May76
03-02-2008, 06:17 PM
I keep reading that MS symptoms are typically on one side of the body at a time. My symptoms occur on both sides of the body throughout the day. So, for example - at 1:00 I might have pain in my left foot. At 2:00 it might be in my right foot or right calf. Is that what they mean by one side at a time? Or do they usually mean the symptoms are on one side of the body for the duration of the flare (or for several days). Not sure if this make sense.....
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MSJayhawk
03-02-2008, 06:52 PM
The first thing to note about MS is that it is not typical. The symptoms will often hit one area or side depending upon the location of the lesion within the body. I often have both sides or one side. Whatever is the case, if you have not seen a neurologist, with the symptoms you are having, you should see a neurologist. I do not know your physical condition, but you should also see your regular doctor to see if it is a heart problem. Heart attacks in women are much more subtle than in men. You might also get screened for circulatory problems. Your doctor can then refer you to a neuro. If your doctor can eliminate many of the "what if" thoughts, the neuro will have a better idea as to a diagnosis.
Long-winded, but, yes, you can have symptoms present on both sides or one and then the other depending on the location and extent of lesions. An hour apart could mean something different, but if you journal your pain locations and times, your neuro or doctor will have a less difficult time arriving at a diagnosis or pin-pointing the problem.
Long-winded, but, yes, you can have symptoms present on both sides or one and then the other depending on the location and extent of lesions. An hour apart could mean something different, but if you journal your pain locations and times, your neuro or doctor will have a less difficult time arriving at a diagnosis or pin-pointing the problem.
May76
03-02-2008, 07:00 PM
Thanks for the response. I've been shuffled all around and am waiting to see a neurologist. Long story short - I had some tingling in hands/feet after an upsetting situation. GP did an MRI of cervical spine and found herniation, bulge, and stenosis. She sent me to a NS who said it wasn't that bad and had me tested for Chiari - he also wanted to rule out MS. The report came back and said "a few white matter changes filling none of the McDonald criteria."
The NS was very abrupt and rude and wasn't even going to go over the results. He just said - "you need a neurologist." Then he said he thought MS was a possibility based on the info., but when I pressed he said he didn't think the changes looked like MS. I'm so confused and tired of being shuffled around. I know it will be months before I get into a neurologist.
Cervical spine stretches helps much of my back pain - so I think that could be the disk. But I also have stabbing pains in other parts of the body (more of an annoyance than pain). I guess that wasn't so short after all :)
The NS was very abrupt and rude and wasn't even going to go over the results. He just said - "you need a neurologist." Then he said he thought MS was a possibility based on the info., but when I pressed he said he didn't think the changes looked like MS. I'm so confused and tired of being shuffled around. I know it will be months before I get into a neurologist.
Cervical spine stretches helps much of my back pain - so I think that could be the disk. But I also have stabbing pains in other parts of the body (more of an annoyance than pain). I guess that wasn't so short after all :)
MSNik
03-02-2008, 07:20 PM
Hi May. Are you aware of what the McDonald criteria is? Thats the criteria used to diagnos MS...if the report said that it didnt meet the criteria, chances are you dont have MS...however, that sort of stuff can change week to week...more lesions can show up as they grow big enough to pick up on an MRI.
I will also tell you that my original symtom was tingling and burning in my fingers....thats what sent me to a doctor, and shortly afterwards, an MS dx; however, I have over 50 lesions on my brain! Not too hard to dx.....
But, in my spinal MRI, they found stenosis, buldging discs and other problems in my C spine...they DO think that this causes most of my finger problems. Ive had PT and other types of therapy, even accupuncture- nothing in over a year has helped..I am now thinking of trying coritsone shots in my muscles between my discs. Spinal problems can defintealy cause tingling and numbness in extremeties.
Whatever it is, see the Neuro and get some more info...do not panic. Its not life threatening.
Nikki
I will also tell you that my original symtom was tingling and burning in my fingers....thats what sent me to a doctor, and shortly afterwards, an MS dx; however, I have over 50 lesions on my brain! Not too hard to dx.....
