Too soon to seek DR? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

VA_Mom_of_3 · 02-25-2007, 01:27 PM

For the past 5 years I have been experiencing what I call, 'tipping'. I will be standing or walking along, and with no notice, I will tip, or lose my balance. It can be embarassing because it looks like I have been drinking (and with me as a teacher, this is not a good thing...esp. when talking to a parent!). Then, 3 years ago, I had a bout of memory loss (couldn't say what I was thinking...it drove me crazy!), slurred speech, and vertigo. All this lasted for about 1-2 weeks, then went away. The tipping phenomenoa stayed. I went to the Dr., who sent me to get an MRI (WITHOUT contrast) and found nothing. She went on to suggest that I had an inner ear infection, gave me a bottle of Flonase, and basically told me that I should see a shrink for stress! Needless to say, I have not been back to the Dr.

Just this past week, I have had some more unusual 'symptoms'. In my left hand (and right fingertips) I have this strange sensation like when you are super cold, and then run your hand under hot water...You know...that tingling/burning sensation. I had a masive headache/migraine (?) that lasted for 3 days with no relief. The tipping has also gotten a bit worse...I had my first experience of a stranger witnessing my 'tip'. I was at a Home and Garden show and one of the vendors noticed me tip over as I was walking. I caught his eye as he saw me. He had a horrified look on his face...Like I was going to topple over some people! Oh, and I forgot...for the past several years I have noticed that I have a 'lazy foot'. My right foot every once in awhile will drag as I walk, almost tripping me! (I am very amusing to watch in a crowd!)

My question is this...These symptoms are nothing that keep me from my day to day work. They are annoyances. However, I have a cousin (her dad and my dad are twins, so the genetic relationship is tight) who has MS and I know that eary intervention with meds can really help head off some of the disease. Do I wait until I can't stand it physically? Right now it is more emotional that anything else.

Sorry for the LONG post

mikosha · 02-25-2007, 02:46 PM

Hi, VA
You should go to MS specialist.Usually it is a long wait (I waited for 1 year, and mine doesn't even take insurances, so it was 750.00 from a pocket).Don't wait for more simptoms , just make an appt in MS center.
good luck
MIKOSHA

MK12 · 02-25-2007, 06:51 PM

wow if those are annoynaces you must not have read any other posts on here

many people are bothered by a lot less! I would definitly be knocking the doctors door down with your symptoms.

Go to the doctor first most likely you will need a referal to a neurologist because of health insurance then search out a neurologist that specailizes in demyelinating diseases.

My neuor is a neuro opthamologist but so wonderful and great so it realy does not hugely matter what kind of neuro you see as long as they are wiling to work with you. You can alwasys ask the receptionist/phone person how many MS patients the doc has and what their specialty is.

Good luck

MK