I think my officemate might have MS, should I say something or mind my own business?

I share an office suite with 3 other people--we've been friends at the office for over 10 years, don't socialize much outside but we do share our problems and try to help each other.

Lately my officemate "Gina" has had a lot of health problems--she's had many over the years but now they've snowballed. She's had bad bladder infections and bad reactions to all the meds she's taking. She's been to at least 5 doctors and not gotten much help--they all have different ideas and can't really find a cause or a cure. We live in the suburbs of a big city with loads of hospitals. Every day since September she seems to be getting worse.

Today I picked up a magazine and saw a supplement on MS and saw that one symptom is recurring bladder infections, which made me think of Gina. I read on and I saw other symptoms that she has--dizziness and vertigo, which she's had for years.  Then there's muscle spasms, blurred vision, difficulty walking, Achilles tendon pain, tremors, tripping--she has all of these and says they're because of her medications (antibiotics for the bladder infections) but what if it's more than that? I know that she had trouble with minor tremors and tripping even before the meds. I'm not a doctor but my job involves lots of research and so I spent an hour looking through articles on MS and I keep seeing many of Gina's symptoms that fit the MS profile.

What would you do, would you tell her? I know she'll freak out at the mention of MS (she's a real worrier) but on the other hand  if she does have MS isn't it better for it to be treated as early as possible and not just ignored? I'd say that her doctors would have thought of it by now if she does have it but we all know what doctors can miss.

I hate to think of what agony this would put her through if she doesn't have MS--but what if she does? From her symptoms that I've listed is it worth mentioning to her? I was also thinking of asking my other 2 officemates' opinions but my husband says I should keep my mouth shut and not stir up trouble. I'm worried for her, though. What would you do?

[Caryopteris]

MS is not a quick, easy diagnosis, so they do not treat it early and often like you would think.  

[Sumanadevii]

Gina is lucky to have an officemate like you!  My suggestion is not to mention MS to her but perhaps talk to her about seeing a neurologist.  Just say to her that some of her symptoms seem to be neurological in nature and  you think it would serve her well to see one.  This way she doesn't panic but has another direction.

Keep us posted.....

[twopack]

I agree that it is wonderful to be in a work environment where co-workers care so much about one another.  I also agree that it is probably best NOT to mention MS as a specific possibility.

It's easy to fit lots of problems into the MS profile because the list of potential MS symptoms is very extensive and the disease can vary so much in its presentation from one person to the next.  On the other hand, there are many other problems and disease states that can cause most (if not all)  of the same type of symptoms as MS.  Many diseases 'mimick' each other.

I WOULD encourage you to keep up your supportive listening ear.  Maybe you already have an idea what specialists your co-worker has seen?  Either way, I think the best advise you can give is for her to keep up searching until she gets an answer!  

Please DO let her know you believe how miserable she is feeling and she shouldn't start doubting herself just because a handful of docs haven't yet figured out the problem.  Maybe she needs to consult with a doc at one of the larger teaching hospitals in the city as she starts counting on the fingers of her second hand.  Sometimes a fresh look can make a big difference.

I'm glad you found us here and hope we can help you decide the best direction to go.

[twopack]

Oh, I forgot......

MS is not a quick, easy diagnosis....  SO TRUE!

....so they do not treat it early and often like you would think.  
BUT I'M NOT SURE THIS NECESSARILY FOLLOWS.

There is plenty of solid research to support early treatment of isolated episodes of MS symptoms.  Docs are not all equally educated, convinced this is necessary or interested in following recommendations.  There would seem to be a lack of Standard of Care when one steps outside the pages of textbooks into the real world of MS.  JMO

[gvfriend]

Thanks for all the input.  The day after I posted this I found out that "Gina" was seeing a neurologist and I suggested that she ask about an MRI.  She was out for a few days and I didn't get a chance to talk until today.  

The neurologist did a test with electrical probes in her pelvis and legs and thought that the results showed that she was ok neurologically but had muscular issues.  He decided she should have an MRI as well--she had a hard time scheduling it but will be having one on Friday, full brain and spinal cord so it will take an hour--she's freaking out about that and is already planing to take Xanax.  The weakness is just on one side, not on both, so he said that it looks like it's not caused by antibiotics.

Also she has a new symptom, very painful spasms in her stomach area but the gastroenterologist can't find anything.  They're so bad that she's had to pull over a number of times on her drive home and stand up and/or walk until the pain subsides.  I'm really hoping that it's not the "MS Hug"?
http://ms.about.com/od/signssymptoms/a/ms_hug_pain.htm

I'll keep you posted but have to say that I do feel scared for her, especially when she said today that she just wants for it all to go away--I hope it does too but when she said that I couldn't help thinking that it won't just go away if it's MS.

[Sumanadevii]

Here's a little hint you might pass along to her.  Just say you have a friend (winks) that has a hard time getting an MRI.  I take Xanax too but have learned to ask that a washcloth be placed over my eyes.  I guess because I can't peek I do so much better..............

Again, her good karma brings such a coworker into her life.  She will need you if she is dx or needs to continue testing.  Sending strength for both of you.

Sumana

[gwen84]

I hope your friend gets a diagnosis so that she can get treatment. I would have shared the article with her. Either talked with her or left if on her desk.