This past year has been strange for me. It all started last summer when my two middle fingers started to go numb. Then, a few months later, I had tingling sensations in both hands and feet. I felt generally foggy when I was tired, like I couldnt think straight. I would drop things and my hand would feel as if they didnt have any strength. I was also feeling like my balance was off. I could not stand on one foot or ride on an elevator without feeling like I was going to fall over. A few months later, I was having pains down one side of my body, and tingling on the back of my head. I went to the doctor, and they did blood work to test my electrolytes. Everything was fine, and they sent me home. I went back a few weeks later when the pain was not going away. They sent me to a muscle specialist who did a test on my muscles that involves a needle being put in the muscle fibers, then stimualting activity. That was normal as well. Today, I had an episode where my pupils were two totally different sizes, I could not see out of my left eye, and colors looked weird. (the red squares in my bathroom tile looked green). I went to the ER, sat for two hours, and my pupils returned to normal sizes. The doctor said that he didnt feel any tests were necessary since everything went back to normal. I just feel like with all the things that has been going on, something is not right. The doctors keep sending me away and saying I am young and healthy and nothing is wrong. Why are they making me feel so stupid? At this point, I dont know what to do. Ive been trying to get it figured out for a year with no luck, or help by anyone. If anyone knows anything please let me know. Thanks.
hi LSAP. Sorry to hear of your distress. You didnt say where you are, so Im not sure if your choice of healthcare is your own, or if you are at the mercy of National Health Care..but if you can, get yourself to a Neurologist. You might also consider an Opthamologist, to check your eyes. What you described sounds very much like Optical Neuritis, a condition which is caused by inflamation of the optic nerve. Do not see anyone but a Opthamologist, a regular optomotrist cant help you....if you have access to a Neuro-Opthamologist, that would be excellent...but a regular Opthamologist can get you in to see one if necessary.
With the combination of the eye issues and the other issues you describe, its very possible that you have MS, however the only way to diagnos MS is to rule out everything else. A neurologist, who specializes in MS would be your very best bet.....a MS specialist is what this is called, however any Neurologist who has a patient load of MS patients, can help you. Can you make an appointment with one, or push for a referral to one? You need to have a MRI in order to see what is going on...but your description is definately neurological in nature. A regular GP isnt going to be able to help you on this one. Im actually surprised that the ER didnt refer you to a Neuro, but then again, nothing surprises me anymore!
im really sorry you are having these problems. Its both frustrating and scary, but rest assured, you are not alone. Many people here have gone thru months of trying to get to see the right doctor, before something either "gives" and they wind up hospitalized, or they happen upon someone who starts actually looking at the right tests.....be your own advocate and dont give up, push for a good Neurologist and a full Neurological exam, including MRI.
IN the meantime, see an eye doctor. If your optic nerve is inflammed, it will become very painful and this will not go away on its own. A simple test will tell if this is the case, and a round of high dose steroids will help clear it up.