But, in my spinal MRI, they found stenosis, buldging discs and other problems in my C spine...they DO think that this causes most of my finger problems. Ive had PT and other types of therapy, even accupuncture- nothing in over a year has helped..I am now thinking of trying coritsone shots in my muscles between my discs. Spinal problems can defintealy cause tingling and numbness in extremeties.
Whatever it is, see the Neuro and get some more info...do not panic. Its not life threatening.
Nikki
May76
03-02-2008, 07:49 PM
Oops -accidentally hit "quote reply" and it saved.
May76
03-02-2008, 07:51 PM
Thanks Nikki! I really appreciate your help (you responded to me before). I was really surprised that the NS seemed so bent on MS considering the report (he looked at my 312 pics from the MRI in less than a minute). None of them were active (at least they didn't have abnormal enhancement). I'm assuming they'd be active if they were causing problems?
Anyway - I was just wondering if your tingling was in both hands or just one? My NS said the disk could explain my pain in my left shoulder, but nothing on the right side. He was really very curt to be honest and seemed to want me out of his office (said he wasn't the one I should be seeing). Ugh - so frustrating. Anyway - thanks again.
Anyway - I was just wondering if your tingling was in both hands or just one? My NS said the disk could explain my pain in my left shoulder, but nothing on the right side. He was really very curt to be honest and seemed to want me out of his office (said he wasn't the one I should be seeing). Ugh - so frustrating. Anyway - thanks again.
MSNik
03-02-2008, 08:37 PM
Hi May. My pain is all on my left side...my left fingers and hand tingle and burn all the time...its really bad, and has messed up my typing skills as well as my ability to drive a stick shift. I dont trust the steering wheel in my left hand, alone.
I am starting to have some tingling, burning in my RIGHT foot....and talked to my Neuro about this just last week- there was NOTHING new on my MRI in either my brain or my spine....all very strange. He thinks its related to my spinal cord, but is more arthritic related, defintaely not MS....weird, Im only 41, and in the best shape of my life!
Hope you feel better soon...let us know what you find out.
Nikki
I am starting to have some tingling, burning in my RIGHT foot....and talked to my Neuro about this just last week- there was NOTHING new on my MRI in either my brain or my spine....all very strange. He thinks its related to my spinal cord, but is more arthritic related, defintaely not MS....weird, Im only 41, and in the best shape of my life!
Hope you feel better soon...let us know what you find out.
Nikki
May76
03-02-2008, 08:44 PM
Thanks so much - you have been so kind! I hope the burning goes away for you soon.
MSNik
03-02-2008, 08:49 PM
Youre welcome and me too- I wish it would go away, but honestly, its been over a year, almost 1.5 years at this time, its never stopped. I dont expect it will, neither does my Neuro or MS Specialist..
Ive tried Lyrica, Neurontin and other nerve pain drugs- nothign has worked...the nerves are completely ruined in my left hand..not sure what is left to try!
But I hope you figure this out before your damage becomes permenant.
Nikki
Ive tried Lyrica, Neurontin and other nerve pain drugs- nothign has worked...the nerves are completely ruined in my left hand..not sure what is left to try!
But I hope you figure this out before your damage becomes permenant.
Nikki
May76
03-02-2008, 08:56 PM
Thanks, me too! I have a history of early onset arthritis and fibromyalgia in my family so I'm hoping they explore that too. I know fibromyalgia is controversial....
You never know what great new medicine they will come out with next! From what I've read, it sounds like they are getting close to cures for lots of things.
You never know what great new medicine they will come out with next! From what I've read, it sounds like they are getting close to cures for lots of things.
TXChica70
03-03-2008, 05:41 PM
My initial symptoms that lead to my dx were on both sides. Numbness and weakness on the left and cold patches on the right. Will say that the majority of my symptoms are on the left side but I think that's just because of the location of the lesion and/or lesions.