paigeH
09-21-2004, 02:48 PM
I dont even know where to start. About a year ago the left side of my body shut down for no reason. I went to many many doctors and they had no answers for me, after weeks and weeks of this one doctor told me I had a kidney infection. I was on meds and seemed to be back to "ok" within a few weeks.
over the past 2-3 months I have begun to fall apart. I have what feels to me like electric shocks in my left leg, it's so bad that my leg actually jumps when it happens. I wouldnt say its everyday, but enough to drive me up a wall. I have been suffering with severe headaches, my body gets stiff while i sleep and it takes HOURS for me to start to feel "ok" after I have woke up. sometimes (not everyday) my left arm feels numb with the electric shock feeling, but the funny thing is, I dont get the shocks, it feels like the build up to the shocks and then it doesnt happen, so thats even more annoying! Lately I am always in the bathroom, urinating has become rediculous! I constantly feel like I am about to get a UTI ( I have had so many in the last 2 yrs) but now I dont get it, it just feels like i' going to...am i making sense? Oh God...anyway
I've been VERY dizzy in the last few months and just a week ago I was sitting at my desk and my left eye went crazy on me! It was SLIGHTLY blurry, but the vision came back by the next day but..now this is going to sound odd but, it feels numb. I cant explain it any other way then, it feels numb and heavy and it wont go away. I cant cross my legs or sit in a chair for to long because my legs go numb and tingle.
I went back to the doctor and told her all of this, she told me i had an ear infection *LAUGHED AT ME* and told me I was fine, she did no testing.
I came home to call a family friend and tell her what they said, she told me, I NEED to get checked for MS, she said it has been on her mind and she was hoping the doctor would have brought it up.
Does this sound like MS? I'm 31 yrs old *cries* I dont know what to do. I'm so depressed! I just want to feel better and i never do.
Please, if anyone can point me in the right direction or has any ideas, I will be greatful! I'm sorry this is so long, but i have no where else to turn.
over the past 2-3 months I have begun to fall apart. I have what feels to me like electric shocks in my left leg, it's so bad that my leg actually jumps when it happens. I wouldnt say its everyday, but enough to drive me up a wall. I have been suffering with severe headaches, my body gets stiff while i sleep and it takes HOURS for me to start to feel "ok" after I have woke up. sometimes (not everyday) my left arm feels numb with the electric shock feeling, but the funny thing is, I dont get the shocks, it feels like the build up to the shocks and then it doesnt happen, so thats even more annoying! Lately I am always in the bathroom, urinating has become rediculous! I constantly feel like I am about to get a UTI ( I have had so many in the last 2 yrs) but now I dont get it, it just feels like i' going to...am i making sense? Oh God...anyway
I've been VERY dizzy in the last few months and just a week ago I was sitting at my desk and my left eye went crazy on me! It was SLIGHTLY blurry, but the vision came back by the next day but..now this is going to sound odd but, it feels numb. I cant explain it any other way then, it feels numb and heavy and it wont go away. I cant cross my legs or sit in a chair for to long because my legs go numb and tingle.
I went back to the doctor and told her all of this, she told me i had an ear infection *LAUGHED AT ME* and told me I was fine, she did no testing.
I came home to call a family friend and tell her what they said, she told me, I NEED to get checked for MS, she said it has been on her mind and she was hoping the doctor would have brought it up.
Does this sound like MS? I'm 31 yrs old *cries* I dont know what to do. I'm so depressed! I just want to feel better and i never do.
Please, if anyone can point me in the right direction or has any ideas, I will be greatful! I'm sorry this is so long, but i have no where else to turn.
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coffee124
09-21-2004, 02:56 PM
I dont even know where to start. About a year ago the left side of my body shut down for no reason. I went to many many doctors and they had no answers for me, after weeks and weeks of this one doctor told me I had a kidney infection. I was on meds and seemed to be back to "ok" within a few weeks.
over the past 2-3 months I have begun to fall apart. I have what feels to me like electric shocks in my left leg, it's so bad that my leg actually jumps when it happens. I wouldnt say its everyday, but enough to drive me up a wall. I have been suffering with severe headaches, my body gets stiff while i sleep and it takes HOURS for me to start to feel "ok" after I have woke up. sometimes (not everyday) my left arm feels numb with the electric shock feeling, but the funny thing is, I dont get the shocks, it feels like the build up to the shocks and then it doesnt happen, so thats even more annoying! Lately I am always in the bathroom, urinating has become rediculous! I constantly feel like I am about to get a UTI ( I have had so many in the last 2 yrs) but now I dont get it, it just feels like i' going to...am i making sense? Oh God...anyway
I've been VERY dizzy in the last few months and just a week ago I was sitting at my desk and my left eye went crazy on me! It was SLIGHTLY blurry, but the vision came back by the next day but..now this is going to sound odd but, it feels numb. I cant explain it any other way then, it feels numb and heavy and it wont go away. I cant cross my legs or sit in a chair for to long because my legs go numb and tingle.
