Hello!

I am new and hoping to make some friends that can help me understand some of the things that have happened to me. My neurologist can't explain much and has actually contradicted himself repeatedly and I am still struggling with weird symptoms.

I had all the symptoms of a stroke(sudden numbness on left side of body including face with tingling) following 2 days of chest pain and shortness of breath in October of 07. I went to the ER. My left ankle was swollen and my eyesight in left eye poor. The MRI done a couple of weeks later showed white dots on the right side of my brain. I still have occasional chest pain and feel exhausted. I suffer from some confusion and vertigo. All tests done following the suspected heart attack/stroke showed nothing according to doctors...no, wait, they said I had a heart attack and a stroke, then they said I didn't! So, what did happen?

Is there anyone that can relate to this experience? When I apply a nitro patch during chest discomfort and pain, I am better. I am on cholesterol meds and take aspirin. I have recently moved to another town and in search of a good doctor but I'm hesitant because I don't trust them! I hope to hear from some new friends soon! Thanks!

I can relate to your dilema... I did not have the chest pain but the numbness. At first the doctors thought I had carpel tunnel (sp) but no pain. Then I lost my ability to speak and that scared me. I was sent to a neuro and he showed me my MRI with all my white spots. Scared me to death. Most are on my right side and I guess that affects the left. I don't know the technical stuff, but he actually suggested I seek a 2nd opinion, which shocked me. So my husband and I are gathering info. and making appointments.

If you are unsure of your options or what your doctor's are saying, I recommend the same. It won't hurt!

Thanks littlemomma for your response! I wonder how many doctors there are that don't know what the white spots are and why you lost your speech and why I have vertigo and sometimes chest pain? I've looked at a lot of websites re heart and stroke and it seems that no one can explain. I feel comforted to know I'm not the only one! The neurologist said to me he thought I couldn't have experienced what I did because the MRI just showed white dots. The doctor who administered the MRI and did the report thought I did have a stroke though and so, the two of them don't agree! The neurologist couldn't tell me what they are though. Thanks again!

I wanted to make sure I explained... my neuro diagnosed me with MS after making sure I had not had a stroke as well. Those white dots are the places where my immune system had attacked the protective layer around my nerves, causing me to loose feeling and certain abilities for an undetermined amount of time. I hope you get your answers soon!

I'm not yet sure how to navigate here and am not sure my reply got to littlemomma, so just trying to say thank you for your response and hoping you find the right answers too!

Hello Marblu and Welcome to NeuroTalk. I really think a 2nd opinion is in order here. Hopefully, you can find a Dr who is willing to work wyou and FOR you to help you figure out what is really going on.

I'm really glad you found us and hope you take a look around and make yourself comfy.

Hello Mareblu and Welcome!

If you have you 'MRI' report you will be able to read what the findings are, like whether the white matter is consistent with 'demyelinating disease' or 'small vessel ischemic changes' which would be more likely with stroke.

You need a neurologist to decipher.

I had a series of small strokes a few years back. It turned out that I have a clotting disorder called the 'antiphospholipid syndrom.'

I hope you find your answers soon! Take care.

Hi Mareblu! Welcome to NeuroTalk!

It could be many things, you might benefit from looking around around in our many different forums for similar experiences. Give your medical team a chance, there are some great docs out there, it's a matter of finding one who is a good "fit" for you.

I havn't been feeling too well for the past couple of days, so didn't get back to you. I think I am close to going back to the doctors because my husband is starting to be worried (again). I just dread the whole thing since they already put me through a ton of tests. The cardiologist suggested I might have a leaky valve in my heart. Scarey thought........Thanks to all who have encouraged me. I have become less courageous than I used to be! I hope you are well. And thanks for the warm welcome!
Mareblu

HI MAREBLU! WELCOME TO NEUROTALK!!