mymokan
04-29-2002, 06:02 PM
I have just begun going to a doctor to try and find out what, (it anything) is wrong with me. When I told my doc. how I was feeling, he said a lot of different things could be causing my problems. One of them that he mentioned was MS. He is doing some other tests to look for things like hyopthyroidism etc. My question is: I keep hearing that a lot of different diseases can mimic MS, especially in the early stages, but so far I haven't really found many that sound like what I experience. Can you help me? Do you know other dieases that cause similar problems.
Thank you very much for any help.
Thank you very much for any help.
Sponsor
Kellie65
04-29-2002, 10:00 PM
Dear Mymokan-
Your right there is alot of diseases that mimic MS. What are your symptoms?
Kellie
Your right there is alot of diseases that mimic MS. What are your symptoms?
Kellie
mymokan
04-29-2002, 11:25 PM
Hi Kellie,
My symptoms started with tingling in my tongue. It went from there to the rest of my face, but mostly on the right side. Then my hands started tingling and also numbness, but mostly at night. Sometimes now I have it in my right arm and I have burning sensations in my legs that can be on the verge of painful. Also I get shock-like sensations in the bottom of my feet. It seems like lately I have been having to go to the bathroom a lot more, but I didn't mention that to my doctor because it really hasn't been happening very long. Not much else I can think of except I do get very tired sometimes and my legs sometimes feel very fatigued. I'm hoping these things will pass, or it's something simple. They have been happening for 6-8 months.
Any help is much appreciated, I'm very new at this.
Thank you,
Michelle
My symptoms started with tingling in my tongue. It went from there to the rest of my face, but mostly on the right side. Then my hands started tingling and also numbness, but mostly at night. Sometimes now I have it in my right arm and I have burning sensations in my legs that can be on the verge of painful. Also I get shock-like sensations in the bottom of my feet. It seems like lately I have been having to go to the bathroom a lot more, but I didn't mention that to my doctor because it really hasn't been happening very long. Not much else I can think of except I do get very tired sometimes and my legs sometimes feel very fatigued. I'm hoping these things will pass, or it's something simple. They have been happening for 6-8 months.
Any help is much appreciated, I'm very new at this.
Thank you,
Michelle
Lily Blue
05-01-2002, 10:39 AM
Those definitely sound like "MS symptoms". Thyroid can play a huge part, stress, anemia etc. It took me 11 yrs to find out that mine was MS. Hopefully you have a great Doctor who will continue to eliminate various other things to determine what it is. Luckily too, the technology of MRI has helped alot with the diagnoses process. Good Luck.
gracieathome
05-07-2002, 06:25 PM
When my symptoms started years ago they thought it was MS too. Turns out it is Fibromyalgia/MPS. Your doctor will test the heck out of you BTW this is a good thing) and find out what it is dont worry, it may take time but you will have a diagnosis, then you can start to fight whatever it is. Hang in there.
Gracie
Gracie
barbie19966
05-22-2002, 10:10 PM
mymokan..
my husbands symptoms started the exact same way..
he was upstairs one night and started down the stairs and said my name, then said, somethings wrong, my mouth is all tingly.. then it moved to his face and down his right arm and right leg..
i automatically thought it was a stroke and ran him to the ER where they did an ekg and a ct scan and sent him home.. (can you believe that).. he woke up the next morning unable to walk at all..
took him to a neurologist the next day, they admitted him for 4 days, did a bunch of tests, found a lesion on his brain stem, sent him home.. (still unable to walk).. when i asked the dr what we were to do, he said, wait it out ... come back and see me in 3 weeks... i was highly upset.. outraged that they could do that...
so.. i called johns hopkins and we started going there in december..
we have yet to get a 100% diagnosis but went for another spinal today.. the dr is sure it is but he wants to be sure he rules everything else out first..(lyme disease mimics ms too)..
my husband has had a lot of ups and downs over the last almost 6 months..
right now his entire ride side is numb and almost uncontrolable.. his speech is horrible and its really hard to understand him..
when i read your post i was like oh my goodness, that's exactly what he went through in the beginning..
just thought i'd share my story..
i wish you well.. :)
-barbie
my husbands symptoms started the exact same way..
