Possible Multiple Sclerosis and Looking for a few Answers
 

So for the past 7 years I have had symptoms off and on. I have had tingling and numbness in my Left arm, neck, face, leg. I have had some vision issues(blurred, floaters, sometimes out of focus), these have been off and on for 7 years. the past 3-4 years I have had all of those, severe pain in my left arm neck and back, loss of balance, I also will just be sitting at my desk and its like my heard is swirling around, nausea, when I eat i feel ill, major mood swings, constantly cold, weakness in my arm and legs, I leak urine all the time, I am either constipated or have diarrhea, I will say things that make no sense, I have found myself doing things like leaving the ice cream where my dishes go in the cabinet. I will sometimes forget h ow to swallow, joke on saliva. my ears are always ringing and my L ear is always fading in and out like im on a plane.

I recently started seeing a neurologist, have done 2 MRI's. They did find a couple lesions on my brain and have just done repeat MRI's to watch. I have had no changes. I also had a an MRI done of my neck and was dx with cervical spinal stenosis. I also had a nerve conduction test done and it was negative. I have asked my neuro about MS and he says no. I was also dx with silent migraines and was put on topamax and it helps with sensitivity to light and noise, but nothing else. I also was put on gabapentin and it doesnt really work either.

This last time I had all my symptoms it lasted 5-6 months and now is completely gone. Today however all of them are coming back and its been 2-3 months. I try and keep a journal of everything but being a mom of 4 and working full time it isnt easy. I just want to know if anyone else has had similar symptoms and if it was caused by silent migraines and spinal stenosis. My spinal stenosis is considered mild. I also had some arthritis. I am 37 I shouldn't be feeling like I cant get out of bed daily and I am alseep by 7:30-8:00 every night and then sometimes I sleep all night but most nights I am up at 2:30 random times.

My dr doesnt fully listen to all my symptoms either. Is it bad that I want to see a new MD and neurologist?

hello & welcome to NT,

no, it isn't bad that you want a 2nd opinion. get copies of your mri's so you can take them to any new drs you see. go to the place that did them & sign a release. they will make them.

i havn't had your symptoms but MS is a very individualized disease & we all have differing symptoms.

you can still keep a journal but only put down your top 2-3 problems. if you list everything it can be too complicated for your dr to figure out. if you have vision problems you might want to see an opthamologist.

it sounds like you have a lot on your plate. take 1 thing at a time. keep us posted.

Hello capanda and welcome to NeuroTalk.

Is your cervical spinal stenosis being treated? Has Physical Therapy(PT) been tried? Spinal stenosis can cause neurological symptom and simply living life can trigger a worsening of the symptoms it can cause. Have you seen a neurosurgeon to evaluate the spinal stenosis?

It might not be a bad idea to have a MRI or x-ray of the Lumbar spine to check for any spine problems that could be affecting the legs, bowels and bladder due to some of the symptoms you are having.

If you feel you are not being listened to or want a second opinion then finding a new Dr. is warranted.

As far as MS: There is no symptom(s) that is unique or exclusive of MS. Many other conditions, medications and mental health issues can all cause symptoms similar to MS. Those other conditions need to be ruled out as a possibility for a person's symptoms.

Have you tried a Probiotic or tried Fiber like Metamucil to help regulate your bowels? Fiber can help with both constipation and diarrhea.

Have you been to an Ophthalmologist to discuss your vision problems? If not that is what I would suggest.

Many times this can be due to weak pelvic muscles or age related but is best evaluated by a Urologist and/or your GYN.

Information about some of the other conditions that need to be ruled out:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Sym...ns-to-Rule-Out

There is also a diagnostic criteria for MS --- The revised McDonald Criteria: http://www.va.gov/MS/articles/2010_M...ia_Revised.pdf

Although you have a couple of lesions it doesn't appear as if they are MS lesions (based on your Neurologist saying not MS). Many things can cause brain lesions including headaches/migraines.

Having said all of that, it appears you are currently in a "wait and see" phase. Your Neurologist is watching your MRIs for changes. Without meeting the criteria it's quite difficult to be diagnosed with MS.

You might have MS but you might not---only time will tell.

Just some thoughts based on your post. Best wishes.