Numbness etc - Fibromyalgia Message Board

Maia · 11-21-2000, 10:57 AM

I was wondering if anyone here might know the answer to my query.

I have symptoms of wandering numbness all over my body. It can last for as little as 15 mins or as long as an hour or two. It began while I was taking the SSRI celexa, and although I stopped this drug a couple of weeks ago, the symptoms remain. I also have pain in a few classic fibromyalgia places (neck, shoulder, lower back, chest) that can be quite bad or barely there.

My sister has CFS and suspected FMS.

I am seeing a doctor today and hopefully get a referral to a neurologist, but I have heard how vague Drs can be about things like this.

Does this sound like possible FMS? My fear is that it's MS.

Elaine from Kentucky · 11-21-2000, 07:43 PM

Maia, I also suffer from numbness and tingling, both in my lower and upper limbs. When mixed with the symptoms of MS, I thought perhaps it could be MS, too, since I have a sis with it, and was sent for a brain MRI. The diagnosis was that "there was nothing up there", and I was relieved. But, I know what you mean about being scared. I have no insurance and it cost me nearly $1,500.00 to find out, but worth it to me! Doc figures perhaps it might be a herniated disc, but has said nothing more than that. I know of no way to help with the numbness and tingling. Does anyone?

Maia · 11-22-2000, 02:14 PM

Hi there,

You say 'when mixed with the symptoms of MS'... what other symptoms do you have?

How long have you been having the numbness and tingling and how long does each episode last for?

Someone recently wrote to me on another list who said she has FMS and her friend has MS. She said the symptoms were really similar, but the MS comes in bursts that leave her friend temporarily incapacitated, whereas she has her FMS symptoms every single day.

As for the numbness and tingling - I have heard of good results with taking a very strong anti-oxidant (with grape seed extract). I am going to try that as soon as I can afford it. :-)

All the best,

Maia

maylon · 11-22-2000, 04:36 PM

With fibromyalgia numbness is common. When muscles spasm they sometimes press on a nerve to the extent the nerve becomes "dead". Release the associated muscle spasm/spasms and the feeling should come back.

korken · 11-22-2000, 05:03 PM

Welcome, I have numbness to varing extents daily. The good news is when I had my mamograhm and then had to go back and do it again, boy, Hallaluha! First time no pain no nothing. Well, it's good to look at the lighter and possitive side of this; when ever possible. It's like seeing a Blue moon. Take care, Kim

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