AngelOfLight82
11-01-2006, 05:20 PM
Hello Everyone,
I have been experiencing muscle twitching & jerking for awhile now. I would say the onset of the twitching started a few years ago, but wasn't really bothersome until about a year ago. My twitching has become very strong. I have also experienced slight muscle jerking in my fingers, hands, arm, foot, etc. The twitching & jerking isn't painful, but rather annoying. I can feel the muscle twitching as well as seeing it on the surface of my skin. Lately I have been experiencing muscle twitching for several minutes in one spot. I have not been diagnosed with MS, I thought I would post a comment on this board & see if any could relate to my symptoms. I have very strong reasons to believe that MS is a possibility. My mother has MS & is wheelchair bound (she's paralyzed in the right leg). Several of her uncles have/had MS (one of which lived for 20 years w/MS & died due to complications). Her sister (my aunt) has just found out she has a few lesions on her brain.
I'm a bit scared to see a doctor about my problems due to the possibility of having a disease like MS or ALS (which my twitching & jerking have pointed to). My mother was 38 years old when she was diagnosed with MS. I was 14 years old at the time. It hurt me to see my mother in so much pain & her losing her mobility. My mother being diagnosed with MS had triggered my depression. It has been a difficult battle for us all. I'm 24 years old myself & have two beautiful children & a loving husband. It scares me to think of the possibility of having MS. My children are young (3 year old daughter & 7 year old son) I would hate to see the impact of MS affecting their lives as it did mine.
I'm not only experiencing the twitching & jerking, but also dizzy spells, fatigue, headaches, some short term memory loss, stuttering or slurred speech at times, etc. I never really put all these symptoms together before, but just looking at it looks pretty scary. The other symptoms really didn't bother me so much. I just thought they were all normal things everyone has. The dizziness on the other hand started a few months ago & I have been concerned. I get really dizzy getting up from a sitting or laying down position, especially from a squatting position. I do know that this could be a symptom of something else & it needs to be addressed. I have gotten some blood work done about 6 months ago. I had a Chem. 24 done to rule out any electrolyte imbalances. The test results came back normal. I also switched my anti-depressant meds to rule out that possibility. No luck with that either. I would love to see a neurologist to finally putting a name to these symptoms & to take care of them. Unfortunately, I'm with out insurance and right now all I can do is wonder. It's killing me too! I stayed up late last night because my left knee cap kept twitching. If anyone of you can relate to my story, please post. I look forward to hearing form you. Thanks! ;)
XOXO
I have been experiencing muscle twitching & jerking for awhile now. I would say the onset of the twitching started a few years ago, but wasn't really bothersome until about a year ago. My twitching has become very strong. I have also experienced slight muscle jerking in my fingers, hands, arm, foot, etc. The twitching & jerking isn't painful, but rather annoying. I can feel the muscle twitching as well as seeing it on the surface of my skin. Lately I have been experiencing muscle twitching for several minutes in one spot. I have not been diagnosed with MS, I thought I would post a comment on this board & see if any could relate to my symptoms. I have very strong reasons to believe that MS is a possibility. My mother has MS & is wheelchair bound (she's paralyzed in the right leg). Several of her uncles have/had MS (one of which lived for 20 years w/MS & died due to complications). Her sister (my aunt) has just found out she has a few lesions on her brain.
I'm a bit scared to see a doctor about my problems due to the possibility of having a disease like MS or ALS (which my twitching & jerking have pointed to). My mother was 38 years old when she was diagnosed with MS. I was 14 years old at the time. It hurt me to see my mother in so much pain & her losing her mobility. My mother being diagnosed with MS had triggered my depression. It has been a difficult battle for us all. I'm 24 years old myself & have two beautiful children & a loving husband. It scares me to think of the possibility of having MS. My children are young (3 year old daughter & 7 year old son) I would hate to see the impact of MS affecting their lives as it did mine.
