I am a 33 year old who has been having trouble walking over the past year. I was a very fit individual who went to the gym 3/4 times a week but found 18 just over a year ago that I was finding difficulty running. After many blood tests, x-rays, brain and back scans, VEP's, lumber punctures and electrical tests the neurologist found a small lesion on my brain stem back in May. The subsequent lumber puncture found oligoconal bands however MS was ruled out due to the position and type of lesion. A follow up brain scan in September showed the lesion had shrunk. My walking however is still troubled and getting worse, somedays down to 20mtrs. I have no pain, vision fine, sleeping usual and no pins and needles in my hands and feet. My legs feel like lead weights and I drag my feet alot. I can recover by just stopping, and then carry on with no requirement to sit down. My arms and hands also get very tired.
Does any one have any ideas? I'm definately confusing the docs and, as you can imagine, I feel totally imprisoned every day.

Hi bbird! I don't have much to offer....just an "ear" to listen. This is such a baffling disease with many strange symptoms in each one of us. Some people wait years for a definite diagnosis.

This certainly isn't very encouraging, but wanted to let you know we're here if you have any questions or just want to vent!

Good luck!!!!!!!

Hi bbird and welcome to NeuroTalk!

Have you sought a second opinion? If not, I think I might try to get one just to have another doctor's opinion.

This disease is mystifying enough even when we think we know what's going on.

Good luck and I hope you can get some answers.

Welcome to NeuroTalk, bbird!

I'm sorry for the sx you are experiencing. I do hope you'll be able to get some help very soon.

Bbird...I am so sorry and can totally sympathize with the lead weights attached to your body.

I would also recommend more than one opinion. Where are you from? I know I have met some wonderful people from all over this country and even some from Australia, and they all have a lot of good advice as far as symptoms and doctors.

So sorry Bird, that's tough. I had trouble with my legs too, for a couple of years before other sx showed up and someone decided to start looking at MS. I was told that I was "getting older" I was all of 45! and suddenly couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without feeling like I'd just run a marathon!

I was also having memory issues, which were also being dismissed as "age related" or possibly due to menopause, stress, or medication.

I feel your frustration.

Even though the docs have ruled out MS (for now) doesn't mean you don't have it, or something else. Though I hope for your sake it's something else, like a pinched nerve or too much or not enough of some mineral, (insert your theory here), or something weird. Do go for a second or third opinion. And look at other possible sx. You mention the tingling, numbness, etc. What about headache, pain in the limbs other odd sensations?

Good luck, and keep coming here. If nothing else, you'll get plenty of sympathy.

Not to say it is not MS. Have you been checked for Myasthenia Gravis that can cause your legs and arms to feel heavy and is relieved by rest just a thought. I know you are in good hands with your neurologists and I hope you find an answer soon.

hi bird and welcome to NT.
glad you found us.

i second all the above advice you've been given.
you might keep a brief journal of dates and sx's (symptoms). a timeline may help drs when doing your H&P (history & physical).

start to keep a record on yourself too.
in the states we have a legal right to get copies of our records. mri's too.
that can help another dr when you see them down the road.

i hope you get the answers you need.
please keep us posted.

My first visit to the neurologist starts, "This very fit 41 year-old woman...."

My legs is where this started for me and it's where I still have the most problem. Heavy legs, numbness in my feet and legs, banding.... I loved to dance and now I feel like a fool because the best I can seem to do is the hokey pokey--it doesn't require grace. And lately it's like I'm a friggin' walking zombie when I get off a piece of cardio equipment like an elliptical or bike.

It often takes time to figure out what's going on. Hang in there and try to adapt your exercise routine to what your body can handle. But for goodness sake, keep working out if you can! It's good for your mind and your body.

Best of luck with your "yet another" neurologist visit. Hope you get some answers.

Just wanted to say hi and welcome.