he was upstairs one night and started down the stairs and said my name, then said, somethings wrong, my mouth is all tingly.. then it moved to his face and down his right arm and right leg..
i automatically thought it was a stroke and ran him to the ER where they did an ekg and a ct scan and sent him home.. (can you believe that).. he woke up the next morning unable to walk at all..
took him to a neurologist the next day, they admitted him for 4 days, did a bunch of tests, found a lesion on his brain stem, sent him home.. (still unable to walk).. when i asked the dr what we were to do, he said, wait it out ... come back and see me in 3 weeks... i was highly upset.. outraged that they could do that...
so.. i called johns hopkins and we started going there in december..
we have yet to get a 100% diagnosis but went for another spinal today.. the dr is sure it is but he wants to be sure he rules everything else out first..(lyme disease mimics ms too)..
my husband has had a lot of ups and downs over the last almost 6 months..
right now his entire ride side is numb and almost uncontrolable.. his speech is horrible and its really hard to understand him..
when i read your post i was like oh my goodness, that's exactly what he went through in the beginning..
just thought i'd share my story..
i wish you well.. :)
-barbie
RX4FUN
05-23-2002, 07:10 PM
This may sound weird, but have you had your B-12 levels checked? B-12 deficiency can cause similar symptoms as MS. It can cause, numbness, burning pain, weakness, dizziness, memory loss, etc... Do a search online for B-12 deficiency, you will find quite a bit of info. You can also do a search on how B-12 is linked to MS. Anyway, it's a simple blood test that should be done on all MS patients! Your count should be over 400! Most docs will tell you 200-1000, but the top nutritionist in the country say anything under 400 is the danger zone and should be treated w/ B-12 injections.
Just my thoughts! Best of luck to you.
Rx4fun
Just my thoughts! Best of luck to you.
Rx4fun
LHowells
05-26-2002, 10:54 PM
RX4FUN,
You seem quite knowledgeable about MS. Maybe you can help me. I was diagnosed with Myofacia Pain Syndrome 10 yrs ago. Then back in 1997 to present 5 separate diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. Now 3 months ago, I noticed what I call brain shocks, sparks etc. My PCP said "I could spend a million dollars on tests to tell you the brain sparks are actually temple spasms. Since then I have developed extreme muscle weakness, cramps, spasms, tremor and what I call electric shocks in different parts of my body. They sort of feel like a housefly bite???? Anyway, I found a good FMS doctor who gave me an EMG test and said I have nerve damage on my left side. He ordered a lower lumbar MRI to see if there was nerve compression in my lumbar back where I have two bulging disks. The MRI was negative for nerve compression and any lesions. But it did pick up degeneration in L4, L5 and S1. The FMS doctor then asked me to see a Neurologist. She ordered a panel of bloodwork. She said some vitamin deficiencies can cause nerve problems. She also ordered a brain MRI with contrast for MS diagnosis. My question to you is; Can a B-12 vitamin deficiency cause actual nerve damage? And if it can, can it be reversed? Any links or info you provide would greatly be appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Kim
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif
You seem quite knowledgeable about MS. Maybe you can help me. I was diagnosed with Myofacia Pain Syndrome 10 yrs ago. Then back in 1997 to present 5 separate diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. Now 3 months ago, I noticed what I call brain shocks, sparks etc. My PCP said "I could spend a million dollars on tests to tell you the brain sparks are actually temple spasms. Since then I have developed extreme muscle weakness, cramps, spasms, tremor and what I call electric shocks in different parts of my body. They sort of feel like a housefly bite???? Anyway, I found a good FMS doctor who gave me an EMG test and said I have nerve damage on my left side. He ordered a lower lumbar MRI to see if there was nerve compression in my lumbar back where I have two bulging disks. The MRI was negative for nerve compression and any lesions. But it did pick up degeneration in L4, L5 and S1. The FMS doctor then asked me to see a Neurologist. She ordered a panel of bloodwork. She said some vitamin deficiencies can cause nerve problems. She also ordered a brain MRI with contrast for MS diagnosis. My question to you is; Can a B-12 vitamin deficiency cause actual nerve damage? And if it can, can it be reversed? Any links or info you provide would greatly be appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Kim
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif
RX4FUN
05-27-2002, 01:56 PM
Kim,
I am not by any means an expert on MS, but I've done a lot of research on nerve disorders as I have one myself. There are numerous articles on B-12 deficiency and how it can cause severe nerve damage. I have a friend who was just diagnosed as B-12 deficient and she already has lost all of the feeling in her toes. She now has to go on B-12 injections. There is no guarentee that the nerves will come back, but hopefully treatment will prevent any further damage.
