Hi everyone!

My name is Alison and I'm 25 years old and currently undergoing some tests to find out reasons for my wide array of strange symptoms.

I've been suffering from varous numb spots as well as nerve sparks, burning pains, as well as muscle pains, aches, and fatigue most of this summer. It wasn't the first time I had problems, as I had Carpal Tunnel Surgery at the age of 17(which, now that I've been speaking to doctors, was far too early and likely NOT carpal tunnel).
I've spent all summer visiting my mother in Houston, undergoing MRIs and blood tests, looking at a possible MS diagnosis.
I spent most of my time finding solace with other MS sufferers on the MS world forums.

After 6 months of struggling to get tests done and appointments ready(made difficult by not being insured and hurricane Ike), I finally saw a neurologist(Dr. Ashizawa at UTMB) this past Tuesday.
He said my symptoms(along with my MRI of the brain) was not consistent with MS.
He said that he is almost positive I'm suffering from a genetic/hereditary neuromuscular disorder, and now it's just up to having an EMG and genetic testing to figure out which one.

I'm going home to Alabama to see Dr. Oh at UAB to do this, as I have to get back home and working, especially if I'm going to have these crazy medical bills because of this.

We're primarily looking at Hereditary Neuropathy with liability to Pressure Palsies as a cause of my parasthesias and numb spots, and unfortunately, a likely diagnosis of Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy type 2.

It's been a roller coaster ride for sure this summer. I was pointed from the MS World forums to here in hopes that I can find equal support and knowledge to figure out how to deal with this.

I'm a freelance artisan(for now) who loves to draw, sculpt, take pictures, paint, sew, make jewelry, and knit. I love playing video games, fantasy movies and books, and always have to keep busy.
I collect Asian Ball Jointed Dolls, which support many of my above hobbies and are a huge muse of my creativity.
I also love costuming and going to comic cons and ren faires.

I love chocolate and the color purple.
I aspire to go to school to become a hair stylist/make up artist. My dream is to become a comic artist, or at least just be able to work on things I love.
I have a fencing boyfriend who I'm very close to marrying. I want to have a Pirate wedding on a tall mast ship. Doing that would be absolute love.
My favorite music group is Nightwish.
I'm a crazy Disney fan and can likely answer any trivia question.

And...uhm...that's all I can think of.