Newbie Here, would like to introduce myself...

[keddy1221]

I've been lurking for a while, and let me tell you, I am so impressed by the community you all have on this forum.  I have learned so much from you all.

So here's some info about me: First of all, I'm a 27 y/o female in FL.  Back in September '08 I noticed a slight tremor in my left hand, dismissed it as fatigue. I also noticed pins and needles shooting from my knees to my feet in hot showers, had no idea what was going on.  Then I began having muscle twitches all over my body.  Then came the numbness, had it in left hand and left foot.  Next came vertigo, but the room did not spin, it's more like I'm on a rocking boat (that hasn't gone away).  

All these symptoms concerned me, so I went to the ER after a particularly bad day (very dizzy and numb). They admitted me, and I had a CT scan, brain and c-spine MRI w/wout contrast, and bloodwork. MRI was negative, so they released me (don't think anyone read my bloodwork, it wasn't ready at the time I was discharged). So, I went to the neurologist, who over the past few months ran tests: nerve conduction test - normal, ENG - normal, spinal MRI w/w-out contrast - normal.  He told me he cannot find anything wrong with me and has referred me to USF teaching school in Tampa. I'm awaing my appt in April. I also have an appt lined up with Rheumy to rule out Lupus (have facial rash after being in sunlight for extended periods of time).  I also have an appt lined up w/ENT to check out my tinnitus and off-and-on hearing loss (scary!!!)

The vertigo and loud ringing in my ears is distressing me, although I try and work through it. My most recent development is increased floaters in my eyes as well as flashing white spots in my left eye.  Has anyone else experienced this??? I visited the Opthamologist this past week to make sure my retina was not detaching (I'm at risk due to lattice degeneration and family history of detached retinas). He said there were no rips in my retina, which was good news.

Today I'm experiencing numbness/tingling in my lower back, both feet, and most recently (and embarrasing), my crotch.  I'm also still having vertigo, been about 5 months of that.  

I would love to go back to living a normal life without health concerns.  I've always been healthy, this just kind of came out of the blue.  I'm praying I don't have anything serious, but I'm leaning towards MS, although nothing in the tests has shown MS is what I have.  It's so frustrating isn't it, to know there's something wrong going on but no one being able to help?  My DH is my rock, I am so thankful to have him and my parents.  I'm just praying that Dr.'s will be able to figure it all out so that I can get treatment for whatever it is that's wrong with me.

Thanks for reading this, and please feel free to comment!  I have hesitated to post anything up to this point, but I really need support.  Thanks again!!

[Lulu54]

Hi Keddy,
Welcome to officially being here on the MS forum - we love it when you lurkers come forward and share your story.  Obviously if you have been lurking you have read more than once how much patience it usually takes to get to the DX of MS.  A large number of our community members have been at this for years.  

Just because your tests are clear right now doesn't necessarily mean that you don't have MS.  But be sure to keep your mind open to other possibilities as well - there are so many mimics. Most of all, don't give up on trying to find answers.

Welcome again,
Lulu

[keddy1221]

Hi PastorDan, I have actually considered Meniere's Disease, but from all I've read, it doesn't seem that disease would include sensory problems such as tingling, numbness, and pins & needles.  I could very well be wrong though, as I don't know very much about Meniere's except it involves vertigo.  

And yes, I am praying I am diagnosed quickly, as I would like to be treated for whatever it is I have.  M faith is one of the biggest things getting me through this tough time I'm in right now. Thanks so much for replying, I appreciate it.

Kelly

[PastorDan]

It would seem out of place for me to welcome you, since you've been here longer than me, but I'll simply say that I'm pleased to meet you.

Have you or your doctor(s) considered that this could be Meniere's Disease?  I don't know that it is at all, but the on-again-off-again hearing loss made me think of it.  Do you lose high frequencies, low, or everything?  Something to look up and study, at least.  Perhaps someone else who knows more on this topic will reply soon.

We'll pray in the meantime that, whatever it is, it is diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.