Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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sleeplessinvictoria 07/10/2012

Hello everyone.I'm looking for some advice if possible.I'm a 35 yr old female.I've been experiencing severe muscle cramps and spasms for the last 6 months.I have had Mri's and cat scans but they came back normal.I was told that the gray matter may or may not show up on these tests is this true?Should I be talking to my Dr about going back to the neurologist .I've been experiencing new sx for the last few weeks .I should also tell you that i was dx with fibromyalgia 3 yrs ago after a MVA but my rheumatologist told me the sx I've been experiencing are not related to fibromyalgia.The spasms and the cramps I get get worse after a hot shower and during hot or humid weather .I also deal with balance issues,Numbness in my face legs and arms,I feel off quilter I have brain fog my vision has changed.I also get pins and needles in my hands legs feet and arms.Any advice would be appreciated .Thanks sleepless

gbugg7777 07/10/2012

IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE ALOT OF SYMTOMS THAT COULD BE RELATED TO MS. DO YOU DEAL WITH BAD FATIGUE. I MEAN REALLY BAD FATIGUE THAT MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR GOING TO FALL DOWN IF YOU DON'T SIT DOWN IMMEDIATELY ESPECIALLY.AFTER TAKING A BATH OR OVERHEATING YOUR BODY. I DEAL WITH SPASTISITY OR STIFFNESS IN MY LEGS I DON'T GET LEG CRAMPS VERY OFTEN ..OPTIC NEURITIS WAS MY FIRST SYMTOM ..I HOPE YOU FIND THE ANSWERS YOUR LOOKING FOR.

deleted_user 07/10/2012

Many of your symptoms could point to MS, but they could also point to several other very similar looking issues - such as lyme disease. Either way, I would push to get to a neuro. If your MRI's were clean, it may be worth while to consider a spinal tap which can be informative.

Were your MRI's with and without contrast? If not, you should have them redone to include contrast (which will show active MS lesions) and make sure it includes your spine and brain. It is possible for lesions to not show up on MRIs, but only if they are very small and/or inactive (and contrast wasn't used).

DX, for MS or similar diseases, is often a game of hurry up and wait, and sometimes it takes many years. So I would get the ball rolling asap if you have questions.

EPagain 07/10/2012

There are different types of MRIs.

One of the most definitive for MS is an MRI with and withOUT contrast for both the brain and C-spine.

It could also be B vitamin deficiency, Lyme's, Lupus, MS, ALS, etc. The heat and vision issues due seem to raise red flags for MS though. Please see a neuro about the MRI or an ophthalmologist about a OCT scan to look at the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL).

Best wishes in working with your doctor to obtain a proper dx and treatment (tx).
EP

deleted_user 07/28/2012

Have you had a spinal tap? I had one and it was not bad at all in fact the biopsy of my thyroid nodule was awful.

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