Does this sounds like ms to you?

[maxthecat]

In April 2010, my left arm went crazy.  Burning, twitching, and clenched up into my chest.  It also shook.  I had an MRI done in May 2010.  This is what the report said:   Small nonspecific foci of hyperintense signal in the supratentorial brain.  Some lesions appear to be situated in or immediately adjacent to to corpus callosum; although small, some lesions have a relatively perpendicular orientation with respect to the lateral ventricle, raising the possibility of a demyelinating process (?possible small Dawson's fingers).
I also had a lumbar puncture and a couple of other tests- but these were negative.

The first attack only lasted about six weeks, and I have been left with residual weakness, and burning in that arm/hand. The neurologist I saw said he "doesn't think it's ms".   He indicated that stress can cause these things- but I don't have a lot of stress (except for DOCTORS!)  I also have Reflex Sympathetic Dystropy in my right foot- so I figured it must have spread to my hand (another long story...).

Attack #2 began on June 10, 2011- last month.  I was out with a friend for lunch, when my left foot "disappeared", and over the course of the day, it was my entire left side- excepting my face- I am unsure about that.  I had pronounced weakness, and numbness on the left side only - but this time it included my both my arm and my leg.  I was unable to walk, or even to wheel myself around in a wheelchair- (needed two working hands to do it).  Burning, spasms, twitching, electric-like shocks...    I have felt like I was drunk, very disoriented.  I have had some visual disturbances, but they don't sound like optic neuritis to me.   I also have tingling and buzzing in all four extremities, but not all the time.

The reason I think this attack is over, is because I can walk again- though with difficulty, and slowly.  I don't feel drunk anymore- just mildly dizzy.  Unfortunately, my left hand is now worse than it was last time.  I am also left with a very slight tremor.  

I have not seen a neurologist for this attack yet- they are booked out too far.  

In addition to that, I have been having a painful problem in my abdomen.  It feels very tight, located at the bottom of my ribcage and it is usually only on my right side- though at times (including right now) it radiates all the way around to both sides.  It feels like a tight belt.  -- It's there every day, but not all the time.  

If this is not ms (because it no longer resembles RSD very much), what are the other possibilities?

[Sidesteps]

Tammy,

Welcome!

My PCP suggested an atypical migraine and my new Neuro ruled it out immediated due to the residual damage and chronic symptoms..

I am a limblolander. I had the "hug" and had NO IDEA what it was. When it started I was in a full blown flare. My body was freaking out!

I was concerned I had a tumor under my rib cage that was suddenly huge (it sat right under my entire front and expanded to my right waist.) It was extremely unconfortable to the point that it transferred pain to my left shoulder.  (Your shoulders are shared nerve points.) With all my other symptoms, since it wasn't getting worse, I addressed it and the doctor wasn't overly concerned. (I had a physical and all my labs were fine.) Little did I know...

All your symptoms (and MRI report) sound awfully suspicious to me so I'm very glad you are being assertive and made another appointment. I don't have a lesion load so I'm stuck here until my doctor compiles enough information. I wish you well. I'm sorry that you had another flare but glad you are recovering from it. I hope you continue to feel better.

[maxthecat]

Thank you.  I had my gallbladder removed last year, so I thought it was my liver or some other vital organ.  We researched to gastro angle as far as possible- and no answers.  It must be the ms hug you're talking about.  

Someone even suggested to me that my symptoms could be a migraine- but I've never heard of a migraine leaving permanent damage to body parts.

I've even researched conversion disorders- just in case...  

I will be seeing a new neurologist next week.  I have last years MRI and findings report in hand.  Hopefully, I will get out of limboland soon.  It took my doctors three years to dx the RSD in my right foot.  So, I guess neurological diseases/disorders are difficult to pin down.

Thank you for the welcome, and the advice.  I will check out the section you recommended.

Hugs,
Tammy

[figuerpa]

Sorry you are going through this. Alot of it sounds like MS but there are so many mimics out there that have to be ruled out before they can said it is MS for sure. I am not a doctor so I can only give my advice and I am sure others will chime in with their opinions.

You should get in to see the neuro when you can and take this information with you so that you don't forget anything about the attack.

An attack is a new symtom or worsening of symptoms that last at least 24 hours. You should get checked out about the belt feeling around your ribs. We call it the MS hug but it could be something different with you. I had my gallbladder out and let me tell you it hurt me so bad and would wrap all the way around my rib cage before they removed it. You should at least have it looked at to make sure of what it is. If it is the Hug it can cause damage and be dangerous so that is nothing to mess around with. Either is a bad gallbladder, that was almost worse than labor lol.

I hope you can get in to see a doctor for the pain and to find out what is going on. See if you can get your primary doctor to push for an earlier appointment with a neuro. The longer you wait to make the appointment the longer it will take to get in to see one and your primary doctor can run more tests in the mean time to maybe try to help rule out other causes before you get in to see a neuro.

Good luck and keep us informed,
Paula