Who knows, maybe it's pent up stress and memories that causes THIS illness too.

My mom was schizophrenic, FULL BLOWN, and she went to her grave insisting her problem was "neurological". When I started having problems, I loathed to tell anyone in case they thought I had schizophrenia too. It wasn't getting the label that concerned me though, it was the REAL torment that often comes with that particular illness.

Years after I was dx, I remember going through some very familiar symptoms (that I'd heard about all my life); the smelling things that weren't there, feeling things with no obvious signs of trauma (burning, itching, freezing), etc. There are many symptoms my mom and I didn't share though too, and in the end, she absolutely did have schizophrenia (and I didn't). Thank GOD; I can't imagine anything worse then that combination!

But, what's the difference anyway? It's not like any of us has control over what is happening to us. In fact, if anything, many PwMS probably have more control then someone in her position did. At least we can do things to perhaps better our situation (exercise, eat properly, communicate with others, etc), whereas she was a victim of "another mind". Dreadful situation, really.

I am not suggesting you or anyone else has a mental illness, but no doubt our mind can play tricks on our body. Sometimes is a temporary problem, and other times it's life-long struggle. If we have to live with something, personally I'd much rather it be a temporary "mental" issue, then a permanent "physical" one (at least if it is as bad as MS can be).

Remember too, that sometimes the emotional turmoil is the first clear sign of MS too . . .

Good luck on your therapy. It was one of the best things I ever did for myself, with or without MS.

Cherie