I have a question about symptoms such as tingling or numbness. When this happens is it always on one side of your body? Iam in limbo. The doctor tends to think my problem was b12 deficiency. He said the fact that all my symptoms were bilateral was significant as MS symptoms are unilateral. Is this true for everyone here?

Your doctor is wrong. MS symptoms can be bilateral or unilateral it just depends on the person and their MS.

I am generally affected on my right side but have had symptoms on both. My right hand/arm has been numb since October 2007. I am doubting that it's going to get any better. My Neuro told me that if it lasts longer than 6 months it's usually permanent. Does this sound right? It took my double vision about 4 months to correct itself. I was told, too, that symptoms will usually show up on the same side of the body but I've had them on both my right and left sides - although not at the same time.

I'm with Snoopy, I've had several attacks that effected both sides simultaneously. I'm an oldtimer with MS and nothing surprises me anymore, but I also think your doc is wrong.

Also, while I do believe that vitamins play a significant role in our general wellness, it would take some major documentation to convince me that a low level of any one vitamin is the lone cause of an exacerbation.

Cat, I am in limbo also, I have the numbness and tingles mostly on my right side. VERY little on my left in almost 2 years. I agree with Snoopy your neuro is wrong - you should find a second opinion.

Thank you for your answers. I thought he was wrong also. He said that you don't get them on both sides of your body at the same time.

Unlike some people here in limbo, I still want to be in limbo. Iam scared to death to have a Dx. I had one MRI in Oct. 07 that showed multiple lesions (not in the useual place for MS) I was suppose to have a follow up. Iam so claustrophobic ( did i spell that right?) that I don't know what Iam more afraid of. The MRI or the Dx! I took 15mg of valium to get through the last one and that barely helped.

Cat - I am one of those people who would like to know what is wrong with me, I hope it isn't MS for I don't want it!!!!!! I wish it was just low B12 and a shot once a month would cure me, but when my neuro says he believes I have MS 100% but the insurance company won't take that as a dx I get really frustrated!! I personally hate being in limbo ~ I want to know what is wrong with me - why is my face, tongue and right side of my body numb in places, why do I fall, why do I always get vertigo, why am I in pain? There has to be a reason and I want to know why.....

Please don't get me wrong - I am not slamming you - You are lucky that you don't care that you are in Limbo, I wish I could be like you.... it would be a lot less stress on my part and we both know what stress does to us.

This is a great place to come for questions and answers. I wish you the best, it sounds like we have a lot in common. Maybe you can teach me how not to want a dx!

I also agree, you doc is wrong. I have numbness and tingling on both sides. It's worse on the right, and seems to hurt more, where on the left it's a quiet numbness.

I'm hoping it's not MS for you, but a dx will set you on a path of learning and acceptance. Even though I don't wish MS on anyone knowing is better in my book.

Your doc is right and wrong.

You may very well have a B12 deficiency, and this could be causing your symptoms. If a B12 deficiency goes on for too long, your nervous system can be affected, and you may end up with peripheral nerve damage (and Paresthesia). In fact, that is one of the first things they should rule in/out when we present with MS-type symptoms.

http://www.b12patch.com/about-b12deficiency.html

The part that he/she is wrong on, is that we won't get symptoms bilaterally . . . that is not true. Numbness is one of my most prevalent symptoms with my attacks, due to spinal lesions. I will get it on one side OR both sides (either at the same time, or progressively affecting both sides over time).

Cherie