Doc thinks I have MS, not sure, but how to mentally prepare?

[mothernoodle]

I've been a sufferer of intense migraines for over 15 years, with symptoms such as intense numbness and temporary blindness. For so long people have just brushed this off as something attributed to being a woman, but for the past few occurrences my migraines have lasted over three days and I've ended up in hospital multiple times. Ever since my last bad one I've experienced intense nerve pain all over my body day in and day out, sometimes so badly I can't breathe properly. I ended up in the ER again and was referred to Neurology immediately...the doctor is presuming MS. I am in the peak age for symptoms to pop up, and am terrified of living the rest of my life in pain. I want to be positive but I am also worried for myself. As I write this now there is a sharp pain in my back. What do I do? Is this possibily something else? I am getting tested to make sure but it just adds up so well, doesn't seem like anything else.

[mothernoodle]

Thank you for your comment...the bodily pain is mostly centred around my sides and lower back. I also experience occasional numbness when I am not experiencing a migraine. I will try to keep an open mind here, and if I am lucky enough to get a clear diagnosis at least we will know how to treat it.

[immisceo]

Of greatest benefit to you mentally is definitely keeping an open mind. Illnesses like MS can take a while to diagnose as there's no one single 'homerun' test. For example, it's common for patients with a history of migraines to have lesions appear on their MRIs. But these can be 100% related to the migraines and not anything else. Just using that as an example. Also, you mention structural issues with you spine that could explain many of your symptoms.

Unfortunately it can take a while for doctors to tease out which is causing what and what's a good plan of attack. You'll have a better idea of what your dealing with after an MRI and a full neurological exam. What you describe doesn't sound typical of MS, though if that's any comfort. Damage to specific portions of the central nervous system can't really manifest as overall bodily pain.

[mothernoodle]

I also saw in another post that herniated disc may be a factor?? As the cartilage in my neck is herniated often and I have to push it back in...not sure if this is related in any way

[mothernoodle]

Other symptoms I could possibly relate to possible MS for myself:
Burning sensation on skin mostly on hands
Inexplicable muscle pain especially in my ankles and hips
Muscle jerks especially in face