First Symptoms - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

worryworttx · 07-28-2004, 08:42 AM

If you don't mind me asking, what were everyone's first symptoms? I am going to get the courage to call the doc today and see if he will send me to a neurologist? I just can't help but to think that there is something wrong...my legs hurt so badly with the pins and needles feeling and the numbness is driving me crazy...I do have anxiety issues, but I really don't think that it contributes to the majoirity of the symptoms that I have. I did blow off my symptoms over the last couple of years due to the illness and death of my Mom. While she was alive the stress was unimaginable...and was having some very bad panic/anxiety issues with my heart. Mom passed away a year ago and now it seems that my heart (although sometimes it flutters and skips some beats) is doing better. My weakness, seeing spots, numbness in different parts of my body, dizzyness, inability to type or spell sometimes, inability to speak clearly and what not...it seems to be worse...right this instant if feels like a have a million ants crawling up my leg. I have every test imaginable from C-Scans, MRI, heart test, stress test and every blood test known to man. I do have a few real problems that I am having surgery for at the end of next month...I have a breast problem and had a lumpectomy last year and now I am going to have to have the whole duct removed which will cause deformation in the breast..although I don't care and my wonderful husband doesn't care either. But I just can't seem to get rid of the numbness and uneasy feeling...and again I am scared to ask my doctor about it, but am going to suck it up and call him later. And although I am not telling my husband anything because he is so tired of hearing anything from me...you have to understand the amount of stress we have had on us...I now that it is not as much as other people but it sure was a lot with my Mom...and we took care of her until we took her off of life support last year a day before my Dad's birthday.

O.K., I am just starting to ramble...the end of the story is yes I think that stress can cause some serious problems, yes I have dealth with those (deal with them everyday) but I just can't imagine that this is all a direct result of the same stress that I had a few years ago.

Just would like to have some input on your diagnosis...my doctor seems to be putting everything off to stress, which to some degree I accept, but my stress level has gone way down...I do have a very high stress/high profile job, but who doesn't these days...

Thanks to everyone...
Bec

Jewel2 · 07-28-2004, 08:53 AM

Hi Bec,
Just be forthright with your doctor and tell him that, yes, you are stressed, but the symptoms you have go beyond what stress might cause.

My daughter's presenting symptoms were tingling toes and leg weakness. Shortly after that she had ON and then complete paralysis.

Best wishes with the doctor visit. Please stay in touch.

Julie

RVB · 07-28-2004, 09:02 AM

Hey Bec.

I want you to know that I am by no means a doctor. However, over the past few months I've been sufforing from symptoms of MS and am currently waiting a diagnosis. During that time I've been studing MS and also studing common misdiagnosis of MS. If you say you've gone through the MRI's and everything else is clear. To me it sounds like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Maybe this is something to look into.

Just trying to help
Rich

sunshine149 · 07-28-2004, 10:14 AM

My first MS symptoms were loss of vision in one eye, numbness and weakness in my legs, numbness on one side of my face and tongue and extreme fatigue. My initial MRI scan showed nothing and I didn't have a definitive MS diagnosis for 2 years.

It sounds as if you have had a lot of stress recently. My mother was very ill for an extended period of time so I can relate. I think you do need to keep advocating for yourself with your doctor and absolutely as to see a neurologist. Also consider medication to treat your anxiety. I am taking an SSRI drug for anxiety and depression and it has absolutely saved my life.

Best of luck, I mean that!

worryworttx · 07-28-2004, 02:24 PM

Thank you all for your responses...I do have serious vision problems as well, and I do take medication for my anxiety. I really don't think that is what the problem is...

How were you finally diagnosed?
Bec