I would post links for you on articles, but they don't allow you to on this site. I find that very frustrating. However, all you have to do is do a search for B-12 deficiency and your search engine should bring up many articles. Google is a great search engine. That's where I get most of my research articles from.
B-12 actually helps produce the sheathing around the nerves (Myelin). This sheathing protects the nerves from damage. Vitamin deficiencies (especially B-12) inhibits the growth of this barrier and it starts to become weak. After a while, this barrier will no longer be strong enough to protect the nerves in which case, they will start to get damaged. If this is left untreated, the nerve can eventually die, or become so bad that it is unrepairable.
Thiamin (B-1) is another important vitamin for nerves. Your doctor should check these levels as well.
One more important thing. Most docs will tell you the normal range for B-12 is 200-1000. However, one of the top nutritionists in the country (Denver, CO) has other ideas! She believes that anything below 400 is a DANGER zone and you need immediate treatment. That is how my doctor in Denver treats patients. He's seen far too many people get diagnosed with Alzheimers and dimentia, when they really have a B-12 defieciency. He's also seen people respond extremely well to injections when their levels are 400 or lower. So, keep that in mind when you get your results. Ask your doc for the actual # count!!
I hope this info helps. I wish I could offer more. Remember, I'm not an expert, but I've been through enough so that I sometimes think I should be grandfathered into the proffession!! :D
Best of luck to you.
Rachel
I am not by any means an expert on MS, but I've done a lot of research on nerve disorders as I have one myself. There are numerous articles on B-12 deficiency and how it can cause severe nerve damage. I have a friend who was just diagnosed as B-12 deficient and she already has lost all of the feeling in her toes. She now has to go on B-12 injections. There is no guarentee that the nerves will come back, but hopefully treatment will prevent any further damage.
I would post links for you on articles, but they don't allow you to on this site. I find that very frustrating. However, all you have to do is do a search for B-12 deficiency and your search engine should bring up many articles. Google is a great search engine. That's where I get most of my research articles from.
B-12 actually helps produce the sheathing around the nerves (Myelin). This sheathing protects the nerves from damage. Vitamin deficiencies (especially B-12) inhibits the growth of this barrier and it starts to become weak. After a while, this barrier will no longer be strong enough to protect the nerves in which case, they will start to get damaged. If this is left untreated, the nerve can eventually die, or become so bad that it is unrepairable.
Thiamin (B-1) is another important vitamin for nerves. Your doctor should check these levels as well.
One more important thing. Most docs will tell you the normal range for B-12 is 200-1000. However, one of the top nutritionists in the country (Denver, CO) has other ideas! She believes that anything below 400 is a DANGER zone and you need immediate treatment. That is how my doctor in Denver treats patients. He's seen far too many people get diagnosed with Alzheimers and dimentia, when they really have a B-12 defieciency. He's also seen people respond extremely well to injections when their levels are 400 or lower. So, keep that in mind when you get your results. Ask your doc for the actual # count!!
I hope this info helps. I wish I could offer more. Remember, I'm not an expert, but I've been through enough so that I sometimes think I should be grandfathered into the proffession!! :D
Best of luck to you.
Rachel
LHowells
05-29-2002, 11:53 AM
Hiya Rachel, :angel:
Thanks so much for the info. I got the results back on the B-12 bloodwork and mine is 197, and like you say the normal range is <200-1100>. I haven't talked to the doctor yet but her assistant doesn't seem to be concerned that this is low. And like you say it should be 400 or higher. I read that same article thanks to you and your posting. When I get the results of the brain MRI with contract later on, I will question the Neuro as to the possibility of testing for why the B-12 is so low. Rachel, I am a robust 200 pound woman and eat a very balanced diet. So maybe there is an absorption problem. My main concern now is the MRI. I'll post what I find out about both. And again, thank you, thank you, thank you for bringing this matter to my attention.
