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Avatar universal

Does this sound like MS

I'm a 45 year old male.  I've been experiencing tingling and general parasthesia in both feet and lower legs.  I also get it in my left arm/hand but this is quite vague and much more irregular.

It all started about 6 months ago.  I had a sore throat and thought I was experiencing acid reflux.  I took the day off work and that same day I developed a really bad headache.  Whilst in the shower that day I noticed a tingling feeling in my left leg.  For some reason it worried me far more than it should.  Later that day I developed tingling in both feet and lower legs.  This has pretty much continued now for 6 months.  I have days when it hardly bothers me, and days when I consider selling the house and buying a bungalow because I'm convince I have MS and may not be able to walk in a year or two.

I also have intermittent pain in my left foot between the little toe and adjacent toe, and sometimes in the heal and across the bottom of the bridge.  This foot often feels a bit 'spongy' to walk on.  

I find that if I take my shoes off while at my desk, the sensations subside to the point I don't notice them.  When I'm at home I walk around in bare feet which soothes any tingling in my feet.  I also notice that I'm pretty much symptom free when I sit down on the sofa at the end of the day (when I'm relaxing), and remain that way until morning.  In the mornings there is usually some tingling but it tends to get worse once I put on my shoes and socks.

I initially Googled the symptoms never even considering MS.  I was just looking for reassurance.  But when all the results I got from my search mentioned MS I got really worried.  I set up an appointment with my Dr. and she ordered a Brain MRI and referred me to a Neurologist.  The Brian MRI was normal.  I saw the Neurologist who also ordered an MRI of the Cervical and Thoracic.  Which was also normal.  Both MRI's were closed type.

I've also had more than a dozen blood tests, including lymes, b12, syphilis and others.  All were clear.  I've been prodded, poked and hit with a small hammer pretty much everywhere, but the Neurologist couldn't detect any weaknesses or nerve damage.

I've also had 2 nerve conduction tests, both showed no sign of nerve damage.

My balance seems fine.  I've no eye symptoms and don't have any abnormal fatigue.

I have never had any stress or anxiety related disorders, but at the time the symptoms started I was very home sick (I emigrated with my wife 5 years ago) and my son is having some developmental issues.  So it's possible I may be stressed, but just haven't recognised it.

My Neurologists doesn't think it is MS, but I think he's just saying he doesn't have enough evidence to suggest it is, rather than being able to confirm categorically that it isn't MS.

The question I have is; could I have MS or could it be something else entirely.  
9 Responses
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400099 tn?1282954864
I have a friend going through similar things, onlyit's her arms, not her legs. There are so many diseases with cross symptoms it could take a while before you actually get an answer and you just have to keep searching.
Helpful - 0
1336491 tn?1340619541
hi john  thought i would would mention i started a support group up on facebook just incase u wanted join look for single ms and limbolanders  x

jan x
Helpful - 0
1453990 tn?1329231426
The first thing the neurologist/neuro-ophthalmologist told me was "If you were in your 20's or 30's, I'd think MS, but 48 is outside the range."  I collected my records and found a new doctor!  Too many Dr.s seem to be looking for the "typical, easy to diagnose patient."  I'm not sure there are all that many of those.  Look for a neurologist that listens and thinks you need to keep looking for a cause.  It is more than just treating symptoms.  

Bob
Helpful - 0
198419 tn?1360242356
Hi JohnB,

Welcome!  What makes me feel this is not MS also among other things is that you were able to subside tingling and pain by using various techniques. Most of which included getting off your feet.

I hope that makes you feel better where MS is concerned.  But, having said that, since these issues started after being sick, makes me feel something is going on that a good MD needs to investigate thoroughly and not just send you off to a neuro.

You have the great beginnings of a timeline with what you have mentioned here above. And, we have a great diverse group of forum members who would be more than happy to help you too along the way to your next steps.

Are you able to go to another MD? For another look? Fear no more, you landed in a great place for support and info and hope we can help calm your fears.

Thanks for joining us,
Shell
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you to all for you comments.

I am mainly concerned it is MS simply because my symptoms are common early symptoms with MS.  And because the various tests haven't found anything conclusive yet.  I start wondering if they continue to test and find nothing, but the symptoms continue, then we are left with a diagnosis of MS, simply through the process of elimination.

The pain/tingling in my feet are intermittent and for the past couple of days they've been pretty light and hardly noticeable.  I have had a headache for 2 days with tingling in my scalp and face, which has been bothering me.

It seems that whenever I get some new kind of symptom, I get focused on that and the other symptoms seem to subside for a while.  It's almost as though my brain isn't able to process more than one symptom at a time.  That's one of the reasons I think there could be some anxiety component to all of this.  Does anybody else find this?

I was wondering if the main symptoms could be in my feet/legs (which I am convinced are neurological) and all the other symptoms may just present themselves through anxiety/stress.  

I've never really been stressed, but living with the constant fear I may have MS is starting to really get me down.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
omg john my symptoms presented exactly like yours at first... The most strange thing is that when I take my shoes and socks, the numbness feeling goes away! I even have the same mentality about not being able to walk after 2 years and dropping out from studying! I did 2 MRIs and nothing came up. Just that B12 makes me feel better. Try it. I had normal B12 as well. Please keep us updated if you find anything wrong. Just wanted to let u know that there are people in your shoes.
Helpful - 0
429700 tn?1308007823
Hi!  Welcome to the forum.

I haven't a clue what is ailing you!  This doesn't ring true of anxiety, because of the fever.  I would be concerned if it's an infection of some sort.  The way your symptoms presented itself don't sound MSish, but I am NOT a doctor.  

From what I understand about Lyme Disease is that there are many false negatives from certain types of tests. Some tests are better than others in detecting LD.  There is a Lyme Disease forum on medhelp, and if you pose your question to them, they would be able to give you more information.

I would also be worried if you have a different infection--encephalitis or meningitis. I think infection will probably show up on a lumbar puncture.  Had your doctor talked to you about getting an LP?  

There are other causes of these symptoms, too, besides MS there's TIA (mini-stroke), vitamin B12 deficiency, pinched nerve autoimmune disorders (lupus, Sjogrens, etc.), migraines, and even an underactive thyroid.  

I hope that your neuro will get to the bottom of this.  It sounds like your doctor is doing a good job.  Hang in there!  
Helpful - 0
1336491 tn?1340619541
Hi john me again sorry just re read your story, i now know about your MRI,s noe DUH  !!sorry ( brain fog) for me.. I had to read it briefly getting confused today.

jan xx

my first MRI did show swelling - you could end up having more MRI,s if your symptoms persist xx
Helpful - 0
1336491 tn?1340619541
Hi John

welcome xx  im sorry you are having these problems, but please dont panic.

Im not medically trained but you are on the right web site to get help..

My history is left arm numbness started 9 month ago still got it, pins needles etc.  I have buzzing in my left leg continuous now and feet.  I have only just been diagnosed after 9 month with MS.. ive not seen my neurologist for follow up yet either so on no drugs yet etc.. Please read my journal if interested how mine started..to compare your symptoms etc but there is alot of things you can have that mimic MS.

The health pages link on top right corner are a big help, have you had any MRI,s etc xx

jan xxx
Helpful - 0
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