Ms help

[Clayton2010]

I am 44 yr old female suffering with painful legs( can hardly walk) arms, headaches involuntary movements , my neurologist said I'm in the right dept but does not know what's wrong with me! I need help. So depressed I can't go out! Blurred vision

Please can I tell u about my MRI without contrast . Multiple punctate t2 white matter hyperintensities in the deep and subcortical regions of the frontal and parietal lobes with further ill defined t2 signal alteration in the pons . Small linear foci of t2 signal change in the cerebral hemisphere are attributed to established infarcts
Csf came back with protein.
Please can someone help I am now waitin for an MRI with contrast !

[RRlady]

Have you been tested for optic neuritis?  An important test for those with your vision symptoms, especially in one eye.

[RRlady]

I, too have the leg pain- and sometimes arm pain

[Camille1970]

I have the same leg pain, I have m.s...
But so many dr's have said "m.s isn't painful.
Well yes it is.

[LisaJF]

Typo: Or my opinion may NOT be correct.

[LisaJF]

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or my opinion may be correct.

However, I do not understand what the size has to do with it as much as the location, location, location.

Even with a negative LP or evoked potentials, if you have lesions in your pons, parietal, periventricular and with the subcortical (if its touching the grey matter, then its juxtacortical) that could "possibly" be pointing into the direction of MS, but may not be exclusive to MS.  You're definitely suffering from something and I feel the Neurologist is one of the right doctors for you.

I too,  have blurred vision or double vision from time to time.  Apparently, I have an astigmatism in both eyes, but the issue here is with me, that with the astigmatism, the blurred or double vision should be constant, not come and go with months in between when other issues/symptoms (neurological) arise.

Lulu is right, MS is such an unpredictable disease and everyone's experience is unique, with of course, some symptoms that are commonly shared. ie: paresthesias, coordination/balance, vertigo, incontinence of urine and/or stool, etc.  

Ess gave you sound advice too regarding the MRI with contrast. The only thing that it could possibly show is enhanced lesion(s).  And even with that, there are some people here with a diagnosis of MS who never had an enhanced lesion with their MRIs.

Other autoimmune diseases can give similar symptoms as MS as well. (Lupus, Hypothyroid, etc.)

Have you seen a Rheumatologist?

I know this road of trying to find out what's going on with your body is frustrating.  A lot of people here can relate (me).  However, do not give up hope and keep at it until you find the answers.  

When your symptoms affect the quality of your life (work, activities of daily living, etc.) then you MUST press the doctors (in a non offensive manner of course), to find the cause of your symptoms and give you something that you can do about it.

Please let us know what transpires and keep us in the know.

The most wonderful thing about this community is the camaraderie regardless of your diagnosis or the lack of one.

Lisa

[Inovatania]

Clayton I agree with getting on a therapy ASAP. I have been dx since 2005 and my symptoms were blurred/ double vision(did not go to dr for at least a year bc it went away and was intermittent for a couple of months)then about 2yrs later I had sore and tingling leg behind the knee, tingling on left side of mouth nose and eye my . My dr. Ordered an MRI  and it came back as indicative of Ms that was June 2005 first neuro said it was up to me whether or not to get on a dmd he didn't really push it. In dec I went to a neuro that specialized in MS and did a spinal that was positive and  that's when I got on Rebif. If there is one thing I could get across to newly diagnosed people if you go on dmds stay on them don't stop because you feel great and they must be wrong. Sorry so long winded. Good luck and hope you feel better soon. Btw I am a 45 yo female.

[Clayton2010]

its not painful all at the same time
, my legs hrt and seem to be getting progressivly worse, my arms dont hurt at the minute but have done previously, my headaches come and go and my chest has been hurting from time to time, mayb im just grouping everything together but am at mt wits end, my eyes are not good as i have double vision and blureed vision in one eye?????

[essdipity]

Hi and welcome.

First I need to say that I'm simply an MS patient and my thoughts are in no way official or sanctioned by the medical community. They're just my thoughts, based on my reading and my own experience.

I do think that your MRI report is not really suggestive of MS. 'Punctate' lesions are very small, and are generally not counted for MS purposes. The 'linear foci' are considered to be the result of small strokes, which the radiologist says you have had. Is this definitely true?

Unfortunately, a new MRI using contrast is very unlikely to show something other than what the older one did, unless new lesions have developed very recently. Contrast simply distinguishes old from new, and is important in showing progression over time, which is one criterion for MS diagnosis. It won't uncover other old lesions.

I'm sorry you've been suffering so much without answers, and I hope that changes soon. I know how that is.

ess

[HouseJr]

Get started on interferon beta 1a.

[Lulu54]

I'm sorry your question slipped to page 2 and hasn't received a reply. I hate to venture a guess but do agree that it sounds like a neurologist is essential in figured this out and getting you the right treatment.  It would be odd for MS to be painful in all four of your limbs at once, but anything is possible with this crazy disease.

Has your neurologist made any suggestions at all?  I know it can be very complex and difficult to diagnose many of these neuro diseases but it is so much better to not rush and jump to the wrong diagnosis.

While you are waiting for the next MRI, take some time to read about MS and get to understand it a bit more.

please do come back and ask all the questions you want - this is a very kind group but everyone kind of disappears on the weekends.
~Laura