I went back to the doctor and told her all of this, she told me i had an ear infection *LAUGHED AT ME* and told me I was fine, she did no testing.
I came home to call a family friend and tell her what they said, she told me, I NEED to get checked for MS, she said it has been on her mind and she was hoping the doctor would have brought it up.
Does this sound like MS? I'm 31 yrs old *cries* I dont know what to do. I'm so depressed! I just want to feel better and i never do.
Please, if anyone can point me in the right direction or has any ideas, I will be greatful! I'm sorry this is so long, but i have no where else to turn.
over the past 2-3 months I have begun to fall apart. I have what feels to me like electric shocks in my left leg, it's so bad that my leg actually jumps when it happens. I wouldnt say its everyday, but enough to drive me up a wall. I have been suffering with severe headaches, my body gets stiff while i sleep and it takes HOURS for me to start to feel "ok" after I have woke up. sometimes (not everyday) my left arm feels numb with the electric shock feeling, but the funny thing is, I dont get the shocks, it feels like the build up to the shocks and then it doesnt happen, so thats even more annoying! Lately I am always in the bathroom, urinating has become rediculous! I constantly feel like I am about to get a UTI ( I have had so many in the last 2 yrs) but now I dont get it, it just feels like i' going to...am i making sense? Oh God...anyway
I've been VERY dizzy in the last few months and just a week ago I was sitting at my desk and my left eye went crazy on me! It was SLIGHTLY blurry, but the vision came back by the next day but..now this is going to sound odd but, it feels numb. I cant explain it any other way then, it feels numb and heavy and it wont go away. I cant cross my legs or sit in a chair for to long because my legs go numb and tingle.
I went back to the doctor and told her all of this, she told me i had an ear infection *LAUGHED AT ME* and told me I was fine, she did no testing.
I came home to call a family friend and tell her what they said, she told me, I NEED to get checked for MS, she said it has been on her mind and she was hoping the doctor would have brought it up.
Does this sound like MS? I'm 31 yrs old *cries* I dont know what to do. I'm so depressed! I just want to feel better and i never do.
Please, if anyone can point me in the right direction or has any ideas, I will be greatful! I'm sorry this is so long, but i have no where else to turn.
coffee124
09-21-2004, 03:07 PM
I'm sorry,but you need to get another opinion.I was diagnosed with m.s.a year and a half ago.I only had one opinion from a neurologist in Morgantown W.Va. I had a numbness in my right side and they did a spinal tap on me. A few days later he calls to tell me the tests came back and they wer'e going to look at something else, i was so happy.The next day the dr. called to tell me all the tests wer'e not back and they wer'e looking at m.s. He needed to see me,I cried. He apologized to me,I have a son in 1st grade a daughter in 6th grade and one starting school in sept. I hate it alway's being so active and doing everything to being limited.I am not taking any medication,can't afford it.Have not gotten to much worse but i worry i might. I wish they would find a cure for this, Good luck, Let me know how things turn out. Vicky
paigeH
09-21-2004, 03:12 PM
Thank you so much for answering my post!! I just feel like I dont know what to do, the way my insurance works is like this. You get a doctor, that doctor stays you doctor until renewal. I JUST renewed! So i am stuck with her unless i pay out of pocket which I dont have.
She seems to be very "whocares" about what I'm saying. I feel so lost. This is so bad to say but, last night i was feeling so sick and I actually thought about taking my life. I dont think i'm strong enough to cope with this. Even if its not MS...I'm still sick everyday..I dont want to feel this way anymore.
Thanks for your post, made me feel like someone else out there knows how I feel.
She seems to be very "whocares" about what I'm saying. I feel so lost. This is so bad to say but, last night i was feeling so sick and I actually thought about taking my life. I dont think i'm strong enough to cope with this. Even if its not MS...I'm still sick everyday..I dont want to feel this way anymore.
