Uncommon symptoms
 

Hi folks,

First post and not diagnosed yet, but been having symptoms since August last year, infact probably have had signs before this. I am really depressed about my situation as I believe I have MS, given all the facts.

Currently have constant pain in my arms at the moment, and developed mild tinnitus. With muscle twitching and an altered sensation on the right side of my body.

All started about 7 years ago (2013), where a month after a bout of sore throat (bed bound), I developed migraines and other neurological symptoms. Saw a neuro and had a head MRI; he did mention the word lesions I remember, but said it was likely post viral. I remember having small bouts of dizziness from this point.

Fast forward to August last year, I developed further neurological symptoms, mainly twitching, and what I could only describe as a nervous, adrenaline like surge through my arms. This turned to an internal tremor after a week and then following a week the pain started. In December it all went away for some reason, and I was back to feeling normal. However it all came back in Feb, where my current symptoms are as described above.

The writing is on the wall for me, and the fact that my father has rhuemetoid arthritis, which is a risk factor for auto immune diseases.

Frustrating thing is the testing has been put on hold as a result of the Corona virus. I'm not in a good place right now, thinking about potential issues with my health, impact on family, etc.

I know symptoms are different for everyone, but just want to know if anyone else has experienced similar symptoms, particularly the adrenaline rush feeling through arms and if anyone has had symptoms go away completely and came back within a short space of time.

Thanks folks

Hi Blueboat,

I'm sorry you've been having these troublesome symptoms--sorry too that your concern is MS.

You don't mention what doctors you've been to or whether they are of the opinion that you might have MS but I hope that you have competent doctors in charge of your case. I would expect that a neurologist is involved, and you'll be having an MRI?

Symptoms that come and go are typical of MS. But your symptoms don't necessarily mean MS. I'm not sure what the adrenaline-like surge in the arms is like though it sounds uncomfortable.

I've had pins and needles sensations in my arms, and there have been episodes of paralysis in one arm. There have been other arm and hand symptoms but I can't recall an adrenaline-like surge.

I hope that the doctors will find some answers for you soon. The coronavirus restrictions are being gradually lifted, and you should be able to continue with the tests soon.

Hope you'll keep us posted.

Hi Blueboat and welcome to NeuroTalk.

Anytime you say something is set in stone it is a negative thought and or action. Nothing in this life is ever set in stone unless you make it so.

Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can cause physical symptoms. When dealing sadness, fear, anxiety, depression it is always helpful to seek the help of a Mental Health Professional.

You may or may not have MS or something else medically wrong but by your own words you are not in a good place. Please seek help :hug:

The only time I have had adrenaline rushes is due to high anxiety. This is not a symptom that I have had as part of having Multiple Sclerosis.

Thanks agate and snoopy.

It's difficult when you line up the evidence. But my partner has been trying to reassure me. I'm sure you have all went through it before, and I feel a bit selfish making the post. But sometimes thoughts are overwhelming.

Ive had first appointment with neuro, who has requested a spinal MRI but has been held up with the pandemic situation. Neuro did mention MS, but was almost like a passing comment.

The adrenaline surge was really strange, isolated to only both arms, with a feeling of heaviness. I was also extremely nauseated for a day or 2. When I was in getting blood, I felt horrible after it, and had to stay in for about 20 mins before I could leave. Ended up with low folate and since been corrected, but neuro put me on a further 3 month course and due to finish. Had a number of symptoms over the last 9 months, with a 2 month period of 'normality' in Dec/Jan.

Hope you are all keeping well.

Is the main issue in your arms - the heaviness, surging sensations?

Any repetitive motion work, forward head/shoulders posture, desk postures work, previous whiplash / neck/shoulder injury in the past?

If so look at our RSI & Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) forum..
I had weird surging/buzzing sensation in my arms with severe RSI and also overlapped with some TOS symptoms..

OP: I don't have the MS challenge but walked with my sister thru her disease. She had many other issues along the way, she was 21 or so when first signs appeared and one MD said, "maybe MS"...they didn't know, she went on to do her hectic stressful life and then the MS really hit her...she took so many drugs, unbelievable and she finally found how valuable D3 is and there are many other supplements that could help and to just STOP with drugs, is not in my mind. There are many links about "alternative therapies" and MS and I know of many who take LDN....

But as you said, you are not sure yet....right?

I truly believe had my sister done more supplements and less of the drugs, she "might" be alive..... but so many put faith and trusts in doctors and the drugs. My thinking on it all.

Sphingolin is one supplement I've read that people with MS take.

Thanks for your replies folks.

Main symptoms at the moment are

• Pain in arms, almost all the time
• Altered sensation in right side arm and leg; arm feels like it's tight, and leg feels like im walking with a slight limp, but I'm not. No obvious weakness.
• Buzzing in right foot - on and off
• Slight tinnitus in ears
• Muscle twitching everywhere
• Increased eye floaters
• Depression
• On a few mornings, woke up with dead arms, which felt like a loss of circulation

The surging feeling in my arms only happened for about a few hours over the space of 2 days way back in August last year. I went to bed and woke up with nausea. Things then developed where I'd have symptoms come and go. Then in early December, it all went away. But came back in Feb again this year.

7 years ago I went through a sort of similar period over 3 months, with mainly a constant headache, slight dizziness, brain fog, dead arms when awakening in the morning and general malaise.
Kind of strange how it all happened a month after I had a throat infection, which I assume was glandular fever/mono. Also had periods in between, possibly once every 2-3 years where I would get dizzy.

I don't know what to do, this pandemic situation has put a hold on all investigations. So at the moment I am on amitriptyline, folic acid, multi vitamin and magnesium.

Hi Blueboat,

Those don't sound like MS problems to me unless some of the changes in sensation might be. MS symptoms tend to be more severe and to involve more than one part of the body (eye problems plus bladder problems, for instance).

Muscle twitching can be a side effect of the amitryptiline you're taking. Could you reduce the dose of it or cut it out entirely to see if that cuts down on some of your symptoms? Check with your doctor of course but note that muscle twitching is one of the side effects you should contact your doctor immediately about--according to this from Drugs.com:


Amitriptyline Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term - Drugs.com

Hi agate.

I can't remember if the muscle twitching before or after I started taking amitriptyline. But I've been taking that for the pain in my arms. I know I had it last time I went through a phase 7 years ago.

It feels severe. I've not been the same since it all started in August.

Not sure what you mean by "a phase 7." I realize there's a movie with that title but unfortunately I haven't seen it.:confused: