Do you think I have MS

[jamie30791]

So glad I'm not alone.  About 1 year ago i was standing and my legs gave out on me, then nothing for a few months then I would start having a tingling feeling in upper chest and sometimes my legs would shake at night.  Now I am having upper back pain and neck pain with constant electrical shocks down my neck and spine. It is so annoying and I just want answers.  I seem to go in and out of having symptoms. My doctor put me on anti-depressants she acted like I was crazy, my family all think I am a hypocondriac.  I finally told her that I wanted a referral to a neuro. I am a busy mom with four children and this is ruining my life.  I don't get headaches. My husband has know idea what I'm taking about and acts like I'm full of it.  Falling asleep at night is the worst. Thanks for making this blog so I don't feel alone anymore.

[anon07072023]

None of us can say for sure whether or not you have MS.

Some of your symptoms sound MS-like, but there are other diseases out there that also mimic MS. I think it's a great move on your part that you are going to see a neuro.
Is it possible that you can get in to see a neuro that specializes in MS?

I don't think you're a hypochondriac. Has your regular doctor ordered any labs to try to rule out any other things your symptoms may be attributed to?  A neuro will do a neurological exam on you and will probably run a lot of tests to rule out other things, and they might want to order MRIs and possibly a lumbar puncture.  

Do you already have your appt set with a neuro? Where I live it takes about 3-7 months for an initial appt.

Good luck,
Kelly  

[wiggles94]

Hi Jamie and welcome but sorry you are having all these problems.

Not knowing what is causing all these problems will make you "crazy"!  Sometimes those closest to us want to dismiss it because no one wants to think someone they love has something wrong with them.  I think that you know your body best and hopefully you will get your referral to a neuro so you can figure out what's going on.

If you read this site, you will notice that many say they are dismissed as being depressed.  Chronic illness is depressing!  So the docs have to tease out - which came first - the chicken or the egg.  Our emotional state affects our physical state.

Make sure you keep good notes of your symptoms.  In the meantime, can you discuss your lack of sleep with your doc?  Perhaps they can give you some ideas (not necessarily drugs) to help with that.  Are you not sleeping due to pain or anxiety?

Good luck to you.  Take a deep breath, make a plan for yourself and let us know how you are doing.

And you're right.  You're not alone.  That's why I love this site!

[sllowe]

Hi Jamie,

Adding on a welcome too! All this sure makes daily living and running w/children all the harder. When do you go to the neuro?

Move forward to find out what could be going on and disregard those who don't care to notice what's making you struggle. I know that's easier said than done, but it's all you can do. One day at a time, and take the good advice above to jot down symptoms. A good doc will do the rest.

Get back to us when you can,
~Shell