Help With MS Symptoms..

[Larssonmc2]

Hello there

I am wondering if you can please give me some advice as i am at my wits end.  For over a year now I have been experiencing strange symptoms.  I notice when i walk i get a strange feeling in my right leg, its like an awareness of my right leg all the time when I walk. For the last year I have had heavy depression and anxiety and stress for no obvious reason.  My body and mind feel tired all the time, I find it difficult concentrating in work.

Recently I noticed a problem with my eyes, when I am outside I get floaters in my vision (Black Shawdows), especially against bright backgrounds my eyes feel tired also.  I recently went to the optician and he told me he couldnt see any problems with my sight and that floaters are very common.

I have been to the doctors 3 times in the past year, all my blood results have came back clear.

I am currently awaiting to see as a specialist but its a 12 week wake, as my GP ran some tests on my coordination and balance and didnt see this as an emergency.

I am going out my mind, as my gran has MS, and although I know there is not a direct link, the odds are slightly higher.  I just feel spaced out all the time, and I know something isn't right.  

If you are able to offer any advice this would be much appreciated.

Kind regards
Mark

[Tammy826]

Hello, I'm not dx'd yet but I have dealt with the frustration & the depression that seems to come from nowhere. I resisted the idea at 1st but if you can just find a counselor or something to talk to believe me it does help! Its nice to have someone to talk to that you don't see at the family reunion or that you wake up to everyday. I agree with what Lulu said you should go ahead & see the Dr. I pray your feeling better soon & will keep you in my prayers! God bless you! If you need anything at all please let me know!

[Lulu54]

You probably already know from your research that MS can cause depression - it can come from physical reasons or situational reasons.  Either way, being seen now by a doctor rather than waiting 12 weeks is probably a very good idea.  

Yes, the neuro exam would probably happen before an MRI is ordered.  The neuro exam can highlight any deficits that you have.

stay in touch, ok?
Lulu

[Larssonmc2]

I might just go to A&E, they will see me quicker then....

My main symptoms are mental problems and not physical.
I am just mentally shattered all the time, I know the heavy depression and anxiety are not helping with this.  I wouldnt say That i have any clear disabilities, just subtle feelings in my right lega nd arm that wont go away.

I will probably have a neurological exam first before an MRI.
I take it the Neurological exam will give a strong indication to whether it could be MS?

Thanks Again

[Lulu54]

Hi Mark, welcome to the MS forum here at MedHelp.  You've come to a good place for answers and company to help you wait this 12 week period.  I see you are in the UK so with the NHS I would say 12 weeks is pretty speedy if this isn't an emergency.

First, an optician is different than an opthamologist - you want to go to an opthamolgist for a thorough eye exam.  Yes, floaters are common as we age but they can also mean other things as well.

Blood tests are mainly used to eliminate causes of your problems.  There are a slew of tests run when looking at the reason for problems that mimic MS, including lupus, sarcodoisis and lyme disease.  We have a great health page on the MS mimics - it is located at

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple%20Sclerosis/MS-Mimics---Part-I/show/375?cid=36


I'm sorry you have to worry about this, but you are right about the family link.  And I know you can't help but worry since you saw your grandma's expereince with MS.

I hope you will come through here often - this is a great community and willing to share all of their experiences with you.

my best,
Lulu

[Larssonmc2]

Thanks for your feedback everyone, its so hard because I look fine and have no obvious disability but my head and body is always shattered..

Can blood tests indicate a possible neurological problem?

And surely my optician would spot some sign of problems?

Cheers guys

[Deb61]

You probably need to see an opthamologist rather than an optician about your eyes.  An opthamologist is a specialist when it comes to eye diseases.  

Also, is there any way you can set up an appointment with a neurologist yourself instead of going through your GP?  Three months is a long time to wait.  There may not be an emergency, but sitting around wondering what's wrong with you doesn't do much for anxiety.

Best wishes,
Deb

[Zacksmomi]

Hello and welcome.
I know that waiting is hard, but unfortunately with MS, we find most of this is a waiting period.  
I too get the floaters in my eyes and have been told there is no relation to my MS it is just aging (not that it made me feel better)
All I can say is to be thankful that your symptoms have not reached the level of an emergency and know that even though it seems like forever, 12 weeks will come faster than you think.  
I know depression and anxiety are symptoms people with MS suffer, but of course MS is not the only cause.  Hopefully if you can try not to dwell too much on your up coming appt, you can relieve some of the tension on your mind.

Please keep us posted.

D