Gulf Vets diagnosed with MS - Military Health Issues Message Board

littlemacr · 01-19-2002, 09:14 PM

Redleg82nd,
I saw your post on the healthboard for MS and answered there, then decided to answer you here also. I was diagnosed with MS in Aug. 01, but the symptoms started way before that. I am currently filling out the paperwork to file a VA claim. If the symptoms of MS begin within 7 yrs of discharge, there is a presumption of service connection.
Have you been diagnosis with MS? or just curious if any have been?

Take care

redleg82nd · 01-21-2002, 09:57 AM

Thx for yuor reply. I currently having alot of problems with my legs and hips. My arms hurt when I pick up 5lbs, I have night sweets and restless legs at night. I know the symtoms of MS and CFS and FMS run so closely together and that there is no known test for any of these chronic dieases. What test did they do to you diagnose you with MS.

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littlemacr · 01-21-2002, 06:10 PM

Hi, my diagnosis was because of 2 separate exacerbations and the MRI of my head showed 8 lesions when they used contrast for the MRI. Of course the history of symptons had a hand in the diagnosis also.
Have you been seen by a neurologist? If not, you need to try and see one that specializes in MS, only because they are more knowledgable about MS. If you have an MRI have them do one of your head and spine, and have them do it with and without contrast.
It may not be MS, there are a lot of diseases that the symptoms are the very similiar. Most docs run a lot of tests to rule out other illness before they go into possible MS. Hang in there. See a neuro, and let them do the tests they need to do so they can determine what is wrong.
Rae

Beckie99 · 02-22-2002, 11:43 PM

Recent studies into MS patients show they have an early onset of viruses in the spinal column, which might be causing the night sweats and racing legs.

An Infectious Diseases doctor might be in order as well. Antibiotics can't cure the MS, but they can stop the viral effects or side-effects or the onslaught of infections you can expect from here on out.

My personal experience when I was dealing with dropping items I carried in either hand was that an MRI with contrasting dye is the only way to view the brain. Also, when my neurologist cleared me of any brain lesions, she suggested that the spine also undergo an MRI with contrasting dye.

More and more the neuros are finding that MS starts low in the spine, long before lesions appear on the brain. I chose not to pursue the spinal MRI because the contrasting dye kept me bedfast for a week. Then I was given a pneumonia vaccine and was flat on my back with a lung infection. I almost missed a month of work between the two.

My advice is to be sure you have no raging infections when you go in for an MRI -- 'cause it will really put you down.

Best of luck to you both.