Whether to test?

[MDI_Maude]

Hello everyone!

I am a 69 year-old female with a thyroid condition, which some years ago caused my right eye to move out of alignment, and a long ago 'failed back fusion' (the eyes have since been re-positioned).  

For several years I've had balance and gait problems, which worsened very quickly a few months ago -- almost daily in fact, until I was in constant danger of falling (thank goodness for convenient door frames, walls etc. :)  Then last week the balance issue improved, just as suddenly as it had worsened!  

I also have other problems such as digestion, periodic swallowing difficulty, spotty memory, and tremor.

I had decided to get tests for MS lined up until the other day, when the balance issue, which had been the most frightening, eased up.  Now I don't know if I should go in for the expense of MRI etc.

What do you think?
Peace,
Patricia

[MDI_Maude]

Thank you all so much for your information, for taking the time and effort when you're probably feeling lousy to help someone embarking on the daunting quest for a diagnosis!

Peace and strength to you all :)

Patricia

[MDI_Maude]

Yes, the age thing is a concern for me.  I know that when I begin to pursue my current symptoms with my MD, and later -- possibly -- with a Neuro, I'll have to be very persistent and one of my major problems is constant fatigue!  EVERYTHING is such a big deal these days, even bathing etc :)

I believe someone may have raised the issue of current meds I may be on: there are not many, mainly a blood thinner (Plavix), Symvastatin to keep my LDL cholesterol very low (it never was high), and thyroid meds.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to add to this thread.  I really appreciate the input.

Patricia

[Quixotic1]

I forgot the most important points.  At your age you are at risk of being told that you are too old for MS, or that any abnormalities on your MRI are due to your age.  The first part is nonsense and the second is not necessarily true.

The truth is that there is NO upper age limit on MS, though it is rare to be diagnosed after 60 or 70, it is still quite possible.  A person of your age is more likely to have MRI lesions in the brain from small vessel vascular disease (age).  We have several members here who were diagnosed in their 60's and their age did make it tougher.

Quix

[sllowe]

Hi there,

Adding on a belated welcome. Thyroid issues have so many overlapping symptoms with MS I see where you would have concern.

Having said that, I do agree with Alex that a Dr. should have a reason for wanting an MRI after a thorough evaluation and check up. I'm not sure if in your case that should be a neuro or not.

Given your cardio problems (sooo glad you survived!) and Graves, it would be nice if you could  get a very good MD on your side to manage your care at some point and check the possible causes of the sudden balance problems. Without a lot of other signs MS is probably not the direction they will look in.

With a past heart attack, maybe they will look into meds, run labs, etc.

Thanks for joining us! Hope you feel better soon,

Shell

[MDI_Maude]

Thanks, Alex.  No, I haven't been to the neurologist yet, but will, soon.  I guess that I was wondering, among other things, if my severe balance issues changing almost over-night was symptomatic of MS?

It's so good of you to be so helpful!

Patricia

[MDI_Maude]

Thanks for the response!  I know that something's wrong, so I will pursue it.  I guess that I'm just 'Dr. tired' after chasing an endo for 5 years for my Graves, then cardio after last autumn's heart attack....... :)

Heyho, off to the Neuro!!!!!

Patricia

[HVAC]

I am not sure what you mean when you say you have decided to get the tests for MS lined up? Have you seen a Neurologist? I would have a Neurologist do basic neurological testing in the office before I paid for an MRI, but that is me. There are so many Neurological disorders and over 30 MS Mimics, diseases that look like MS.

Alex

[tonyad]

   UUgggg,
Please excuse my typo's......I really need a Spell Check on Here...Lol

~Tonya

[tonyad]

Hello and Welcome to the Forum :)

    Sorry that I am not going to have a lot to say except that I personally think that you should do whatever your "Gut" is telling you to do.

    You know your body better than anyone and what is normal for you and what is not!
Yopu are your own best advocate.  You know.....You could still go through w/ the appointment as it would hurt nothing....Talk to Neuro and see if , upon Clinical Exam he see's any deficits...then you two talk and take it from there.

     Sorry I do not have any other concrete info on why you would be feeling the way that you are...But I think that it should be investigated.

    After all it could be very dangerous if you are having balance issues and you feel and broke something..

please keep us posted.
Take Care,
~Tonya