limbo and frustrated

[ra1283]

.Im a 29 year old female with a hx of neck and back issuses for the past at least nine years with the neck being at its worst last year. Doctor did neck and upper back MRI and found artithis and five bulging discs and sent me to physical threapy which went well for a while then I stopped going. In July 2012 I had vertigo for the first time ever which went away in about half in hour and after that had some lightheadness on and off.  In sept 2012 I felt right arm aching and a feeling of heaviness which I figured was due to my neck and upper back issues. Then in early Oct 4 started feeling right leg ache fatigue with tightness band in thigh area then it started in other leg and arm  with some tingling and buzzing sensation at times. I then started getting twitching everywhere and spasms in the Calves. I then went to doc and she ran thyroid, b12, ana agnesium,electrolytes and found nothing.  I then went to the er frustrated and full of anxiety which I do have. Then the neuro did a neuro test didnt seen twitching no weakness. Made referral to neuro for emg. This is all after two months. Neuro did emg which was fine. He said anxiety and stress. Went back to Primary sent for brain MRI fter vison blurrying in one and two eye doctor visits. Brain MRI fine. Lately expeirencing fullness in ears and thumping noises in ears and sensitivity to noise. I had an eposide of Tacharydia which I experienced in December 2012 and ended up in ear had ekg done and followed up with cardio who did ekg and eckocardigam which came back fine. I went to Rheumo appt this past week was sent for more intensive bloodwork. Rheumo also did strength tests which came back normal. After all this I'm frustrated and wonder if it just is stress. I'm hoping my blood work comes back ok but I do have hx of lupus and ra in my mother and fathers side. I have an appt with the neuro in Feb as I'm still concerned it could be neurological.

[ra1283]

Here I'm less than two weeks away from appt with neuro and next week is the rhuemo appt and I have issues swallowing constantly clearing my throat and dry mouth. Went to doc and she said acid reflux and gave me prescription which gave me allergic reaction. I don't choke on anything but I cough at times and my throat feels tight at times and upper chest soreness. I've been having a low fever on and off this week and went to the doc on Monday heard my lungs said they were fine but here I am scared i might aspiration pneumonia. I don't have a diagnosis of anything yet and I'm worried that could be causing my symptoms.

[ra1283]

Thank you for the advice ladies I appreciate. I had all the blood work done at the rhuemo now waiting to see her on the 4th and neuro on the 11th.

[Guitar_grrrl]

I can understand your frustration.  It kind of sounds like a combo of the anxiety issue with the bulging disc/arthritis issue to me.  Of course, Deb is right with getting your MRI on a 3T magnet, with MS protocol, with and without contrast.  Seeing an MS specialist is a great idea, too.

I would keep up with your physical therapy, since bulging discs and arthritis have been established.  It can do more good than harm, and even if you did have MS, keeping up with PT is in your best interest.

Hope this helps...

[Deb61]

I hate missing work!  I hear you!  I always felt that I don't have time to be sick . . .  It's such an inconvenience!  

[ra1283]

Yes and just waiting around for these appointments gets so frustrating. I now have to wait and see the rhuemo on the 4th of February and the neuro on the 11th. Ive been driving my husband and parents crazy but I'm just so frustrated. I work fulltime and have a two old year old.

[Deb61]

My goodness, you have been through the wringer!  I would also be frustrated.  Actually, your story sounds a little bit like mine and countless others.  There is nothing more infuriating to be in pain or experiencing symptoms that are way out of the norm and basically getting blown off by the specialists without giving you a reason for your symptoms.  

I would see an MS specialist, a neurologist specializing in MS.  It does sound like you have neurological symptoms.  Did your regular physician order the MRI?  This happened to me-- my MRI came back normal from one ordered by my regular doctor.  It is important that the MRI is done on a strong enough MRI machine.  My first MRI was done on a machine that was an open machine without MS protocol.  The images must be taken with thin slices.  If they are too thick, lesions may be missed.  

I don't think that an MS specialist will blow you off.  You may not have MS, but I think this specialist will be very thorough and at least lead you to what could be causing these symptoms.  Plus the MRI is only one test that is looked at.  You need a thorough work up and someone to tell you what is causing your neurological symptoms.