Thanks for your post, made me feel like someone else out there knows how I feel.
baddoey
09-21-2004, 04:01 PM
call your doctor and say you want an MRI (that is the first step), your symptoms could mean many different things. sounds like you need to be a little more forceful with the Doc. With the way that the medical system is set up - you have to be your own advocate. There is a tremendous amount of information/support on these boards.
Wish u the best.
Wish u the best.
sunshine149
09-21-2004, 04:17 PM
I'm so sorry this is happening to you, this sucks. you need to be seen by a neurologist right away. i'm assuming this doctor thing, being stuck, applies to general practioners only, ask to be referred to a neurologist. it's amazing what horrible, lazy doctors there are out there. and yes, i agree with the other post, demand some other tests. i know it sounds like a lot of work, especially when you don't fell well, but don't give up trying to get these tests, from this doc or another one. call your insurance company as ask them what the steps are to see a neurologist.
Heddi
09-22-2004, 03:38 PM
I went to my primary care 3 times within 2 weeks for similar symptoms (excluding the eye) and they were diagnosing me as stressed. I too had friends who told me it sounded like MS and I didn't want to believe them but wanted an explanation. I found a neurologist and called my doctor and asked them to give me a referrel. The neurologist saw me twice (tested for other conditons) and then ordered the MRI. He called me within hours of completing the MRI and told me the news. I had several lesions on my brain and spine, and was diagnosed with MS. Perhaps you could bypass your primary care and go to a neurologist also. Don't ever give up!
"Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless in facing them. Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain, but for the heart to conquer it." Rabindranath Tagore
:wave:
"Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless in facing them. Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain, but for the heart to conquer it." Rabindranath Tagore
:wave:
Natatude
09-23-2004, 09:48 AM
ur syspmtoms sound alot like how mine started back in the mids 90's and i was x'd when i was 31 back in 2001 that i had MS ,,, u need to tell ur dr u want an MRI just to make sure,, print some of these pages out and show her,, alot of familys drs and so forth are not educated i don;t think well enough about all the diseases,, and so many are alike,, that they overlook things. if u get an MRI and she refers u to a neuro,, u can find out that way a yes or a no! good luck to u!
Natatude
09-23-2004, 09:53 AM
Coffee124 where abouts do u live??? i am about 20 minutes from morgantown wva,,,, i live in PA,,, when i was first diagnosed with MS we did not have health insurance,,, and the neuro wanted to put me on avonex,, and it was really expensive,, well he gave me info with biogeb the company that makes avonex,, and they took our income status and based it on that and i got the avonex for free all i had to do was pay for the shipping,,, they sent it with 3 months worth of meds,, and i paid 20 dollars for that. thats only 80 dollars a yr. after that we got insurance thru hubby's work, so now i pay 20 dollars a month for betaseron,, and it comes monthly. but there are places out there that help pay for ur meds, based on ur income,, and if u need help u can get it!
californiasunflower
09-24-2004, 11:39 PM
Hi! Regret that you are experiencing these symptoms without further investigation because they are not typical. I suggest you call your doc and request a referral to a neurologist, unless she is willing to order an MRI.
Can you get to an Eye doctor for an examination appointment? The reason I suggest this is that if you are experiencing symptoms of MS, it very typically begins in the eye as optic neuritis (ON). ON can cause blurred vision. You may not even be aware if it is both eyes affected or just one. Try to verify which eye or if both are having blurred vision. The Eye MD can diagnose ON or papilledema and refer you to a neurologist (and you can hopefully then bypass the other physician unwilling to go further with your complaints).
It is important if you have ON to get medical care right away from a neurologist to find the cause. You'll need a dose of IV Solumedrol followed by oral prednisone. A neurologist experienced with MS and ON knows this treatment is essentially important. It can stop the MS for some individuals of having any further symptoms of MS for years! If you need this, usually it takes about 3 days to get the dose from a nurse and the rest of doses can be done at home.
There could be other explanations for your symptoms too and a workup of blood needs to be done. You could have an autoimmune condition from diabetes, lupus, to MS.
So please be your own best advocate and respectfully call your doctor's office or find out if you can bypass her and go straight to an Ophthalmologist for an eye exam. Tell the EYE MD your symptoms. They are trained to be first in line to catch these and make neurologist referrals. So that should be good news.
