Another newbie question - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

baplap · 02-16-2006, 06:53 PM

Actually, I have 2:
1. Did any of you get a sudden onset of symptoms, or did everything happen really gradually over time? It seems mine have progressed pretty rapidly over the course of a week - from just feeling off-kilter with a headache to now having numbness, tingling and muscle fatigue/weakness.

2. Is there any treatment that the doc can start before you are actually diagnosed that will help with the symptoms?

lilc · 02-16-2006, 07:54 PM

My sx did seem to come on suddenly, triggered by what I characterize as an emotional melt-down. One REALLY HORRIBLE night, first sx the very next day, and they got much worse over the course of a couple of weeks.
If it turns out to be MS, there isn't necessarily a "treatment" that can be started pre-dx, but there is help for some symptoms. I started neurontin after my first neuro visit, for numbness, despite my neuro's belief that I did not have MS.

lestoby · 02-16-2006, 11:23 PM

My symptoms came on suddenly - woke up in the middle of the night without any warning and started severe vomitting - long story short - discovered 2 lesions. With only 2 lesions, you cannot get dx.

20/20 hindsignt - Warning signs were severe burn in R calf for 6 months prior to attack and eye trouble for 3 years prior - I attributed these symptoms to "old age".

duttin · 02-17-2006, 04:23 AM

Baplap,

My symptoms hit me with a ton of bricks 7 years ago,they cotributed it to the stress of a back surgery.I had several symptoms including loss of vision in both eyes.Being young and frustrated I ignored the surgeons words of MS and further testing.I have numness,tingling and leg pain since 1993.16 months ago I was hit with a second severe round and the many symptoms have stated.They come and go,worse some days.My Neurologist would like to start a drug therapy,but insurance has denied.I only have 1 lesion and several dark spots suggest of old lesions.I just received EEG report used to rule out seizures it also can detect abnormal brain wave patterns due to lesions not picked up on mri's.The vision part detected abnormal areas,suggesting optical neuritis.Which still is not enough to meet the criteria of clinic diagnosis of MS.I'm waiting on the LP results.
Lestoby, I also experienced the severe burning in calfs,I contributed to the back surgery 7 years prior.
There are several meds thay can use for treating symptoms.I take zanaflex and baclofen for chronic muscle spasms,vicodin for the pain and have tried several anti-seizure meds for the nerve pain but allergic to what they had tried.
This is going to take some time to get a diagnosis,the ruling out of everything alse is a stressful process.Its frustrating,try to be patient and do lots of research.Be your own advocate.

Toni

kelpie · 02-17-2006, 09:26 AM

Hi Toni,
when will you get results from your LP? (I get mine tomorrow after a month since the test). Also are you feeling better from the side effects of the test?

If your LP is positive for MS, will that be enough to meet the criteria? You have at least one lesion (possibly more), and evidence of ON. Those 3 together would be enough for diagnosis, wouldn't they?

wishing you some answers soon!

kelpie

P.S. Baplap,

Are you familiar with the criteria doctors need to use in order to make a diagnosis of MS? I think it's called McDonald Criteria

not sure on the name though, you may want to do a search for that so you'll know what will be guiding your doctors' decisions. Also, your regular GP can order an MRI which would be good as then your neurologist would already have that available on your first visit. good luck!