I'm not only experiencing the twitching & jerking, but also dizzy spells, fatigue, headaches, some short term memory loss, stuttering or slurred speech at times, etc. I never really put all these symptoms together before, but just looking at it looks pretty scary. The other symptoms really didn't bother me so much. I just thought they were all normal things everyone has. The dizziness on the other hand started a few months ago & I have been concerned. I get really dizzy getting up from a sitting or laying down position, especially from a squatting position. I do know that this could be a symptom of something else & it needs to be addressed. I have gotten some blood work done about 6 months ago. I had a Chem. 24 done to rule out any electrolyte imbalances. The test results came back normal. I also switched my anti-depressant meds to rule out that possibility. No luck with that either. I would love to see a neurologist to finally putting a name to these symptoms & to take care of them. Unfortunately, I'm with out insurance and right now all I can do is wonder. It's killing me too! I stayed up late last night because my left knee cap kept twitching. If anyone of you can relate to my story, please post. I look forward to hearing form you. Thanks! ;)
XOXO
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MSNik
11-02-2006, 10:12 AM
Hi Angel. First you should know, there is a less than 3% of a chance of genetically getting MS. The fact that people have it in your family, doesnt necessary mean you have it, or that you will get it, or that you will pass it onto your children.
Your symtoms do sound much like MS symtoms, but again, lots of things mimic MS! Having your mother around you with such depression cannot be easy. As those of us know with MS, depression is something we battle at times, and its really up to US to keep a handle on it. You said you have 2 lovely kids and a loving husband, THEN YOU HAVE NOTHING TO BE DEPRESSED ABOUT! I was told in the last 2 months that I cannot ever get pregnant (they think my MS is progressive) and I have only been married for 2 short years and my husband isnt handling my new diagnosis too well...talk about being depressed.
Anyway, about your symptoms, yes, they could be MS related, and Yes, I can identify with the muscle spasms..usually I get mine in my legs too, and the back of my butt...I can feel it quivering under the skin, and no one can see it, but it is MORE annoying than painful....you say you dont have medical insurance. You cant get it? Your husband's job wont provide it? Truthfully, if this is MS, you are going to need it.....can you get state or federal aid ? I dont know your financial info, and dont want to know...but YOU already know, you need to have tests done to find out what this is...
lets just say it is MS. Did you know my Rebif costs 16,000$ a year? My insurance pays for all but $150. a month...thats my deductible. Copaxone is slightly less expensive, but its not that much less...You have to start looking into this now...because if you do get the DX, it will be a pre-existing condition, and then you might be in for problems with future insurance. If you have the disease when you have insurance, and get dx while you have insurance, they have to cover it..
MRIs, LP's ,even Vision tests, can all be very expensive, however there is absolutely NO way to rule out Lyme without a lumbar puncture, or other viruses, you have to have vision tests to diagnos MS and MRIs of course are the starting point....
Not telling you it is hopeless, because it isnt....even if you have MS, it wont necessarily be as bad as your moms...I dont know how long she has been diagnosed, but some of the newer drugs have only been around for 7 years...I hope that she has a good Neuro who is trying them on her...You too, will benefit from knowing sooner, rather than later...most of us live perfectly normal lives. I try to- but my dx is very new. Im still learning.
Take good care of yourself, sleep , eat right, and love those kids!! And, go to a clinic, an ER, anywhere you can start getting some help. Most hostpitals will help you with applying for aid, if you qualify...
let us know how you are . We are all here for you.
Nikki
Your symtoms do sound much like MS symtoms, but again, lots of things mimic MS! Having your mother around you with such depression cannot be easy. As those of us know with MS, depression is something we battle at times, and its really up to US to keep a handle on it. You said you have 2 lovely kids and a loving husband, THEN YOU HAVE NOTHING TO BE DEPRESSED ABOUT! I was told in the last 2 months that I cannot ever get pregnant (they think my MS is progressive) and I have only been married for 2 short years and my husband isnt handling my new diagnosis too well...talk about being depressed.
Anyway, about your symptoms, yes, they could be MS related, and Yes, I can identify with the muscle spasms..usually I get mine in my legs too, and the back of my butt...I can feel it quivering under the skin, and no one can see it, but it is MORE annoying than painful....you say you dont have medical insurance. You cant get it? Your husband's job wont provide it? Truthfully, if this is MS, you are going to need it.....can you get state or federal aid ? I dont know your financial info, and dont want to know...but YOU already know, you need to have tests done to find out what this is...
lets just say it is MS. Did you know my Rebif costs 16,000$ a year? My insurance pays for all but $150. a month...thats my deductible. Copaxone is slightly less expensive, but its not that much less...You have to start looking into this now...because if you do get the DX, it will be a pre-existing condition, and then you might be in for problems with future insurance. If you have the disease when you have insurance, and get dx while you have insurance, they have to cover it..
