possible MS? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

tiredpoet · 01-04-2007, 08:22 PM

Hi there,
I'm new, never used a message board before but I really like what I've seen here. Hoping someone can give me some info. About 2 1/2 years ago I started noticing strange things like my ability to recall simple words was either really slow or I could never find the word. I would stop talking in midsentence out of frustration. I had/have other cognitive issues. My memory is much worse than it used to be. I feel like I'm becoming stupid! I forget words, use wrong words, mispell simple words, etc. I have a masters degree in English and was at the top of my class all through school, so this is a dramatic change for me.
I've also been experiencing severe fatigue and muscle weakness. I'm a writer and now my hands get so tired after a short time I find it hard to hold the pen. My penmanship now looks like chicken scratch, and my fingers feel numb when I type. I also get a lot of tingling in my legs and feet, particularly on the right side, for seemingly no reason. I used to love working out and powerwalked every day. I have not been able to do that in a long time. Even when I feel okay, I get tired very quickly. I've also fallen down a handful of times in the last few years and I often have the "dropsies." I'm just very clumsy now. And I can no longer walk upstair--especially steep ones. I've developed this fear, as I've almost fallen or tripped many times, either from being dizzy (which happens a lot) or because I seem to have no depth perception so when I step, I miss the step completely and almost fall.
Two years ago I saw many doctors and they did a lot of blood tests, etc, but ultimately the last doc I saw flat out told me she felt I was a hypochondriac. I was humiliated to the point of tears and started to question my own sanity. So I stopped going to doctors. For a while I felt better, except for the fatigue and muscle weakness, and I started to think maybe I really was overreacting or maybe even crazy. Recently things have started to "flare up" again, so I went to a psychiatrist first, since I figured my doc would refer me for being a "hypochondriac." Well, the psych said you are not depressed or anything, and it sounds like you have the beginnings of Lou Gehrig's (sp?) or you might have MS. She is sending me for a brain MRI. I went to my primary. She had me touch my finger to her finger and then my nose and I did fine, but then she had me walk from heal to toe and I swerved like I'd been drinking. Also, I had absolutely no patella reflex.
Sorry this is so long. I have been in hell for what seems like forever with no answers. Also, I need to get a new job and I am scared because I am always so tired and all these thigns are going on. I'm afraid any job I get I will fail at because my mind is so foggy and I need a nap every day, etc. I Need to know what is wrong with me so I know what steps to take next with my life. Does any of this sound like it could be MS? Any words of advice/wisdom would be really appreciated!

rilsam · 01-04-2007, 09:10 PM

Yes this sounds like MS. But there are several things that also mimic MS symptoms. No you are not a hypochondriac. Some docs just don't listen or want to be bothered by their patients. They want the quick in and out appt where they don't have to think. The MRI is the first step, but I would also ask your doc for a neuro referral. If you can, try to get a MS specialist because they are so knowledgable about MS and mimics. They also tend not to blow you off. (But some still do). Also right a time line of your problems. It helps the docs alot.

tiredpoet · 01-04-2007, 09:21 PM

Thanks so much for the response. I forgot to mention, when I told the psych I was having trouble sleeping because I keep waking up with this feeling like bugs are crawling under my skin, she referred me to a neurologist as well. I'm not sure if this weird itch/crawling sensation is a symptom, but it is not fun! I also have a "female" related autoimmune disorder, and my gyn said people with one autoimmune disorder tend to have more than one. Then I read MS is an autoimmune thing, so all signs seem to be pointing in that direction, but I'm trying to be positive.

luggnutt · 01-04-2007, 09:26 PM

Hi TP, Sorry your going thru hell right now but it does sound like M.S. I go thru the same stuff like your going thru from time to time but it's not the end of the world for you. Just feels like it sometimes, Is it on one side? Mine started on the left side. It went powerless, no reflex at all in my leg or arm and I didn't feel anything at the bootom of my foot. lol. Best to go and see a Nuero sometimes it won't show up in a brain scan. Wish you the best and God Bless You.
Tony

tiredpoet · 01-04-2007, 09:33 PM

Thanks Tony. Yes, it's moreso on my right side. The weakness is on both but the tingling, etc is more just on the right. The cognitive issues are really what's bringing me down. I think they are the worst, and the hardest to explain and get people to understand. It's funny, when they tested me for Lyme I actually prayed I had it because then they could just treat it and I could get on with things! Sounds pretty crazy, I know. I wanted so bad for the tests to come back positive for thyroidism too, but they said my thyroid is fine.
It's great to have this messageboard so I can see that others are going through this as well. Thanks!