Inflammatory Responses??

[Nerve_Wrecked]

Ok, so maybe I AM a post-a-holic! LOL

I have a question, and I was wondering about others here.

I am a stay-at-home mom...have been for over 4 years. My work is easy, I can take a break whenever I want, very low in the physical activity department. But despite this, it appears I have developed Carpal Tunnel in both wrists (I haven't been tested for it, the wait is about 4 months for the test so I haven't bothered to mention it to my doc...bad me), and Plantar Fasciitis in the left foot.

Between these 2 things, and the fact that my symptoms don't last long enough, I don't think my issues are MS. I just wondered if anyone out there has had problems with inflammatory responses in the body due to or corresponding with their MS. I am doubting it, but thought I would ask anyway!

Thanks
Christine

[Nerve_Wrecked]

I hope so too! And thank you, I will definately keep you updated!

Christine

[Heather3418]

I am glad that you are going to be seeing a Neurologist.  With your family history, that's the best move.  Would you please keep us updated about what is going on and how you are feeling?

I hope you get some answers SOON.

Heather

[Nerve_Wrecked]

I forgot to add the myoclonic jerks...I have those daily. It used to just be once a day, but it seems to be gaining momentum, I think it's been 4 or so times today.

MRI was clear, blood work was normal, except elevated lymphocytes (for the last 2 years), and elevated liver enzymes, CT was normal, psych eval was normal, gastroscope was normal, neck x-ray indicated spasm....ummm, I think that's it! LOL

Christine

[Nerve_Wrecked]

Hi Heather,

Thank you for your response. I have had some interesting things, shock-like sensations that seem to wax and wane but are consistently present, I also lost the ability to swallow solids for a month...barium swallow showed esophageal web, but grastroscopy was completely normal (my PCP is thinking possible spasm), urinary leaking that happens a few times a day for several weeks at a time, vertigo for several days, tight calf muscle, weak hands and arms (this is constant). Most my symptoms seem to flare for several weeks, but in MY opinion, the individual symptoms don't last long enough (reduced sensation in my foot for several hours, during a 'flare" or times of high stress, etc) to be indicative of MS, however...that being said..my regular PCP suspected it for a while, and my secondary PCP (my back-up doc for when I can't get in to see my reg doc) strongly suspects it.

Mostly, I just wondered if others had inflammation not as a SYMPTOM of MS, per se, but more in conjunction with. My thinking had to do with the misguided immune system, and since lesions are caused by inflammation, maybe people would/could develope inflammation in other places as well.

I don't really do anything with repetative motion. I don't type that much, my husband suggested that mouse-use could contribute to CTS but that wouldn't explain the left hand of the PF.

I'm pretty confident that whatever's going on is auto-immune related, as I have a strong family history of auto-immune disorders (Grave's, Celiac x2, RA) involving every living woman on my maternal side.

I'll see the MS Specialist, since she does other neuro stuff, and see what her thoughts are. I can't find anything that seems to fit my particular symptoms, so who knows. It's frustrating, to say the least.

[Heather3418]

Dear Heart...there are all kinds of physical ailments that can cause inflammation in various areas of the body.  Even though Carpal Tunnel Sundrome is not caused by MS, you will find that CTS is VERY common among those that DO have MS.

Remember that disoders like repetitive movement in the wrists, like typing for instance, can cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  (I have had Carpal Tunnel surgery on both hands)  I was a Data Entry person througout most of my working years...which I think caused this.  Even though I have had the surgery and it was succesful, to this day, I use what they call an "Ergonomic keyboard," as it is a more natural position for the wrists to be in, when you do alot of typing, like I do.  

Your Plantar Fascitis (sp?) is not caused by anything that has to do with MS.  

MS is a disorder of the CNS (Central Nervous System) and is confined to the CNS.  It is found no where else in the body.  And yes, inflammation is a direct influence in MS.  But arthritis is a inflammatory process, so is Rhuematoid Arthritis.  Do they have a direct correlation to MS?  NO.  Can you have these disorders and have MS, yes.

MS is also a disorder that is marked by relapses and remissions.  Especially in the beginning stages of this disease.  Symptoms last at LEAST 24 to 48 hours and do not let up for most, for weeks, sometimes months.  Complete recovery after a relapse is sometimes seen.  Most with MS will have lingering symptoms even from their first attack.  MS is a disease that is marked by MRI findings, physical exam deficit, Lumbar Puncture findings, relapses and remissions.

Do you have anything that you can report, that sounds like what I have described above?  Have you had any testing for MS?  If you feel that you DO have symptoms of this disease, it is best to speak with your doctor, so you can get the best advice, about where to go from here.

Best wishes dear,
Heather