Scared about my son

[britinusa]

So I have been dx a couple of years ago - symptoms went on for about 4 years but a huge attack promted me to  seek help and thus a positive dx of MS.

my son age 9 has been suffering from fatigue for about a year now - I tried to put my knowledge about MS out of the picture so I didnt become overcome with following one path. I went to regular PCP who did many blood tets and the only sig finding was a high strep count 949. before my dx I too went to the Dr for fatigue and i got a very similar reading on an ASO titer. - neither of us showed signs of an active infection or even recent infection (last sore throat for my son was over a year ago) ...

Based on how my smptoms began my dx journey and my history they want me to seek advice from a Neuro - are they jumping the gun..

I have started noticing little things but I just thought it was his quirkiness .. he gait is off ( only noticble to me) but I just figured he was clumsy - he is not sporting at all but thats due to the fatugue. we have had 3 ER visits in a year because of accidents where he fell.. first time he fell on ice - stitches in chin - second time slipped at side of pool - stitches in lip - 3rd time stumpled without shoes in the garage and stood on a leaning curtain valance- stitches in toe, all these times he never put his hands down before the fall does that have any sognificance ?

If any of you guys have any opinion as to wether I should persue via a neuro (which wouldnt be my neuro) or would you wait for something more to happen. he has also just been given glasses and had his prescrition changed already within 3 months as his vision has worsened but the opthamologist never mentioned optic neuritis..

[angela5674]

Funny, but I have the same concerns with my 13 year old daughter.  I on the one hand notice every little thing and worry she has MS.  Then, on the other hand, I rule it out for fear that I'm doing the "pigeon-holeing."  Sometimes I fear she'll actually have it and it won't be diagnosed soon enough because of the latter!  My daughter will actually sometimes say "I hope I don't have MS" when she experiences something she knows I experience due to my MS as well.  I think if you're noticing things that worry you, it's always good to get a doctor's opinion.  Let us know how the appointment goes!

[Sparkysarah]

Just to say best of luck with your appointment with your son. I have concerns about my 14 year old daughter..but they are not significant enough to do anything about..yet. It is easy to start thinking MS when we have acquired knowledge and understanding..but a good idea to keep things in perspective and wait to see the professional..which you are doing.

Hope all goes well

Sarah

[britinusa]

links would be great thanks Audrey.

He has a neuro app next Tuesday and the Neuro has MS himself so I have high hopes. I already chatted with him and asked not to mention MS just allow him to listen to my son and maybe call me later with his thoughts !!

Isabel

[Audrey_M]

I wanted to see the first post before I put in my 2 cents worth.

As a mother, you are recognizing that something is not quite right. That alone is enough for you to seek medical care for your son. As Alex said, it may not be MS and I'm one of those who believes it is important not to pidgeon hole oneself into a diagnosis without having all the proper tests done.

Even if it is MS, it may be some time before you get a diagnosis. By taking him to a neuro now, you may get either a different diagnosis or have a baseline for future tests.

Given that you are dx'd with MS, hopefully you have a good doctor whom you trust to give you a referral to an equally competant doctor for your son.

I googled "MS children" and found that 5% of cases of MS are diagnosed in children under the age of 16. Reading through the information, it appears that it is much easier for children to handle the diagnosis before they hit adolescence, when peer pressure and wanting to fit in become so all important.

I can send you links thu a PM if you like.

Please give that boy a big hug and kiss tonight! I'm sending some to you as well.

Audrey

[HVAC]

It can't hurt to be checked by a Neurologist. It may well not be MS.

Alex