Dazed and confused - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

jean b · 07-19-2004, 10:13 PM

It all started back in october. My left foot went numb. Thinking not to much of it I called the knee doctor (sometimes I get fluid on the knee) That day I had my knee drained. By the next day my foot was like a brick- my right side of my tongue was numb and my bottom right side of my lip. I called the knee doctor and went to the hospital where he was- they did a cat scan and found nothing=- while waiting for the results the right side of my face went numb and my lip was drooping. I saw a great neurologist and had two mris done and a neuron test done. My test came back with a slowing of stimuli and the MRI had a possible two spots. He told me I should go for a spinal tap but I am a nervous reck! There is also no link to ms in my family. He mentioned its possibly MS and highly recommened the LP. I have a lot of numbness now in my foot/hands. Any advice?

Jewel2 · 07-19-2004, 10:23 PM

Hi Jean,
I'm sorry you are going through this. I remember quite well all of the fear and concerns we had when the doctor suspected that my daughter had MS. We were reeling from it all and had to make all kinds of decisions in the midst of it. I feel for you.

I would do the LP if I were you. They are not always conclusive, but if it does confirm your doctor's suspicion of MS, then you could get on one of the drugs that might slow the progression of it. The earlier you start the therapy the more likely it is to help.

A family history is not necessary for MS. There is a genetic predisposition to it, but it is not a hereditary disease.

Hang in there and keep doing your research. Please stay in touch.

Take care,
Julie

jean b · 07-20-2004, 07:26 PM

Julie,

Thanks so much! Did your daughter have to go for the LP? I heard so many bad things that I backed out while having the pre-op and signing all the paper work.

Jewel2 · 07-20-2004, 08:25 PM

Hi Jean,
No, my daughter didn't need one. She had 8 lesions show on her first MRI and her clinical symptoms were very obviously MS. They ran some bloodwork to rule out other things, like a vitamin B deficiency.

I hear about a lot of people who fear the worst about the LP and then report back it wasn't bad at all. My husband had one and he just had to lie still the day he had it, but he was fine except for a mild headache. Of course, there is always the exception, those who get a bad headache. Try running a search of this board with LP or Lumbar puncture and headache and I'll bet you can read about others' experiences.

Take care,
Julie

jean b · 07-21-2004, 07:12 PM

Julie,
If you don't mind me asking what were some of her symptoms? Was she young? I thought all this was just a freaky thing that would pass. Lately I feel very tired and not very motivated to do much with the numbness. I would be shopping and my foot would just go numb. I also had a problem gaining weight. ( not sure if thats associated) I used to be a go getter but something about me feels different '- i just don 't feel healthy. Thanks again for your support - your daughter is lucky to have you.