New and wondering...

[mlwmom]

Thank you for taking the time to read and respond. I do not know whether I have MS or not, but am seeking an opinion on whether I should pursue medical evaluation. This is sort of an if you were in my shoes question. : )

Brief history: I had optic neuritis 20 years ago in my right eye (age 26). Lots of testing of the eye done at that time and it cleared but left me with mild visual field loss and a wacky pupil response. Still have both but the pupil has become more "fluctuating" recently.

A year or so after the ON I had what was thought to be trigeminal neuralgia. Was miserable for about two weeks and then it cleared. No testing done.

Fast forward a few years: Minor episodes of weakness, numbness and tingling. About four years ago I had a stress fracture in my femur from running. Physical therapy documented muscle weakness in the right leg (broke the left one) of unknown cause.  

I am a medical transcriptionist and type all day at home. I have had progressive problems with my right hand "keeping up" with my left hand and my work is a mess. I spend more time cleaning up than actual transcribing some days!

More recently: Six months ago I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and celiac disease - this after several years of feeling fatigued, weak, foggy, bloated, etc. I am now on several supplements, thyroid medciation, and a gluten-free diet.  Both of these are autoimmune diseases.

A friend and I were talking about AI recently and we found out that we had both had ON. She then said, You know it is a common early symptom for MS, don't you? Then she told me she had MS (which I never knew!). She is now urging me to see a neurologist.

Currently: My right leg is now getting noticeably weaker and I'm having more problems with my right hand. I find myself fumbling small objects (like pills!),missing when I reach for something. Note that I am left handed. Now that the weather is warmer I am noticing that I feel worse when I have been active outside. I know I had a few episodes of  "browning out" and stumbling last summer. I am very active adn work out regularly, though my strength has diminished.

Am I making something out of nothing? Would you go? I have an annual eye appointment in June, and plan to speak with him about it.

Thank you for listening!
Joanna

[mlwmom]

Thank you everyone for your advice! I really appreciate it.It took a few years of effort to get the Hashi's and celiac diagnosed, so I am nothing if not persistent. I do my research very thoroughly. I think my last straw was last night when I went on tiptoe to reach something - and my right foot would not stay up. I didn't know it was quite that bad, as I can stay on tiptoe in the pool. I was also outdoors at a restaurant for a group meeting and got hot, shaky, weak, and blurry, and had to leave.

Again - thank you!

Joanna

[Zacksmomi]

Welcome to the forum.  You are in the right place.  MS or not, the people here have been there, and are here for you.

Everyone is right...get to a neurologist.  Schedule it now.  If you need a referral, call your GP or try to get to your eye Dr sooner.  Don't wait till june to say something.  

There are meds that will bring you relief while you do your testing. Try to bring a history of your symptoms to the Dr appt including how long you had the symptom, how much it improved, when it came back.  

Look at the health pages here and there is a page on going to the neuro for the first time. It may help you prepare so you can get the best answers right away.  

Big Hugs to you
D

[Rachelinpain]

wow! what a blow!!

i too think you should definatley see a neurologist.  you sound like you are highly predisposed to autoimmune diseases anyway (with 2 of them already).  with MS in the same category perhaps you have that one as well,  

this is a great site...hope you get the answers you need.  good luck!!

rachel

[Lulu54]

Hi Joanna,
ON is often an early symptom of MS, but not always.  The other symptoms you describe sound like they could be neurologic in nature.  The only way to know for sure is to start the journey with a neurologist.  
Good luck and stay in touch - we're available to answer any questions or to hold you hand (the good one, of course!)

be well,
Lulu

[tjj3761]

Hi and welcome to this great forum!

I too am a medical transcriptionist now for 29 years.  I know EXACTLY what you mean about your right hand not keeping up while working.  Your left hand, of course, is doing its job and altogether they are creating a mess in your reports.  I've been there many times.

I am not yet diagnosed after 7 years now, but I highly suggest you call and make an appointment with a neurologist.

Almost all of your symptoms from its onset is identical to mine.

You know something is wrong, you are not alone.  It sounds like you are having some exacerbations from an underlying neurological disease.

PLEASE call and make an appointment, so that you can start getting some testing done.  Also there are some medications like Neurontin, which would help some of your symptoms, as well as other meds.

Please keep in touch on the forum.  There are so many who are helpful, friendly, knowledgeable, and know what you are going through.

Terri

[ashleyPT]

You are not making something out of nothing.  I encourage you to see a neurologist.