[mimiRN]

Hello everyone
I found this site while searching info on MS. I have been experiencing right ring finger numbness for a month now (could be carpal tunnel syndrome, however, my EMG was not "typical" but the Neuro did say it was mild CTS). My first three fingers are fine, its just this ring finger?! I have had the CTS symptoms of numbness going on for 6+ years but just recently had it checked out. I have never had any wrist pain or other typical CTS symptoms...it would just appear, go away, then reappear.

The Neuro I went to for my EMG briefly mentioned MS to me that may cause numbness but I'd have to go back to him for a full Neuro exam. I just saw him again last Friday. He did his exam and didnt say a whole lot. I brought some labs that my Family Doctor ordered (b12 and lyme's were negative, and my Vitamin D level was 22). I left with more blood work (hgb a1c and SPEP). He also ordered MRI of Brain and spine. He gave me a his report form my exam. It's a lot of Neuro talk..lol...but basically mentioned some decreased sensory, temperature and vibration. Stated something along the lines about "stocking" and "glove" pattern (for the sensory part). Positive romberg sign, and said strength was good except for hands and feet (interossei muscles). Cranial nerves all good.

I have my tests scheduled for next week.Of course I am very anxious and have read wayyyy to much on MS. What was weird is that after reading about it (which I never knew anything about MS) I do feel I have had some similarities: dizziness on occasion, urinary urgency (just had two back to back UTi's) and the numbness which also occurs in some of my toes at times.

Of course then I think the more you read it's so easy to relate because there are a lot of MS symptoms that can mimic other things. It's so hard to wait!

Thank you for your time and help if you go this far. I guess my questions are:
Has anyone had numbness only in one finger that lasted 3+ weeks?

While researching, I have read about peripheral neuropathy which gets me confused regarding symptoms...has anyone had this also, or in addition to MS? They seem so closely related, however, are very different in origin.

Thank again for your time and help!!! It's greatly appreciated

[Sparky10]

Let me just say, good luck to you on your tests Mimi! I hope you don't have MS.

There are no tests that say YES you have MS. Be prepared for that. That said, many of us with MS can think back to one tiny symptom that may or may not have been our first symptom.

Please let us know how yours tests come out! We're here for you, whatever happens.

[SallyC]

Sorry for your symptoms Mimi, but glad you found us. Please do come back,
after your tests and let us know how you are doing.

Stay calm..

[doydie]

mimi, I had numbness in one finger one time. It was quite diagnostic as to which finger it was. And sorry, I can't remember which one but I think it was the pinky. Found out it was a herniated cervical disk. And you are so right. There are so many disease processes that mimic MS. That's why diagnosing MS is ruling out a whole bunch of other things. I see from your name that you might be a nurse. I am one also and it sure made it hard for me. I graduated in 1971 and was diagnosed in 1997. So there was a lot of years difference between my old textbooks and what was current. I'm glad care has changed in all those years. Good luck and come back and tell us how it went.

[NurseNancy]

hi mimi and welcome to NT,

i'm a nurse too; NICU 35 yrs. i got dx'd late at 53 and then had to leave my career behind. that was tough but i've adjusted to it.

i havn't had the sx you're talking about. it sounds like your dr is being thorough tho. it's hard to wait for the dr visit, then wait for the test, then wait for the results. but, try to take one thing at a time.

my advice is to try and take one thing at a time. i suggest you start a medical file on yourself. get copies of results, labs etc. get copies of mri's etc. you may see other drs along the way and it will come in handy.

please let us know how you're doing.

[mimiRN]

Thanks everyone for your kind words and the warm welcome��

Yep, I'm a nurse! I am a school nurse in a high school. I have 3 girls ages 4, 6, and 8.
I am definitely trying to not focus on this medical stuff, but as you me me ruined it is very hard to be patient. Especially when you have so many appts that are so spaced apart. But whatever it is..it is.

Honestly, I've always had occasional numbness in my right toes. Comes and goes through. As for my finger (sorry if my first post was confusing) it so strange to have his numb feeling in it. Like I stated, for years I have had right hand numbness that would be only at night and just decided to get it checked out. The neuro was not very helpful telling me my test was not typical but he believed it was mild cts. So I basically knew that! But then I've been left with finger numbness ??
Enough of that! Thanks again and I will be in touch. I am scheduled for my MRI Feb 14th.
I am still waiting for a couple of lab tests. Thanks again and have a great day ��

[mimiRN]

sorry for the typos..meant to type *but as you mentioned it is very hard to be patient*

[mrsD]

Mimi... your D is low. New norm is 50.

3,000 IU of D3 daily may bring you up some.

You also need the actual numerical result of the B12...as labs do not use the new acceptable low of 400pg/ml yet. So you may be below that and have neuro symptoms.

Here is sobering video to watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvEiz...ature=youtu.be

This is my B12 informational thread:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread85103.html

[mimiRN]

Thanks Mrs D! I believe my B12 was in the 450ish range but I will recheck.
My family Doc suggested I take 1-2000iu of vitamin D. I just bought some d3 1000iu. With my daily vitamin and D3, I should be getting 2000iu??

I will check out your links, thank you!!

[mrsD]

The general rule is 1000 IU D3 for every 10 points you need to raise. In your case it would be 3000.

You can add up all the D3 from whatever you eat (milk = 100 IU per 8oz) and your various supplements.

Don't count any that say D2.