Time to join the MS forum

[cart0250]

I seem to be in the same state as many in this forum. I have had balance issues, twitching, tremors, headaches, muscle stiffness and pain in legs, all over the course of the last 7 months. I have trouble sleeping due to the tremors and shivering, which only makes it all worse and adds to the drowning sense of depression and isolation. All tests so far have come back clean: 2 Brain MRI's/MRA's, EMG of leg and arm, BAER, nerve velocity, EKG, thryoid/enzyme and many other blood tests. I am aware that these tests do not negate MS and, though I have denied it to myself from time to time, I have felt this to be my condition since the outset. Next week I have a 3 part spinal MRI (45 mins each) and a spinal EMG. Then comes the spinal tap the week after. I am told the spinal MRI in particular will be the 'definitive test,' if such a test exists, so a week or two from now I should at least have a clearer view of my fate. Not sure I even want to see it though. Anxiety was my first neuro's explanation for all except the original balance issue which he ascribed to an inner ear infection. He based this on the 1st brain MRI, EMG and BAER. He didn't even bother ordering a spinal MRI or a tap, just sent me out of his office, saying no further tests are necessary! The person I am now seeing is much more pessimistic about my condition -he does seem a rather negative and depressed individual in general, but at least he is taking my illness seriously and is realistic about my chances. He dismissed the 1st neuro's opinion as 'a lazy diagnosis of last resort' which was exactly my opinion also. He is unusually forthright and honest compared to other doctors I have seen. So on Wednesday I'll be spending another 2 + hours in the tube, good chance to re-evaluate my life and decide how I am going to deal with this once the ball drops. After 35 years of good health, I am slowly getting used to being ill - it is certaintly a very different life style and from reading all the posts/suffering on this site, I don't even know what the word means yet.

[FrankieT]

Wow it seems that we are in the same part of our journey. I too have had the MRIs, MRAs, CT, Ultrasounds. All Negative. I have had the extensive blood tests, all perfect, but yet the symptoms persist. My doctor neurologist told me my brain scans look healthy and that my symptoms don't even align with MS. But from what I read here, they align all too well. I thought I was going crazy, maybe fabricating all these symptoms as the doctors keep saying that it must be stress. I am too young, blah blah blah. But now that I have found this wonderful place, I feel empowered instead of weakened, I feel stronger and more informed and I feel like I can go back and ask - demand more attention on my case and get a second opinion.

I am so glad that you have found another neuro that is taking your case seriously. I hope to find that too shortly.

I am slowly finding that meditation and focusing on healing has helped immensely during this time of limbo. Talking with your body and listening for the answers that you seek it a very positive relationship worth nurturing. I hope that you find your answers soon. Be well.

Take care

[Erin0313]

Welcome. I'm sorry that you are suffering but I am glad that you found your way here.

We have a lot of great people that are or have been through the limbo land ride and if they do dx you with MS we have lots of great MS'ers that are here for you.

Take a deep breath and try to focus on one test and appt at a time.

Hugs,
Erin :)

[saveone]

I see you made it.  Great.  Now you have many walking the journey with you.

I am sure, as I said earlier, you will like it here.  

peace, love and joy, terry

[Lulu54]

Hi Cart - welcome aboard the ship that seems to leave the dock only to be left adrift in the ocean!  You have lots of company here among the sick but not yet diagnosed.  

You know that there is something wrong with you, now its a matter of waiting for the signs to be visible to your doctors.  It sounds like Dr Gloom is really a good one to keep for the present time.  At least he acknowledges that something is going on with you.

And he is spot on about the other neuro being lazy !

I hope you'll hang out and take this time to learn more about this disease - knowledge is power. The more we know, the less fearful you can be.

be well,
Lulu

[wadeheather]

Sorry to hear about your symptoms.  I'm in the same boat, except I have yet to find a neuro to listen to me without dismissing my symptoms as headache related.

You are definately not alone.  There are many of us here with you.  Be strong and stick around, we need you as much as you need us!

Heather