Also, I understand your feeling in despair but hang in there. You will be okay and you'll get through this. There is lots of support and care for you. Consider that the doctor had an off day. Don't let her "off day" sum up your worth. She may be completely different the next time. So call her back if that is necessary and in a kind but firm manner, stand up for yourself.
Keep in touch and let us know what happens. We do care a lot!
Lots of hugs to you.
:angel: P.S. If you can, read the book, Blindsided, by Richard Cohen. If you need to borrow it or use a library please do. You'll learn a lot from his experience. Lots of good stuff in there for you to benefit from. :)
Can you get to an Eye doctor for an examination appointment? The reason I suggest this is that if you are experiencing symptoms of MS, it very typically begins in the eye as optic neuritis (ON). ON can cause blurred vision. You may not even be aware if it is both eyes affected or just one. Try to verify which eye or if both are having blurred vision. The Eye MD can diagnose ON or papilledema and refer you to a neurologist (and you can hopefully then bypass the other physician unwilling to go further with your complaints).
It is important if you have ON to get medical care right away from a neurologist to find the cause. You'll need a dose of IV Solumedrol followed by oral prednisone. A neurologist experienced with MS and ON knows this treatment is essentially important. It can stop the MS for some individuals of having any further symptoms of MS for years! If you need this, usually it takes about 3 days to get the dose from a nurse and the rest of doses can be done at home.
There could be other explanations for your symptoms too and a workup of blood needs to be done. You could have an autoimmune condition from diabetes, lupus, to MS.
So please be your own best advocate and respectfully call your doctor's office or find out if you can bypass her and go straight to an Ophthalmologist for an eye exam. Tell the EYE MD your symptoms. They are trained to be first in line to catch these and make neurologist referrals. So that should be good news.
Also, I understand your feeling in despair but hang in there. You will be okay and you'll get through this. There is lots of support and care for you. Consider that the doctor had an off day. Don't let her "off day" sum up your worth. She may be completely different the next time. So call her back if that is necessary and in a kind but firm manner, stand up for yourself.
Keep in touch and let us know what happens. We do care a lot!
Lots of hugs to you.
:angel: P.S. If you can, read the book, Blindsided, by Richard Cohen. If you need to borrow it or use a library please do. You'll learn a lot from his experience. Lots of good stuff in there for you to benefit from. :)
cosima
09-25-2004, 02:41 AM
Hang in there, honey, I know it's hard - listen to your body and take a proactive approach in coping with whatever it turns out to be. Be assertive with your doctor - you are paying for his/her service (no matter how it's paid). Research all your symptoms, keep a daily journal on any and all things that go on with your body - like the previous post said - baddoey - YOU MUST BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE!!! We're here for you. Those of us who have gone through what you are now experiencing can be such a great help to you. We've been there and we want to help you as those who were there for us. Speaking from personal experience, it took several years for a dx to finally be made, and it's funny because I ended up telling my doctor that I had MS before he could open his mouth to tell me that I had MS. I am the type of person who deals much better in researching and fighting rather than denial. I am now 47, was dx'd with MS in '88 at the age of almost 32, but my symptoms began as early as high school with my vision and then optic neuritis. My daughter just started kindergarten, and my son was only 2 when I was finally diagnosed. I am so glad that I didn't find out I had MS until then because I may have never had my kids had I found out earlier in life. The MS has remained stable; but in 1999 I was dx'd with Fibromyalgia, soon afterwards I found out I had antiphospholipidantibodies; then about a year later after seeing a dermatologist for what I thought was rosacea, my ANA came back positive when I went into a "flare" and was then dx'd with Lupus and Sjogren's. Thank God for the medicine's that are available to us (I take a whole lot of those) - and there are ways to get those meds! If I can help in any way, please don't hesitate to write me. With all these diseases, I have been through all the emotions and battles with all the symptoms - and those symptoms ARE crazy!
Take good care.
