Very scared....symptoms worse after many years.

[TracyCMT]

Hello.  I was diagnosed with MS about 18 years ago and have only had to be admitted to the hospital once back in 1998 for IV steroids after the birth of my second child.  I've been doing well over the years, mostly dealing with fatique and some pins and needles in my feet.  I am a massage therapist and also teach dance.  I haven't had anything change in my life which is why I am so concerned about the sudden diminished feeling in my feet and lower legs.  The bottoms of my feet feel very warm, my lower legs feel weak, heavy a bit like jello.  The reason I am so worried is because i do not have insurance and just a visit to my neurologist will cost me almost $200.  I can't imagine the reason this has come on so suddenly, I am hoping it is just a passing thing, but I have felt it for about 4 days and it is worse during the afternoon hours.  I try to ignore it, but the only other time I can remember this feeling is when I was diagnosed 18 years ago at the hospital after my first MRI.  I don't know what to do......trying to find insurance but there is a 12 month waiting period for people with pre existing conditions in my state.  

[TracyCMT]

Hello folks and thank you for your quick responses.  I did make an appointment with my regular neurologist for Wednesday.  The receptionist said that I should tell him I do not have insurance and he will probably work something out with me.  I am trying to stay positive, but my legs are particularly weak this a.m. and I have to go to work.  If this is a flare up, I am hoping it will pass quickly.
Thank you again.

[tomas2729]

I am very sorry to hear that you are having problems with your legs. I know that it can be pretty frustrating (my legs have been one of the biggest issues in my MS journey...)

I'm with Shell.... Try and find a clinic where you can get some cheap help. Maybe you can contact your local MS society and see if there is anyting they can do. They should at least be able to get you pointed in the right direction....

If your legs continue to act up you should check into Ampyra (aka, "The walking pill") I know that the company that manufactures it offers all kinds of assistance (I am not sure how good it is but worth checkikng into perhaps....). Ampyra is a medicine designed specifically to give strength to weak legs in MS patients.

I'm sorry that you have MS.... I wouldn't wish it on my worst of enemies. I hope that you find some solutions to your issues quick.

Best,

Tom

[sllowe]

Oh my! All that time, and wham?

This is the fear of many!

Nice to meet you, thank you for trusting us to thoughts. Though the majority of us are not-as veteran as 18 years (we have a few), we gladly give you the best we've got.

With no insurance, the only thing I can think of is clinic. Some of our CVS's have them. I see you are in Jersey - not all but, some do.
Prednisone is so very cheap, if it were me, in this situation, if after waiting to see if it passes like you are currently doing, you find no cease fire - but actual worsening as the day goes by, go see what their policy is for walk-ins and fees.

The other option is to call a regular MD and find out how much an office visit costs. If doable, this may only cost you 150-200 and you can walk out with a script.

Thanks for joining us, and hang on tight - I'm sure others will share more thoughts.
-shell