isn't right but every thing is very vague - most of it is explainable as well, but the combination of symptoms have me concerned.
Tremor
Lightheadedness
Exhaustion
Numb sensation
Shortness of breath
and errr constipation
For the last few years, off and on I had a slight hand tremor. It would come and gousually lasted a few hours. Hasn't happened in a while. If this were MS, would the tremor have continued or become worse?
Towards the end of last year and through the spring I would get EXTREMELY light headed when I'd stand up or move /turn too quickly - more than just a head rush. I was short of breath. SO SO tired. Something wasn't right. Was also so tired - as in I need to sit down at times because I feel so fatigued. Haven't had a good run in a while - just no energy.
Had blood tests - would anything relating to MS show up on a standard blood test? Turns out I was anemic hgb 10.5. Was having stomach problems so they did an endoscopy and colonoscopy. Nothing showed up.
My right hand has been having an odd sensation for the last 3 months. Like the numb feeling if you slap something with your hand - that residual feeling for a few minutes after. No pain. No prickles. Just kind of like the outer layer of skin has lost sensation. I had 3 shoulder surgeries in the last 2 years (the last one a year ago). I put that down to nerve damage. Just yesterday, about a 3" section around my elbow went numb. As in I can't tell if it is resting on something. Very odd. I doubt this would be from the shouulder surgery.
I often feel as if I have to work at breathing - again - this could be the anemia...
Is constipation something that happens later in MS of is it an initial symptom?
Advice appreciated. What were some of your initial symptoms?
Tremor
Lightheadedness
Exhaustion
Numb sensation
Shortness of breath
and errr constipation
For the last few years, off and on I had a slight hand tremor. It would come and gousually lasted a few hours. Hasn't happened in a while. If this were MS, would the tremor have continued or become worse?
Towards the end of last year and through the spring I would get EXTREMELY light headed when I'd stand up or move /turn too quickly - more than just a head rush. I was short of breath. SO SO tired. Something wasn't right. Was also so tired - as in I need to sit down at times because I feel so fatigued. Haven't had a good run in a while - just no energy.
Had blood tests - would anything relating to MS show up on a standard blood test? Turns out I was anemic hgb 10.5. Was having stomach problems so they did an endoscopy and colonoscopy. Nothing showed up.
My right hand has been having an odd sensation for the last 3 months. Like the numb feeling if you slap something with your hand - that residual feeling for a few minutes after. No pain. No prickles. Just kind of like the outer layer of skin has lost sensation. I had 3 shoulder surgeries in the last 2 years (the last one a year ago). I put that down to nerve damage. Just yesterday, about a 3" section around my elbow went numb. As in I can't tell if it is resting on something. Very odd. I doubt this would be from the shouulder surgery.
I often feel as if I have to work at breathing - again - this could be the anemia...
Is constipation something that happens later in MS of is it an initial symptom?
Advice appreciated. What were some of your initial symptoms?
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Jewel2
07-26-2004, 02:07 PM
Hi Missjen,
I would say that there are a lot of disorders that could cause your symptoms. I think you should find a good doctor (perhaps an internist) and methodically test and rule out various things. He/she may want to order an MRI to look for lesions. There are a few disorders that can cause them as well.
To answer your question, no, there really isn't a blood test for MS. But blood tests can be used to look for things such as a vitamin B deficiency, thyroid problems and Lyme's disease. Any of those could be contributing to your symptoms.
I wouldn't ignore your symptoms. It will take persistence and a good doctor to figure out what's going on so hang in there.
Regards,
Julie
I would say that there are a lot of disorders that could cause your symptoms. I think you should find a good doctor (perhaps an internist) and methodically test and rule out various things. He/she may want to order an MRI to look for lesions. There are a few disorders that can cause them as well.
To answer your question, no, there really isn't a blood test for MS. But blood tests can be used to look for things such as a vitamin B deficiency, thyroid problems and Lyme's disease. Any of those could be contributing to your symptoms.
I wouldn't ignore your symptoms. It will take persistence and a good doctor to figure out what's going on so hang in there.
Regards,
Julie