Diagnosed with MS....I think

[Traci0211]

Hi all,   I am 41 yrs old and started experiencing "pins & needles" type pain in right foot that radiated up into my right calf that lasted 4 months.  At times my foot felt like it was "on fire".  Then magically it disappeared.  My right arm and hand have been getting weaker for the several months and the upper arm/bicep feel very heavy and achy at times.

My balance is terrible - my Neurologist (and my 2nd opinion Neurologist) have seen my actually fall down when trying to walk on my toes and/or walk with one foot in front of the other.  When sticking a safety I cannot remember anything and it happens in front of my clients when giving presentations on topics I have known for 12+years.

I have "extreme" fatigue - meaning, I do 1 load of laundry and sleep for 3-4 hours.  My live revolves around my bedroom and has for several months.  When I read about MS - this symptom really sounds like it.

My Neurologist did MRI of brain and no lesions showed up but he advised he has diagnosed MS patients before prior to a lesion ever appearing on an MRI.  I am scheduled for a Lumbar Puncture Monday.

Has anyone else ever been diagnosed without any sign of a lesion(s)???  I know something is wrong with me but am terrified to start MS drugs if this is not really MS.

Any and ALL thoughts are welcome!

[danah]

Hi Traci,
I hope your doctor finds a diagnosis for you. It is a peace of mind once you know whats going on in your body. As much as I was upset to know I had MS (from an MRI) as relieved as I was to know I wasn't imagining the numbmnes, pain and tingling.

Don't worry about medication. I'm on Rebif now, for the past 3 months. My body finally adjusted to it and I'm doing fine. I usually avoid taking medication but to know I'm doing my best to control it is comforting.

Good luck! One word of advice is always vent out your worries.... : )

Danah

[Super_sally888]

Hi Traci,

welcome here to our family.  Others will chime in and welcome you too.

Yes, it is possible to be diagnosed with MS without lesions showing on MRI.  Sometime the damage from the MS can be too small (only relatively large lesions will show on MRI) to show.  It can be diagnosed on symptoms and neurological signs alone. Particularly on the pattern and distribution of symptoms over time.

If MS is suspected, it is important to get onto treatment as early as possible, as it has been shown to slow progression.

Welcome again.  Read and ask heaps of questions.

Sally