Take good care.
mousemau
09-25-2004, 04:45 AM
hi paigh...........yes i think you need to be more forcefull with you doctor you probably need an mri to diagnose if you do have ms .....
i am new to these boards too and find them very interesting.
i was diagnosed 1 year ago and at the time i felt like you but with the support of family and friends i am starting to cope a little better...
don't forget you aren't alone....
i am new to these boards too and find them very interesting.
i was diagnosed 1 year ago and at the time i felt like you but with the support of family and friends i am starting to cope a little better...
don't forget you aren't alone....
iluvsiamese
09-29-2004, 10:47 AM
Your insurance can't stop you from seeing a specialist if your doctor refers one. Tell your doctor you want a referral to a neurologist and be insistant. I hate when doctors have a know it all attitude, they aren't the ones going through the symtoms. So if you do get a referral and the neurologist gives you any sort of a definate answer (probably after an MRI) make sure you point out to your doctor, that her passe attitude, has been noted, and that in this case you were correct and perhaps she should listen to her patients better. Most doctors like yours don't like to hear things like that, but it can often help to change their attitudes!
paigeH
10-06-2004, 12:03 AM
Your insurance can't stop you from seeing a specialist if your doctor refers one. Tell your doctor you want a referral to a neurologist and be insistant. I hate when doctors have a know it all attitude, they aren't the ones going through the symtoms. So if you do get a referral and the neurologist gives you any sort of a definate answer (probably after an MRI) make sure you point out to your doctor, that her passe attitude, has been noted, and that in this case you were correct and perhaps she should listen to her patients better. Most doctors like yours don't like to hear things like that, but it can often help to change their attitudes!
I think your right! I go back to the doctor tomorrow. I have had some new things pop up that i am unsure of what is the cause. I have 2 red welts that have popped up on my chest, started a medium size and got very large very fast, no itch just slight sore feeling.
I am going to INSIST she give me a referal to get an MRI. If all else fails I will go to the ER and req. it. I am so tired and weak, I have not left my bed in 4 days, other than lots of trips to the bathroom.
I will keep you posted! Wish me luck
I think your right! I go back to the doctor tomorrow. I have had some new things pop up that i am unsure of what is the cause. I have 2 red welts that have popped up on my chest, started a medium size and got very large very fast, no itch just slight sore feeling.
I am going to INSIST she give me a referal to get an MRI. If all else fails I will go to the ER and req. it. I am so tired and weak, I have not left my bed in 4 days, other than lots of trips to the bathroom.
I will keep you posted! Wish me luck
californiasunflower
10-06-2004, 01:49 AM
Welts! That sounds like lupus. I can't recall all your symptoms--would you mind listing them or check out the lupus board. There is a list of symptoms. Lupus can affect the brain and even cause lesions.
paigeH
10-06-2004, 03:09 PM
Welts! That sounds like lupus. I can't recall all your symptoms--would you mind listing them or check out the lupus board. There is a list of symptoms. Lupus can affect the brain and even cause lesions.
My symptoms are red welts on my chest that come and go, dead arm in my left arm, tingling and numbness in my left leg, blurry vision in my left eye followed with a numb feeling, severe headaches everday/night dizziness/vertigo, frequent urination, shock like sensations in my left leg, severe leg cramps in the calf on my left leg. I think thats all of them, I maybe have left a few off ...its been a long day
My symptoms are red welts on my chest that come and go, dead arm in my left arm, tingling and numbness in my left leg, blurry vision in my left eye followed with a numb feeling, severe headaches everday/night dizziness/vertigo, frequent urination, shock like sensations in my left leg, severe leg cramps in the calf on my left leg. I think thats all of them, I maybe have left a few off ...its been a long day
Dessell
10-06-2004, 06:47 PM
Hi paige,
I agree with california,,it sounds like maybe lupus,,and I think a simple blood test can detect.Don't give up,,tomorrows a new day and it can always get better,,Wish you well:)
I agree with california,,it sounds like maybe lupus,,and I think a simple blood test can detect.Don't give up,,tomorrows a new day and it can always get better,,Wish you well:)
annamarieb
10-15-2004, 10:45 PM
Hi,
Its so hard to know the right thing to do when you feel miserable. Your PCP should send you to a Neuro for the right tests. However, if he won't do that - I think your next step might be to go to an emergency room - sometimes you can get a really good Dr. that will run all the tests you need. Don't give up!!!!
Its so hard to know the right thing to do when you feel miserable. Your PCP should send you to a Neuro for the right tests. However, if he won't do that - I think your next step might be to go to an emergency room - sometimes you can get a really good Dr. that will run all the tests you need. Don't give up!!!!
wakemom
10-17-2004, 03:27 PM
I am new here but, You really need to see a nero. call the m.s. society they help you with everything my husband left me when I was dxs. and so I lost my ins. I take avonex ( am 40 yrs old had m.s. for 16 yrs. ) I am on ssi and so I get medicare but they only pay 80% ms society helped me and now I am on a funding and get the other 20% please don't give up
wish u the best
wish u the best