I am very confused - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

Ashleymichele23 · 08-29-2008, 03:19 PM

I have so many things wrong with me right now I do not know where to start. I have anemia badly due to having fibroids and heavy bleeding. I am still very scared I have MS. I had an MRI a few years ago and it showed nothing. I have bouts of vertigo, leg weakness at times (although with being anemic and having low ferritin I have been told it can come from that). I just feel exhausted and I guess since I have the dizziness on and off I am so scared I have MS and they are just missing it. Is Vertigo a main symptom of MS. I am just so scared of everything I am feeling. My husband died 6 years ago and ever since then I have just been so consumed with my health. Does it sound like I have symptoms of MS?

MSNik · 08-29-2008, 06:08 PM

Hi there. actually, no vertigo can accompany MS, but doesnt affect everyone. Ive only had one bout in all my MS years.....anemia is not a symptom of MS at all- although I had anemia from heavy periods and took care of that problem earlier this year with something called NovaSure- you might want to talk to your doctor about that, it really helped me. But, its definately not MS related.

MS is a disease of the central nervous system, eyes, spine and brain..the things you mention are just way too general to catagorize. If you really feel that something isnt right, start with a good Neurologist and have an exam...from that, they will know if further testing is waranted. I do belive much of what you describe can come from anemia- but make sure you stay on top of that- too much or too little iron can really wreck havoc on your body.

Its normal when you have a death, to focus on these things...strange as it sounds, most of us with MS first go overboard wondering what is happening to our bodies, and once we know, we tend to be more in tune with our bodies 'needs'...but I think its safe to say once we are dx, we also tend to be thrilled with our good days and try more then ever NOT to focus on feeling bad, and concentrate on good. ..at least thats my experience. In your case, no one can tell you not to think about health concerns...but it would be negative for you to be overly concerned about things that probably arent worth worrying about. You already know about your anemic state- focus on gettting that under control- it is treatable. MS is not, but honestly, youre not exhibiting signs of MS...

relax...

MSJayhawk · 08-29-2008, 06:28 PM

Step 1: Relax and take the focus off yourself and re-aim your goals

Step2: Vertigo is a pain, but vertigo is a symptom that accompanies a myriad of disease.

Step 3: Your husband's death has caused a great deal of stress and six years later it continues with you. While I can eempathize with your plight, you must move on with your life. Without a move forward, your health will continue to be effected.

Step 4: Maintain a proactive search for a diagnosis.

Keep on coming back here as often a needed.

Ashleymichele23 · 08-30-2008, 04:43 AM

Thank you so much for your responses. I have just been a mess over the past 6 years. My husband died suddenly and I have had to make sure my 3 children were able to come out of this emotionally okay. I do focus on my health and it can never be just be anemia, I always have to think it is MS or some dreaded disease. I am wondering if it is easier for me to think of this than to think of what happened to us 6 years ago. Who knows, but thank you so much for your words.

Bearygood · 08-31-2008, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashleymichele23

I have bouts of vertigo, leg weakness at times (although with being anemic and having low ferritin I have been told it can come from that). I just feel exhausted and I guess since I have the dizziness on and off

Hi, Ashley. I don't know the nature of your anemia (pernicious, etc.) but there are MANY MS mimics and even something like a B12 deficiency is one of them. I hope you get the anemia under control and that when you do, you'll be feeling much better.

I'm sorry to hear about your husband.