If you are not a registered member of our community, please click here to register...

 Home Message Boards Health Guide Join for Free Testimonials About Us
Search
   
  


PDA

View Full Version : MRI on Friday - symptoms?


 

 

 
dwilliams112
02-22-2009, 09:38 AM
Hi! I'm new here and have been reading several of the posts. I had been sent to a cardiologist several times in 2006 for an EKG because of "chest pain" (tightening in my chest, a sort of wrapping feeling). EKG came back completely normal. It happened again, but this time, there was pain down my left arm into my fingers (none on the right). So my GP sent me to an orthopaedic surgeon. He did an MRI of my neck and found minimal degeneration and minimal narrowing of the nerve canal. He sent me to a pain doctor. She did injections. It helped a bit, but was still feeling the "wrapping" feeling around my chest. This wrapping feeling only lasted about 10-20 minutes, then would go away. Then my left foot went numb (top of my foot) and also my thigh just above the knee. The numb feeling is like being able to feel myself, but very dull, like through thick material. I went to a neurologist, who did several tests on me - an EMG and balance tests. All came back normal. He put me on Lyrica and Zanaflex. Now, I'm having this tightening in my chest (though now it is more like a wrapping, crushing feeling - like someone is pushing on it HARD) along with severe burning, searing pain down both arms and up into my head that lasts 20-45 minutes, then goes away. I don't experience it every day - I can go several weeks without a bout of it, and I can have several a day when it appears. Also, my left elbow is KILLING me every day (I can barely pick up anything - even a coffee mug)! My left leg is still numb, as well as my foot. Then I started having this ice pick pain in my toes, as well as my head. It comes and goes. Anyway, my pain doctor has again sent me to a neurologist, because "the pain is not consistent with the neck MRI results." I tend to lose my balance, and sometimes stumble now. I chalked that up to getting older, and certain pairs of shoes. Additionally, for about 10 years, I have had severe acid reflux. I am not sure, but when I described my symptoms to my sister (who has been dx'd for over a year now with MS) she said something about the "MS hug." Anyway, my new neuro asked me if I had acid reflux and several other symptoms, which I answered yes to. Then he ordered an MRI with and without contrast looking for MS and a cervical root lesion. Can you please tell me if the above sounds like symptoms of MS? These symptoms have been going on for years, and I really want to know what's wrong with me!! I have had other symptoms once or twice over the past 5 or so years, never to appear again. I am 48 years old now, and have been having these symptoms for several years now. Also have sleep issues now, like not being able to fall asleep, and when asleep, not staying asleep. Tired all the time. I would appreciate any feedback!! THANKS GUYS!:wave:

Sponsor
 



dwilliams112
02-22-2009, 09:43 AM
Also, I have sleep issues, and sometimes have tremors in my hands, worse on my right hand. O.K. I think that's about all. Brain doesn't work as well as it used to! :p I posted this before I figured out how to edit my post. Sorry guys! :)

MSNik
02-22-2009, 12:06 PM
Hi Dwilliams- unfortunately, your symtoms do sound very much like MS symtoms. I was about to suggest MS hug, when you brought it up. Its unfortunate that your sister has MS, but shes right- what you describe does sound like the hug. MS hug is a symptom, which actually isnt harming you, and comes and goes- and feels like a heart attack! It squeezes the area across your chest and then dissapates slowly. Its scary, but its not actually harming you..
The fact that your previous MRI showed nothing, doesnt mean much...having an MRI change within a week isnt uncommon...having one with contrast is important, because the contrasting agent can pick up lesions which are too small to otherwise be seen...lesions can grow quickly, thus the changes in the MRI can happen just as quick. What might not be seen in January might show up in February!
If your sister has MS, then you probably know much about the disease; its certainly not the worst thing you can have! Most of us were told we had the disease for more then 5 years when the symptoms finally presented themselves in a way that they were able to dx the disease....its going to be very important that you see a good neuro, one who is familiar with MS and other diseases so that he can rule out everything else. As you probably know, MS is dx when everything else is ruled out. Im hoping you are going to a neuro who is familiar with MS, maybe even one who treats your sister?
Keep us posted..and try to breathe thru all this, its scary- but its not the end of the world.
Good luck
Nikki

dwilliams112
02-22-2009, 03:48 PM
Nikki,

Thanks for your post/answer. I seem to have the hug more when either I am very hot, or very cold - definitely more so when I get cold. Is this "normal"?

Diane

MSNik
02-22-2009, 05:41 PM
Hi Diane. Truthfully, so many symtoms are realated to body temperature with MS...feelings of dizziness and balance can be triggered by overheating, either from a hot day to a hot shower~ but Ive never heard of the MS hug being triggered by extreme temperature changes. Its possible though...anything is possible!
If you find that temperature changes set off your symtoms, or even the hug- then track it. Try to keep a journal of what is going on with you and when it comes on...how long it lasts, and if anything helps. The doctor will want to know if you have found any patterns...
Im sorry you are feeling like this, but again, I reiterate- there are so much worse things to have to deal with...if it is MS, its manageable.
Hang in there..
Nikki

Cinta
02-24-2009, 09:12 PM
Hi, was just reading your post didn't know it was called the MS Hug but I get it quite often almost always in bed. A couple of times thought I left my bra on and had to check. In time it is manageable dx is good in a way tells you your not crazy really feel all these weird sensations.
Take care Cinta

glamour girl
02-25-2009, 03:27 AM
I get these MS Hugs all the time. Frustrating yes... Just try to relax breathe through the discomfort. They usually pass with in the minute or two.

Hey Cinta.. another Aussie. Welcome to these boards.





Site owned and operated by HealthBoards.com (TM)
Copyright and Terms of Use © 1998-2009 HealthBoards.com (TM) All rights reserved.
Do not copy or redistribute in any form!