Could It Be?.... - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

sad jane · 07-14-2004, 01:52 PM

I recently posted a similar thread on a different forum but am still uncertain... any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Lately I've been having this problem. It all started last month when I noticed that if I press on a specific spot on my left foot I get a tingly "pins and needles" sensation that runs up the length of the side of my foot. I think this could be caused by some kind of bruising it but I don't see any bruises on the outside, or remember hitting it on anything!?

My aunt suffers from MS and because MS has a hereditary factor it has always terrified me. I know that numbness or "pins and needles" sensations are signs of MS. But do they occur in the way i've described?

I find myself obsessing about every possible MS symptom that I may have... like how my hands and feet go tingly so easily, clouded thinking, poor memory and urinary problems... If I look at each symptom independently they can be rationalized... For instance the tinglyness could be caused by poor circuation or anxiety; clouded thinking and poor memory could be caused by my anxiety; and I've always had urinary problems, even as a kid. But I don't remember ever hurting my foot?!? Then I had this dream last night that I went to the doctor and sure enough it was true, I had MS. To make matters horribly worse, I was watching Crossing Over with John Edwards and this person was talking about how they had this dream that the had a thyroid disorder so on a whim they went and got it checked out. Sure enough, they did have a thyroid disorder. They went on to talk about how dreams are really our subconscious telling us things we need to know about ourselves. Now I am totally FREAKED! Could all of this really be a coincidence? I find myself seeing signs and symptoms at every corner. It's driving me crazy. Maybe i just have a hyperactive imagination, or some kind of obsessive disorder.

God, I have gained so much compassion for people who live with undiagnosed disorders.... Please any experiences, reasurrances or advice would be greatly appreciated (especially concerning whether or not the foot thing is a MS symptom)

Jewel2 · 07-14-2004, 05:29 PM

Hi Jane,
Welcome. I'm sorry you are stressing about this. From what I read in your post, I don't think you need to worry about MS. There are lots and lots of simple things that could be causing your symptoms, including stress like you said. If they are causing you discomfort, then I would get them checked out, but it sounds like you might be obsessing a bit. Perhaps you should take a step back and do something to get your mind off of your body for awhile and see if things get into balance.

By the way, MS is not hereditary, but there can be a genetic predisposition. Really, I wouldn't worry about MS unless you have a lot more presenting symptoms than a tingling foot.

Best wishes!

Julie

sad jane · 07-15-2004, 01:25 PM

thanks so much for your reply... i'll try to relax now!

imsunshine66 · 07-16-2004, 09:33 AM

HI Jane,

I wouldn't obsess over the possibility of having MS. It doesn't sound to me that pressing on your foot and getting pins and needles is cause for alarm.

If you would be diagnosed with MS; its not the worst thing in the world; a positive attitude will take you far in life and stressing over it would be a trigger for exacerbations. I was diagnosed with MS in 1999; had my first symptom in 1989. I have learned that stress is the biggest trigger for my MS than anything else. I would suggest that if you are that concerned about having MS to see a doctor and be evaluated. It would be much easier to live with having MS than trying to live worrying if you have it. Don't be so hard on yourself. Life is too short!!! As Ghandi said, "Live everyday as though it will be your last and learn everyday as though you will live forever." Good luck and keep me posted!!!