QUIX PLEASE...

[skarey]

Hey Quix,
  I posted this a few days ago while you were out, but was wondering if you could help me out on this one.  Thanks!!  Hope you are feeling better!!
  Karey

Hey Guys,
   I posted somewhat earlier on my neuro appt., but didn't really clarify.  My neuro said that my symptoms didn't describe anything neurological!  I find this very difficult to believe.  He said I don't have MS because my MRI of my brain was normal and my office exam (reflexes, and senses were normal). I would be happy as could be if this were true, but something tells me that you cannot say it's not MS just because your brain MRI and reflexes were normal.  IS this true.  He didn't want to run anymore tests at the time.  He just wants me to come back in 4 weeks for a followup.   I don't know if I should be happy about this or a little upset.
   Here are my symptoms:
     Started back in May (about 2.5 months after birth of daughter).   Had weird cool sensations in left leg, excrutiating head ache that lasted for about a week at onset of symptoms,  weird sensation moved to left hand (tingly feeling) then turned to pain in arm and hand.  Then my right arm/hand began hurting as well.  Feels like funny bone is being hit 24/7 and runs down to my fingers.  Intermittent eye pain and ear pain, restless legs in early morning.
   June/July- continuted pain in arms/hands/feet.  Also pain numb sensations in feet.   Went to PCM who did blood work that came back normal except for elevated liver enzymes.   Had an abdomen ultrasound that came back normal.  Checked for hepatitis- normal.  Checked for arthritis- normal.  Vitamin B12 and folic acid- normal.   Had MRI of brain that came back normal.  Also had a NCS that was abnormal in legs. Had twitching for about 3 days straight that went away.
   August-current-  lessened pain in arms/hands and feet (intermittent)  Numb cold patches on face (intermittent), Pins and needles in hands/feet (intermittent).   Occasional feeling as if cold liquid running down legs.  Feels like something is stuck between my pinky toes, although there isn't.  Occassional forgetfullness (will be in the middle of doing something and completely stop and forget what I was doing).  Occassional lack of concentration.


   Other-  Very easy bruising, occassional mild fatigue, no heat tolerance, no balance problems.  During all of this My symptoms have nearly dissappeared twice for about a week but then return.  Had vision checked by an optometrist who said my eyes look good and that my eye pain was from being a little nearsighted.  Earaches.
  
Doesn't this sound neurological???  I'm kinda confused as to how the neruo doesn't think this describes any neurological disorders??  What else could it be??  Please any insight would be great!!
  Thanks!  

[Quixotic1]

Well, your neruo doen't seem to want to think any further, but to an extent he is correct.  You clearly can have MS with a normal MRI and a normal physical exam, but it would be darn hard to diagnose it.  Your tinglings, hot/cold sensations, numbness are all neurological in that they are messed up signals or messed up interpretations of signal from nerves.

The abnormal NCS sounds like it may not have been done well and the neuro said it was minimally abnormal at that.  I don't know how much we can rely on it.

The pain and elevated liver enzymes are very suggestive for a viral infection which could easily be the casue of the different things you have experienced.  Actually the fatigue and bruising fits this well also.  We know you are stressed by your current situation and by not feeling well and lapses in memory and concentration are easily explained here too.  I think it makes sense to have your regular doctor run some EBV, CMV titers.

So I see why he wants to see you in a month.  Short periods of waiting and rechecking are appropriate for this kind of complaint.  And many people who end up with some kind of diagnosis have had several of these "wait and see" periods.

The worst of the symptoms, the ones in your hand, are concerning for CTS or for other neuropathy.  That is the one thing that I thought the NCS should be repeated for.  They didn't repeat it did they?

I hope this helps.  Quix

[skarey]

Thanks for your input.  I really appreciate your advice and look on things.  So,  you think the neuro did the right thing?  He did say that when  I come back in a month and am still not feeling well he may redo the NCS.    If it is some sort of virus could it really last this long?  And can it gradually get better and then return?  I am praying this is all it is.  Do you think it sounds like MS??  Some things match but yet other things do not.  
  Anyways thanks again.
  Have a good day.
  Karey

[skarey]

OH I forgot to ask you what the EBV and CMV titers were??
Thanks!

[Jazzyfizzle]

Skarey,  I just wanted to add that I have the 'wet or cold' sensations on spots in my legs, also the shooting, stabbing pains ( doG, those hurt so badly), and the tingling, pins and needles, numbness. I have neuropathy caused by my diabetes and that is what my Neuro says causes it?

Jazzy

[Jazzyfizzle]

Not to answer for Quix, the Ebv is Epstein Barr virus and Cmv is Cytomegalovirus  (sp?)

Jazzy

[Quixotic1]

I don't have a strong feeling that this is MS.  Yes, a viral infection like EBV and it's cousins can have effects for months to years.  I'm not talking about a little cold or tummy flu here.  My gut feeling is that it is viral and will pass.  But my track record on calling these things is not good.

Not that many people have had negative brain MRI's and so far gone on to have MS in the four months I've been here.

Quix

[skarey]

Thank you so much Quix.
   So should I have my neuro run these tests or just my doc?  I appreciate your help.  Everyone here loves ya!!
  Karey

[Quixotic1]

The are just blood tests and your regular doc can order them. Q