Hi, don't be scared we are all with you. Your doctor should recommend Neurologist after checking you he will decide if you need to be tested for MS. Most of us have MRI's I believe brain and spine areas - they don't hurt- I had some other tests
to tests nerves (evokation tests?) - they didn't hurt - The final test was spinal tap - it does not hurt if they use machine with picture to locate area
I have ANxiety Disorder and yes it aggravates any problems you have.
Try to relax, once doctor pinpoints the issue than they can start some sort of meds.
Please keep in touch. Write me whenever you need to.

If you stress MS you just make it worse. But it isn't a death sentence, so chill. Really, try cooling down to about 74 and see if ya get a little relief.

For some reason I dont have a lot of numbness yet. Just occaisonally my limbs fall asleep or my toes go numb. Depression and fatigue are the worst. I have lost some of my ablitiy to recall short term information. This has been a blow to the ego... I have frequent urination, bowl issues (like when I gotta go I gotta GO! Almost like I get the signal a little too late...this is recent) I have had electricity pulse through my legs twice and I just couldnt calm down. I have had random pain in my arms and legs that are similar to what a headache feels like. Vertigo, nystagmus, and enlarged blind spot on my right eye. I am not allowed to drive and just bought my first car with my own money.. :( I have several leisions on my brain and am waiting to find out about my spine mri tomorrow. Very nervous. I also have a spinal on 18th. AHH! Hang in there! I think the symptoms vary from person to person! At this point all you can do is try to embrace this. Learn something from it. I hope to.

Thanks for the replies. I am hoping to find out something one way or another. But I realize that this is something that can take a long time to diagnose. I appreciate the support, and am looking forward to learning with all of you.

I undertstand your fear. The year leading up to my DX was terrifying. I would just fall over, like someone tipped the floor, go numb in my face, have headaches etc.., and my docs couldn't or wouldn't tell me what was wrong. I don't want to sound condescending by telling you to relax, it would be impossible anyway, I'm sure. But if you have a way that works for you, yoga, meditation...try it. It might help you feel better until you know more. And please...ask us any questions you have, we're here to help each other.-Jen

Hi Ko, I am no doctor but one thing I do know is that stress makes us sicker no matter what the disease. So the only advice I can give u is.....Stop stressing out, Sweety. I know what it is to need answers to what's happening to you but you need serenity too. Im not advocating meditation, just want you not stressing. i was dx'd like 4 yrs ago and It has taken me some time to learn not to stress out, so it wont happen overnight. Just try.

There are soooo many symptoms with MS that everybody has them at one time or another. Because it's a disease of the central nervous system it affects everything. That's also why it takes SOOO long to get diagnosed. But don't be scared...it's not a death sentence. It takes some time to get used to the thought, but it gets better. Now...on the spinal tap...I refused that and my doc said I was spineless (LOL). He said that without doing that we could only be 99% sure. I WAS OKAY WITH THAT! Wish you the best and if you ever need to talk give me a holler.

My neuro is 70% certain that I have MS, that is almost enough for me to believe it. I too refused a spinal tap, so she is sending me to an MS specialist, and if they can make the dx from my MRI's alone, that will be 2 opinions, and therefore a confirmation will be made. I wish you much luck, and while MS is no picnic, when my hubby was dx I breathed a sigh of relief, because I knew at least he would be here to watch our kids grow up. I believe we are "soul mates" since now I probably have it also.

Hi and Welcome!

We all have days we are scared, too. That's why we are here. Yes, those could all be neurological symptoms, but whether MS or not depends on the tests. Yes, You should definitley let doc know you are concerned regarding previous
brain lesions. If he is your PCP, I would request a referral to a neurologist. Dig in your heels till you get it.
The major tests are neurological exam, MRI of brain with and without contrast, bloodwork and possibly a lumbar puncture. The VEP is also a very good indicator.
It is a strange disease though. Some people can have a single attack and never again. Some people can have an attack and not know it (like me).
It is a doable, liveable disease though, with lots of options available. Just like diabetes and other stuff.
I would say get blood pressure checked daily over the next few days till appt.

