Docs get all excited when you have worse symptoms on one side (I'm a lefty myself), because it's a MS sign. That doesn't mean you won't have bilateral symptoms, though.

Docs are just like us and say stupid things
sometimes. Remember, if you don't have MS, then you don't know how it's supposed to or does feel.

First I want to thank you all for your responses. I am actually almost in tears right now having heard that this is possible. I'm really scared. It all started in October of 2011 when I had this annoying tingling in my left calf muscle. I went to the doctor then and they referred me to the neurologist who did an EMG and said everything was normal. Since then my symptoms have progressed to tingling, burning, and occassional numbness in both legs and feet. I also have periodic numbness in my hands. In the mornings it's so hard for me to walk I lose my balance and my left ankle feels so weak. When I walk or stand for more than about 5 minutes my legs just ache and sometimes they swell. Since this all started I have had those vibrations that come and go and also a blurry spot in my vision on my left eye. That comes and goes as well but when it's here it usually lasts a few weeks. I have muscle twitches all over from my head to my feet. I get pain in my throat which I do have GERD so that's probably from that. I drop things or often feel like someone wrapped something tight around my arm. My hands shake often and my legs too. I get shooting pain in my elbow and spasms in my back. My tongue tingles periodically also and sometimes things taste funny to me and not to other people. I am so afraid mostly because the only time I felt good since this all started was for 4 days in July of 2012. I remember I just didn't have any symptoms. It was amazing and I was thinking I was over whatever this was. But it came back and worse. All blood tests have came back normal and believe me they have done just about all of them. I had an EKG and MRI's of my neck and back and brain w and w/o contrast. The neurologist told me horror stories of the LP and then asked me if I wanted one. Of course I said no I'll wait this out. I'm fearing the worst since I have only gotten worse over time. Does this ever let up? I heard if you have RRMS then your relapse wouldn't last for more than about 6 months. And that to be a remission it has to be 60 days or more. I have a two year old son who is my entire world and depends on me for everything. I am so scared that I won't be able to be the mother I need to be. Never had an MRI of the spinal cord? Is that invasive or just like any MRI? Thank you so much for your input...

Its a normal MRI, just of the spine. Nothing invasive unless they do it with dye, then its a quick poke with the needle in the vein and then off to the scanner.

Okay so that's the same thing they did with the brain MRI. I will request it when I go back this Tuesday. Does my story seem like MS is likely? I know it's very different for everyone but I'm just looking for some guidance. Personal I suspect it.

Ok that MRI you had of the neck is the MRI of the spinal cord. and the LP is not that bad. they numb you and you just feel pressure and as long as they have you lay down for about 4 hrs afterwards you should be fine. Mines was not that bad, I got a headache but mostly from moving around a bit trying to get the right postion.

Just calm down and take it all one day at a time. I don't know I am so use to being in pain since I was 10 yrs old that maybe I am taking all this a little calmer. you need to rest when he rest and make sure you stretch when you can just a little. they are getting ready to send me back to physical therapy and this time I am really planning on carrying on the exericse they give me because I can not stand this waist I have my stomach is getting too big.

running after my grands when they come over, I know how hard it can be with the children but you start training how to help you. You will be a great mother no matter what you have. motherhood is not all about what you can do phyiscally.
I know you are scared and I went through somewhat what you are going through and I never thought it was all going to stop but it did after the steroid infusion and I had my break and I think it is starting again with little things. I know I am a newbie and there are people on here that have been living with this disease for yrs and they can better tell you in the long run how it was for them.

Hey everybody! I wanted to up date you all on my latest MRI. I hope nobody minds me posting and not having a diagnosis. So my newest MRI done earlier this week showed two spots of white matter. They didn't use the word lesion. However these "white matter" were not present 5 months ago. The nurse said they are typical of people with migraines which was odd because I have told my nuero I NEVER get migraines. They left it at that and told me to check back in a few months. Should I be concerned about this? I mean I feel this is probably what is going on with me because I can relate to almost everything I'm reading here. I have symptoms that come and go but my leg problems are progressing and not letting up. Is this typical? I know everyone is different but if anyone is kind enough to share a personal experience you think I could relate to that would be appreciated. I'm terrified I won't be able to walk soon if these keeps getting worse. I mean what do they need to see from me to give me any kind of diagnosis? I just don't understand. Yesterday I found this out and since then I feel so uncoordinated. My arms are here but there not if that makes sense. I have to think about moving them (much like I do daily with my legs). Please if anyone has a comment I would be more than grateful to read it...Thank you!!!

KF, either call your Doc and ask for an appointment to discuss your MRI and what next for you or get another opinion. Your PCP should be able to refer you to another Neuro.

Good wishes and luck..

KittyLady - I'm so sorry you are experiencing that as well. Annoying to slightly painful is how I would describe it. I did tell the NP at the neuro's office when I saw her. She just looked at me like I just described something so off the wall. I told her it was like a pager going off in that area. She just chalked it up to some sort of sensory symptom.

And, as far as I know, there is no stopping it. The only thing that came close was using an ice pack in that area. Hey, I was getting desparate and had to try something.

I hope it goes away soon.

Hello Faith, and welcome!

Like you, I was afraid that if my numbness kept spreading that I wouldn't be able to walk. And my left arm/hand didn't have any more strength than one of those "claw" machines that take your quarters.

Steroids helped, but I really think that the symptoms were beginning to go away on their own by then (about a week after first sx).

It was several months before I got my full strength and energy back.

Not sure if I actually have MS, but the flare about 6 years ago was very MS-like. I hope you are able to get some answers. Best wishes and feel free to post anywhere and anytime. Lots of good folks around here.


Ooops! Sorry KittyLady! I got lost in the posts and didn't realize you began the thread. Sorry about your vibrations. Stuff like that is really unnerving. Hope it goes away soon.

Oh, and excellent analogy to help your husband understand better! *applause*

Thank you so much for sharing! I'm glad to hear it eventually got better. Some days are okay and others are ugh. But I'm trying to just stay positive and not think the worst. Reading on here helps with that! So many good and positive people here!