preparing for neuro appt -possible diagnosis of MS?

[dweb]

Hello All:

Approximately four weeks ago I experienced a tingling sensation in my left arm, which I wasn't particularly concerned with (believing it occurred due to a poor sleeping position).  This persisted and two days later I experienced a similar tingling sensation in my left heel and felt some numbness as well.  This prompted me to see my family physician, but my GP was able to explain my symptoms from poor sleeping position and the fact that only a day before I had been standing for a very long time and I tend to place more pressure on my left foot (we think).

Satisfied with this diagnosis, I went on vacation (which had been scheduled some time before) but the symptoms persisted, albeit in a come-and-go fashion., i.e. they weren't always there.  On one occasion I noticed that the dexterity in my left hand was reduced, as it was challenging (though not impossible) to use a fork, although this passed after approximately one day.

Since returning from vacation I have seen my GP who put me on a mild course of clonazapam (an anxiety-reliving drug) since I DO tend to be an anxious person and he suspects my symptoms may be due to that.  Since starting it, the tingling sensations have been significantly reduced (though not completely).  However, over the last week, I have begun to suspect that there is some sort of difference in vision in my right eye.  My vision does not seem blurry and I have checked to see that my visual field is complete (found a test online).  When comparing brightness between each eye (by closing one eye, observing through the other and then repeating for the next eye) I generally find that the vision is darker in the eye I check first.  On performing this test in the past day or so, however, it seems like the vision through my right eye is consistently a little darker, almost as though a red filter has been placed over my eye.  Is this optic neuritis?  I knew that optic neuritis existed before the symptoms appeared and am willing to consider that it's appearance as a symptom is psychosomatic.

I have an appointment with a neurologist tomorrow and am wondering:  Is there anything I should make sure the neuro does during my appointment, i.e. tests?  How can I best prepare?  Are there any questions I should ask?

Am I freaking out over nothing???  My one fear is that I'm beginning medical school in September, and that five or six years from now when my debt will have piled sky-high and then I'll get an attack and not be able to earn anything.  Help?  Suggestions?

[JonM]

Going to the neuro is not scarey.  It seems like your prepped to do battle.  Its not that way.  One thing you can do  is write down the symptoms you have experienced, the start dates and end date and the scope of the symptom and how mild or severe it was.  Having it written will make it easier to communicate.  Sometimes these Docs are so busy, they don't want to stand there and listen to all these symptoms verbally.  Don't hold back, don't undereport and don't discount some minor yet strange occurence.  MS presents itself with lots of strange little quirks mixed in with more obvious ones.

Good Luck!
JonM

[karzme]

WELCOME!!! I would suggest going on webmd, type in MS. On the right side there is a list of questions, to ask your neuro. Let them know what your symptoms are. Explain everything that's going on.

Are you having balance, memory probs? I noticed you are having visual probs. It could be optic neuritis. For me mine started with double vision. Had it for 3 months. Not fun. Have you had an MRI done yet? That's one way to test for it. They also do some blood tests, spinal tap and I'm sure others. I only had to have MRI's done. They showed lesions and with all my symptoms, it was enough to diagnose me. Hope this helps you some. For your first apt, I would suggest trying to take someone with you. It is a scary time, when you are in limbo on what's going on.  Karina

[Jazzyfizzle]

Hello and welcome dweb. I wish I could offer advice. I am 'partially' diagnosed myself (one doctor says I do, one says not so far). The tests I have had are Emg's and Mri.
Just in my own opinion, I think doctors like to shove off a diagnosis on anxiety, an easy way out diagnosis for cases that they would need to put some effort and thinking. There are some good ones who would never be like this, but I have ran into quite a few that are. :(  
I even had this happen with diabetes and went undiagnosed. Shocking but true.
Hopefully someone will come along here and offer more thoughts on what might be happening.
Take care
Jazzy