Hugs

Don't be scared. It will not kill you. THIS IS NOT THE END.
I have the symptoms you have discribed but without the headache. You do need to see a neuro Dr. who know what he is doing. They may not do anything until you have more lesions. Go to the Multible scerosis website and read the symptoms and diagnostic tests. Phone them and ask for a good ms spealist. Before you get a diagnosis make sure you have health ins. disability ins. and life ins. When you get a Diagnosis you will be uninsurable. Even thougth we could live as long as anyone else. Stress is very bad for you so you need to calm down.

Well, when my doc told my some of my symptoms could be anxiety related I actually got offended! But then one day I looked up the symptoms and was amazed to find what they were. I believe the illness comes first, and the anxiety comes secondary. But the worry in itself does make your symptoms more magified

Anyways I went on one site and got a pretty complete list of the things you can feel duriing panic or anxiety.

http://www.panicattacks.com.au/anxdis/symp02.html


Anxiety Disorders
Symptoms Panic attacks and/or anxiety may include Breathing symptoms Other symptoms continued
Electric current thru body Breathing difficulties Excessive perspiration
Rush of energy thru body Hyperventilation Sweating hands
Tingling feeling thru body Tightening of the throat Giddiness / Light-headedness
Hot prickly feeling thru body Choking sensation Frequent need to urinate
Intense heat thru body Muscle Tension Diarrhoea
Wave of energy thru body Chest pain Sleeping difficulties
Ice cold moving thru body Headaches Night sweats
'Ants crawling' sensation Neck pain Unexplained rashes
Dissociative symptoms Lower back pain Weakness in left arm
Depersonalisation /Derealisation: Aching jaw Effects
Feeling detached from body Muscle pain Lack of concentration
As if looking through a mist Sciatica Extreme exhaustion
As if you are not real Digestive problems Loss of feelings and/or libido
As if surroundings not real Nausea and/or vomiting Short term memory loss
Stationary objects appear to move Churning / burning stomach Major Fears
Sensitivity to light / sound Indigestion Fear of dying
Dizziness Other Symptoms Fear of having a heart attack
Fight and Flight Pins and needles Fear of going insane
Heart Hot and/or cold flashes Fear of losing control
Racing / Pounding heart Shaking Fear of embarrassment
Missed' heart beats Trembling Fear of making a fool of self

Interesting, ha?

Sunnygurl,

If MRIs and Lumbar Puncture had not already confirmed MS, I would swear that what was wrong with me was anxiety, pure and simple. I have always known that I have a 'high anxiety level,' (hmmm....nice way to say anxiety disorder?) and I knew a few of the symptoms of anxiety, but had NO IDEA that the list was so exhaustive! I was astounded as I read this list--I can relate to about 75% of the symptoms! Thanks for the insight; the symptoms referring to feeling detached from the body, feeling detached from the world/reality, seeing as through a mist, feeling like you will lose your mind...wow. I can definitely relate! Now I will wonder if what I am feeling is MS or anxiety, LOL. Or does it matter?

Michelle

Not being dx'ed myself I often wonder that very same thing Eloise. But, for my I started having vision issues, and then I had me worrying all over again. I suggest you log your symptoms, and also notice what is going on to bring about those sensations. If it appears that they form a pattern (related to stress in your day), I would pretty much think it's anxiety related. But, in the same token, if nothing is really going on and you start feeling sick, then I'd continue on with finding out some answers.

Glad it helped (and yes, the list shocked me too..lol )

Take care,

Sunny

Hi, when I found out I was numb on my left side. The hospital and ambulance thought had a stroke but when I went for tests the next day it spread to my face, lower jaw, all over my head (maybe because I was nervous and I get panic attacks) but the numbness went away but some of it comes back not as intense but a little tingle. Today I am having a bad day that is why I am on the computer all day. I cannot seem to walk unless it hurts. But if you get a MRI done they should be able to tell you. Good luck and you are not alone. Margaret.

You do have MS, but trust me everyone will take their sweet time to tell you. I had to wait 30 yrs for enough brain leisons to make a Dx..Get a better doctor, I'ts your only hope