Kim
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif
Thanks so much for the info. I got the results back on the B-12 bloodwork and mine is 197, and like you say the normal range is <200-1100>. I haven't talked to the doctor yet but her assistant doesn't seem to be concerned that this is low. And like you say it should be 400 or higher. I read that same article thanks to you and your posting. When I get the results of the brain MRI with contract later on, I will question the Neuro as to the possibility of testing for why the B-12 is so low. Rachel, I am a robust 200 pound woman and eat a very balanced diet. So maybe there is an absorption problem. My main concern now is the MRI. I'll post what I find out about both. And again, thank you, thank you, thank you for bringing this matter to my attention.
Kim
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif
RX4FUN
05-29-2002, 03:46 PM
Kim,
197??? Yikes that is SUPER low!! My freind was at 233 and the docs in Denver told her it was so low that the nerve damage she has may not even be reversible!! You DEFINITELY need treatment!! If your docs don't want to treat it, please let me know and I will get you the name of the nutritionist in Denver. They can call your docs and give 'em what for!! :D Keep me posted!
Rachel
197??? Yikes that is SUPER low!! My freind was at 233 and the docs in Denver told her it was so low that the nerve damage she has may not even be reversible!! You DEFINITELY need treatment!! If your docs don't want to treat it, please let me know and I will get you the name of the nutritionist in Denver. They can call your docs and give 'em what for!! :D Keep me posted!
Rachel
LHowells
05-29-2002, 05:07 PM
Rachel,
Wow, I will speak to her as soon as she calls and tell her what I have found out. As for the nerve damage, I thought nerve damage was not reversible???? What about the muscle weakness, spasms, tremors etc. is that part of the B-12 thing too? I know the jolts of electricity (housefly bites LOL) are from the nerve damage but it started in the left leg and is everywhere now???? I got back from picking up my MRI films and report and according to the report it's negative. But the MRI was only of the brain, not the stem and spinal column. Is it safe to say that since the brain is clear of lesions that there is no MS? I dropped off the films at the Neuro's office and told the assistant that the MRI was negative but I still wanted the Neuro to recheck it and call me. I have tons of questions for her LOL. And thanks for the offer of the Nutritionist in Denver. We might have to pull out the big guns. Talk to you soon,
Kim
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif
Wow, I will speak to her as soon as she calls and tell her what I have found out. As for the nerve damage, I thought nerve damage was not reversible???? What about the muscle weakness, spasms, tremors etc. is that part of the B-12 thing too? I know the jolts of electricity (housefly bites LOL) are from the nerve damage but it started in the left leg and is everywhere now???? I got back from picking up my MRI films and report and according to the report it's negative. But the MRI was only of the brain, not the stem and spinal column. Is it safe to say that since the brain is clear of lesions that there is no MS? I dropped off the films at the Neuro's office and told the assistant that the MRI was negative but I still wanted the Neuro to recheck it and call me. I have tons of questions for her LOL. And thanks for the offer of the Nutritionist in Denver. We might have to pull out the big guns. Talk to you soon,
Kim
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif
RX4FUN
05-30-2002, 05:04 PM
Kim,
Glad to hear your MRI was negative! That's GOOD news!! I am NOT an expert on MS, but I've personally dealt with a lot of nerve damage and nerve problems! From what I know of nerve damage and of B-12 deficiency, all of your symptoms COULD be related to that. But I'm not a doctor!! And as for nerve damage being irreversible, well...it depends on the extent. I have nerve damage in my arms from my condition, some of it was too severe and will never come back, but since my surgeries and intense rehab., I've already got some of the function back. It's all in how soon you catch it!
Keep me posted!
Rachel
Glad to hear your MRI was negative! That's GOOD news!! I am NOT an expert on MS, but I've personally dealt with a lot of nerve damage and nerve problems! From what I know of nerve damage and of B-12 deficiency, all of your symptoms COULD be related to that. But I'm not a doctor!! And as for nerve damage being irreversible, well...it depends on the extent. I have nerve damage in my arms from my condition, some of it was too severe and will never come back, but since my surgeries and intense rehab., I've already got some of the function back. It's all in how soon you catch it!
Keep me posted!
Rachel