MRIs, LP's ,even Vision tests, can all be very expensive, however there is absolutely NO way to rule out Lyme without a lumbar puncture, or other viruses, you have to have vision tests to diagnos MS and MRIs of course are the starting point....
Not telling you it is hopeless, because it isnt....even if you have MS, it wont necessarily be as bad as your moms...I dont know how long she has been diagnosed, but some of the newer drugs have only been around for 7 years...I hope that she has a good Neuro who is trying them on her...You too, will benefit from knowing sooner, rather than later...most of us live perfectly normal lives. I try to- but my dx is very new. Im still learning.
Take good care of yourself, sleep , eat right, and love those kids!! And, go to a clinic, an ER, anywhere you can start getting some help. Most hostpitals will help you with applying for aid, if you qualify...
let us know how you are . We are all here for you.
Nikki
AngelOfLight82
11-02-2006, 12:49 PM
Thank you for replying to my post. I was beginning to think that no one was gonna' give me some insight. My husband & I are self-employed right now. Business isn't great right now & has affected our income. I'm actually thinking of getting a job for a few months to help with the bills, Christmas & a family reunion we have coming up in mid-Feb. in Arizona. I live in Alabama & am in the process of applying for state insurance (Medicaid). I'm really hoping I get approved. I don't think I'll be on medicaid forever, & wish I could afford to buy private insurance, but I gotta' do what I can now. I understand how expensive the medication can be. My mother was on several meds. My father has been laid off from 3 jobs in the last 4 years (talk about bad luck). My mother couldn't afford her medication during these times (which wasn't a good thing) & that’s how I learned how expensive the meds actually are.
My mother seems to be concerned about my symptoms. She recently asked if I consumed a lot of Nutra Sweet products. My mother was diagnosed when she was 38 years old & she just turned 48 this month. She has gone through so much & I'm proud of her. She also has Epilepsy as well. She was in a bad car accident when she was 29 & was diagnosed with epilepsy a few years later. I have to applaud my mother for her strength. Yes, there were times when she would get upset, mad & depressed about her MS, but in the end she has always accepted it & has show all her kids her strength & spirit to fight this disease.
I'm sorry to here about your recent diagnoses. May I ask how old you are? I am also sorry to her about not being able to have children. I guess us fertile women take for granted the gift we have. I recently got a tubal ligation (in Sept). I'm happy with the 2 & need to focus on them & our business. I have a boy & a girl & they are healthy, however my son was dx w/ mild CP mid last year. He has trouble with his coordination (walking, physical activities, writing, etc). He has improved a great deal & I am proud of him. One of the reasons I got a tubal ligation is due to a sneaky suspicion that something is wrong with me. Not that this was my sole reason I got it done, there were many reasons as to why I opted for this surgery. I do hope that you can have children someday whether it be adopting or some other form.
Once again…I appreciate your post & look forward to more. Keep me updated as well. ;)
XOXO
My mother seems to be concerned about my symptoms. She recently asked if I consumed a lot of Nutra Sweet products. My mother was diagnosed when she was 38 years old & she just turned 48 this month. She has gone through so much & I'm proud of her. She also has Epilepsy as well. She was in a bad car accident when she was 29 & was diagnosed with epilepsy a few years later. I have to applaud my mother for her strength. Yes, there were times when she would get upset, mad & depressed about her MS, but in the end she has always accepted it & has show all her kids her strength & spirit to fight this disease.
I'm sorry to here about your recent diagnoses. May I ask how old you are? I am also sorry to her about not being able to have children. I guess us fertile women take for granted the gift we have. I recently got a tubal ligation (in Sept). I'm happy with the 2 & need to focus on them & our business. I have a boy & a girl & they are healthy, however my son was dx w/ mild CP mid last year. He has trouble with his coordination (walking, physical activities, writing, etc). He has improved a great deal & I am proud of him. One of the reasons I got a tubal ligation is due to a sneaky suspicion that something is wrong with me. Not that this was my sole reason I got it done, there were many reasons as to why I opted for this surgery. I do hope that you can have children someday whether it be adopting or some other form.
