It's my first time on this board, and I can already see that there are plenty of folks here who can empathize with and offer me support.
Just after my oldest son was born, almost 11 years ago, I started feeling sensations in my scalp that were tingly. I also started having episodes of dizziness while sitting in a chair with my newborn. At the time my gp and I wrote it off to post partum horomones.
To make a long story short, over the years symptoms have accumulated and gotten more intense. I have been temporarily diagnosed with Meniers Disease, Benign Paroxismal Positional Vertigo, Episodic Ataxia and been told my symptoms were another manifestation of Migraine Headaches.
Currently I suffer from the same intial head tingling, pressure and the 'sound of the ocean' in my head, lightheadedness, dizziness, weakness, heavy gait when walking, double vision, vision blackouts, arm and leg tremours, numbness in my hands, unbelievable extreme fatigue, itching, and the feeling of having all my nerve endings exposed at my skins surface. Most recently I have begun to stutter, struggle to recall words and have episodes of complete short term memory loss.
I have had batteries of tests over the years, and I know my doctor looked for MS previously. I just finally went to him and 'gently demanded' that we look again. Given the descriptions of my newer symptoms, he was more than accommodating and explained that he really suspects that MS is the culprit and that it would just be a matter of time before the test results agree with us both.
I am booked for another MRI in 2 weeks. (complete with sedatives because I am seriously claustrophobic!)
He has ordered a 'bucket full' of blood tests and new appointments with the neurologist who had all but thrown his hands up in surrender just over a year ago!
I'm struggling with my emotions. It's a relief to think that after all this time suffering from so many debilitating symptoms that there may be a real explanation and I'm not crazy. At the same time, it's not like I want a diagnosis of MS. I'm concerned that the next MRI will show nothing and I'll be back at 'square one'. AND, I'm feeling guilty for wanting the MRI to find something at all! Shouldn't I want them to tell me I'm okay? (even though I know I'm not?) Okay, maybe I am crazy!
At any rate, has anyone ever heard of a doctor making a dx of MS without MRI findings? In other words, any chance they'll finally start treating my symptoms if the MRI comes up clear, yet again?
Thanks for reading my very, very long first post!
Cheers!
Edit: Just read further into the threads on this board and see that suggestions are that I could indeed be diagnosed without any lesions showing on my upcoming MRI. This board is a wealth of information and support. I'm thrilled to have found it.
