[diamond1]

I have been having neurological symptoms on and off for the last 4 years such as severe nightly calf muscle cramps, muscle twicthing, extreme fatigue, incontience and many other at different times. Doctors have yet to find a diagnosis.
I had EVP testing, nerve conduction study and all did not have enough positive results to make a dx per the neurologist. I've had all types of blood work and my EBV antobodies were 2275 in 2008....I was put on several medications to control the neuro symptoms and now I seem to be loosing my balance at times.

I've lost 35lbs in 6mths (without trying) The most recent blow was a the vision in my left eye decreasing over a 4 week period. After a visit to my optomologist I was given a dx of optic neuritis and immediately started on hi dose IV solou medrol for 3 days and am just finishing the taper on my oral pred. I had an MRI of the brain which did not show lesionsand am scheduled for a spinal MRI. I am very frustated because all the symptoms are there and it seem the neurologist are afraid to dx. I know it can take yrs to dx MS. Can anyone give me some feedback on my feelings that all the signs and symptoms are there and I feel that I have MS but are waiting on the doctors to dx. Any ideals to speed this up.

[Kitty]

Hi and welcome to NeuroTalk. Many of us here can relate to your frustration with the dx process. It certainly sounds like MS based on your sx.

Have you had a LP done yet? Was your MRI done with contrast? What meds are you taking?

I just had a bout of Optic Neuritis but got over it without the use of IVSM. It took about six weeks.

Are you seeing a Neuro who specializes in MS? Sometimes it takes seeing someone whose emphasis is on MS in order to get a dx.

[Dejibo]

Hello, and welcome. I am sorry you have the need to seek us out, but glad we can be here to help.

#1 MS is NOT an emergency. Oh boy! it feels like one, and when your world is spining out of control, and no one seems to have good solid answers, its frustrating, and maddening! you just want answers NOW!

#2 I always advocate that if you can, please seek out a neuro or MS center that specializes in MS. This way you are not in the siezure/stroke patient office. You get those that make MS and only MS their focus. Its worth it, even if you only see them once, and then use the local guy from there.

The problem is that MS is a process of ruling things out, rather than ruling things in. They start with a list of about 100 things that can mimic MS, including brain lesions. Then then start knocking things off the list. Lyme, Lupus, SjoGhrens,Celiac, and a whole laundry list of vitamin def stuff. Low D, Low B12 and so forth. Many things can be ruled out thru simple blood work, and other such tests, but it does take time to do them.

Please, keep a diary. A diary of your symptoms. how long they last, and what they are. I have one of those pocket calendars that I use to keep track of my stuff. Keep a copy of your records, so that you can easily pull out what is needed for the next MD down the line.

MS is a disease that is diagnosed over time. It normally takes at least six months, and at most years for some to find the answers. ON or optic neuritis is a hallmark of this disease, and it makes them most likely to lean towards MS when you get that one.

Pull up a chair, and let us wait with you. We are awesome cheerleaders, hand holders, prayer makers, and friends. Hang in there. it does take time.

[SallyC]

Welcome, Diamond, nice to meet you.

Sure sounds like MS, but DX can come slowly. . The above suggestion to get a MS specialist/clinic is a good one. Stick with us for support and let us know how you are doing.