Could this be MS? Please help

[teacheruk]

Hi there,
I've been reading the posts on here for a little while and wondered if I could ask for some help? I have been ill for about 2 months and I am becoming concerned that it might be MS. My doctor has said that it is post-viral, but I have not been getting any better, if anything I'm getting worse. To start from the beginning, I am a 23-year-old female. In September I began to have problems with my vision in my right eye. I saw an opthamologist who did thorough checks and found no problem with my eyes. Over the next week or so I began to get dizzy and had palpitations and weakness. I had numerous blood tests to rule out likely conditions (inc. anaemia, thyroid, B12, diabetes...). The following week I collapsed at school (I am a teacher) and was taken in an ambulance to hospital. I was admitted following numerous tests (bloods, chest x-ray, ECG) and treated for potential blood clotting, although no clot was actually found. I was discharged the following day and given cardiology outpatient appointments, as I was tachycardic.

Over the next couple of weeks I fainted a few more times, became hugely fatigued and generally miserable. I had an echo-cardiogram and a 24-hour ECG (Holter monitor). I was found to have a sinus tachycardia (resting 100-120 bpm rising to 180-200 bpm on exertion) and the cardiologist put me on 100mg Atenolol daily. My heart rate has come down and I have not fainted since but other symptoms have developed. I am still suffering with extreme fatigue and muscle weakness (particularly in my legs). I have had pain and tightness in my neck and upper back, right arm (a burning pain here but not constant) and right thigh, as well as aching knees and ankles. I have been experiencing pins and needles in my hands and feet, as well as muscle twitches all over my body, including my eyes. My vision has become worse and I now have problems in both eyes. I have had some tinnitus and had about 12 hours of pulsatile tinnitus in my right ear the other day.

I am very worried as this is all very new to me, I was previously healthy and fairly fit. I now need help to get up a flight of stairs and have become very weak. I am unsure about the diagnosis of a post-viral syndrome, as I don't recall having any virus, not even a cold, and the symptoms are still changing. I hope someone can give me an opinion or some advice. Does it sound like this could be MS? Thank you so much for reading this, I'm sorry for rambling! x

[COBOB]

It really doesn't sound like the typical presentation for MS.  You have a lot of heart rate and joint issues that are not normally seen with MS.  As to your vision issues, you should be evaluated by a Neuro-Ophthalmologist.  There are things that effect vision that can not be seen my a normal eye exam.  A VEP (Visually Evoked Potentials) test may be in order.  Your issues with muscle weakness seem to be symmetrical, and again this is something that is a bit strange for MS.

Bob

[teacheruk]

bump

[wiggles94]

I sent you a personal message to answer your question.
Carol

[teacheruk]

Hi Wiggles,
Thanks so much for your reply- I really appreciate it. I'm not able to teach at the moment and I'm missing it like crazy. I miss my class, especially in the lead up to Christmas. Thanks for your advice, I haven't spoken to my doctor about MS yet- I feel like I've been pestering them enough! Next time I'm in I will ask though. How long have you been signed off on medical leave from teaching? I hope you get some answers too. xx

[wiggles94]

Hi tearcheruk,

Welcome!
I am a teacher too - currently on medical leave until I figure out what is going on with me.  Possible MS. (I'm a bit older than you though - 56!)

I am so sorry for your problems.  It must be so hard to be going through all of this!  How are you able to teach?

MS is a diagnosis of exclusion, so it can take a long time to figure it out. Also, there are many different symptoms of MS and everyone has their "own" MS.  The national MS Society has a very good website.  I'm not a medical person so I don't want to comment on your symptoms.  Be careful not to get ahead of yourself and worry about something you may not have.  

Have you discussed your thoughts with your doctor regarding the MS?  What are your doctors doing for you now?  Make sure you write down all of your symptoms, and share them, and push for some answers.

If your doc thinks MS, then they should refer you to a neurologist who can order MRIs to get the ball rolling.  

Hang in there, and I hope you have a doc you are comfortable with, and who will help you through this.  Don't apologize for rambling.  IT's normal that you are scared and confused!  I find so many people on this site who understand and are very helpful.  I hope you do too.

Good luck and keep us posted!