Once again…I appreciate your post & look forward to more. Keep me updated as well. ;)
XOXO
MSNik
11-02-2006, 01:41 PM
HI, I dont mind you asking questions. Im actually 39. For my 40th birthday, I wanted a convertible- not MS!! But this is the hand I was dealt...today, Im feeling awful, hurting all over, getting a cold, and my muscles ache. I know all about symptoms!
Your mother sounds like a great role model....
As for the insurance thing, you sound like you have a handle on it, and kudos to you for starting a business. Not many people have the guts to try it.
My husband has 3 children from his former marriage which live with us half the week- so adoption, etc is NOT going to happen. He is dead set against it..I wanted to hav just one of our own, but now realize that isnt to be. May I ask- how bad was having the tubal? My doctor is pointing me in that direction in the spring, sooner if he thinks he can talk me into it...I am not against it..and yes, knowing there is something wrong with me, is helping to convince me its for the better...but I never wanted this decision made for me- I wanted to make it on my own. IM a fulltime student who is trying to finish my degree this semester, working round the clock and trying to deal with MS...Mid December, I graduate, if I can hang in there, I already gave my 3 weeks notice at work...and guess what? Im taking 6 weeks off for me first of the year. No school, no job, my husband is going to have to just deal this time...Ive always taken care of this extended family...no one is looking out for me, so I am going to have to do it!
Stay strong yourself..try not to worry. MS isnt a death sentence. Youll find a way to get the tests done, etc....worse comes to worse, youll go to the ER one day, and get your tests done out of necessity. Until that day comes, keep doing what you are doing. You sound strong,....dont lose that!
Hang in there.
Nikki
Your mother sounds like a great role model....
As for the insurance thing, you sound like you have a handle on it, and kudos to you for starting a business. Not many people have the guts to try it.
My husband has 3 children from his former marriage which live with us half the week- so adoption, etc is NOT going to happen. He is dead set against it..I wanted to hav just one of our own, but now realize that isnt to be. May I ask- how bad was having the tubal? My doctor is pointing me in that direction in the spring, sooner if he thinks he can talk me into it...I am not against it..and yes, knowing there is something wrong with me, is helping to convince me its for the better...but I never wanted this decision made for me- I wanted to make it on my own. IM a fulltime student who is trying to finish my degree this semester, working round the clock and trying to deal with MS...Mid December, I graduate, if I can hang in there, I already gave my 3 weeks notice at work...and guess what? Im taking 6 weeks off for me first of the year. No school, no job, my husband is going to have to just deal this time...Ive always taken care of this extended family...no one is looking out for me, so I am going to have to do it!
Stay strong yourself..try not to worry. MS isnt a death sentence. Youll find a way to get the tests done, etc....worse comes to worse, youll go to the ER one day, and get your tests done out of necessity. Until that day comes, keep doing what you are doing. You sound strong,....dont lose that!
Hang in there.
Nikki
AngelOfLight82
11-03-2006, 01:19 AM
Hey There! My tubal didn't really hurt. I had two incisions. I had one incision in my belly button & the other in my c-sect scar to help hold the uterus in place. I would have to say mild pain, but every woman is different. The doctor told me that it can take 3 days to 2 weeks to fully recover. It all depends on the women. What I really felt was when I started my period a few days after the surgery. OMG, talk about painful! The night I started my period I felt extreme pressure down there as if I was bearing down to have a child. I also passed a lot of clots. I assume that’s what the pressure was from. It hurt so badly! I called the doctor’s office first thing the next morning. The nurse said that some women have pain when their period starts after the surgery, but is nothing to worry about. She did however say if I continue clotting that I need to come in. The pain lasted about a day & slowly diminished.
Good luck with school! I'm still working on my degree. Graduating from college is something no one can take from you. I have to give you props for getting your degree. You deserve the time to yourself & relax. Women in my opinion are so overworked. Men take for granted all that we do. I really appreciate your encouraging words. I'll keep you posted on the outcome of it all. Take care!!! ;)
XOXO
Good luck with school! I'm still working on my degree. Graduating from college is something no one can take from you. I have to give you props for getting your degree. You deserve the time to yourself & relax. Women in my opinion are so overworked. Men take for granted all that we do. I really appreciate your encouraging words. I'll keep you posted on the outcome of it all. Take care!!! ;)
XOXO