Hello again--

I went to the neuro yesterday and while MS is a possibility, she hasn't officially diagnosed me. I am, however, now on Topamax for the tremor and sort of the migraines.

Does anyone else have experience with this drug? One of the side effects she mentioned was an increase in tingling and numbness, which might drive me even more insane than I already am. I'm nervous about that.

I'm just a little freaked out since I want a diganosis.

Thanks for the help--

PS--the itching and zappiness seem to have decreased a bit, but benedryl is a lifesaver at night, as is my boyfriend. He helps me not scratch until I bleed.

Hi Wings, Even though you haven't yet met all of the criteria
for a MS DX, I'm happy that your Neuro is testing you and
treating your symptoms. It shows the he/she is validating
your illness and not making you think you're crazy, as
some do.

I don't have any experience with Topamax. I know others in the MS forum have used Topamax. You can also post a question in the headache forum.

I'm glad your dr. is being proactive and testing you to rule out MS. Also, sounds like you have an awesome BF who is supportive.

I hope you don't mind me posting here--I haven't been diagnosed with MS, but my symptoms are most like it.

Anyway--

For the itching-is it potentially all the time? (or most of it) Is there anything I can use besides benedryl? It's exhausting.

And the tremor-is it mostly an intention tremor? Or something else?

Thanks for the help. I might not know what's wrong with me, but I find this reassuring.

Benadryl or topical ointments rarely help with itching caused by MS. Itching caused by MS is Neuropathic and is treated differently than other types of itching.

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/abo...ing/index.aspx

http://ms.about.com/od/signssymptoms...-Sclerosis.htm

I suppose I should clarify - I take benedryl and it doesn't totally clear it up, but it does lessen the itch.

However, it's good to know ( and also bad to know) that it wouldn't help with a neurological itch that would come with MS.

I just wish I knew what was wrong, you know? But I seriously seriously seriously cannot tell all of you how much I appreciate the feedback. Makes me feel less crazy with all my symptoms and whatnot.

OMG...another person with this (not that I'm happy for you, lol)...my advice, keep your fingernails short. Other than that, you need to figure out what your triggers are. Mine started with tingling/itchiness around left side of face, ear, across left cheek bone & my nose & on left shoulder blade. It has eased somewhat, after trying Neurontin (I couldn't continue with it-I have weird reactions to some meds-genetic).

As for the tremor...does it happen all the time or just when you hold something? When leaning against something? They are positional tremors if so. Always good to check with a doctor on this kind of thing.

I hope you find either a med that helps or some natural rememdy. Keep at it & good luck!

My tremor is definitely an intention, but can also be positional/resting if I'm tired or done too much or whatever.

The itching is on my trunk a lot-especially the bottom of my shoulder blades on my back, right where I can barely reach. Just enough to drive me nuts.

The itching has either lessened in the past few days or I'm getting used to it. Either way, I can sleep through the night with just one dose of Benadryl, so I can't complain. The BF doesn't mind though-he hates to see me this uncomfortable (I try not to pout, but I def freaked out the other night).