Aa
Introduction
Hi all - I'm new to the forum and to the world of MS. It seems this is an awesome community. I've not been through much in the MS journey, but am here to learn and to support the rest of you as well. I had posted in a different thread (and under a different name - not as appropriate any more since Quix answered my question - thanks! and suggested I introduce myself in a new thread). So, here's my story.
I went to the ER because I was very dizzy. I have high blood pressure and suspected it was up (I had not been taking my meds for a long time - bad, I know). Blood pressure was up - 184/126. They did a CT to see if I had a stroke. No stroke, but the CT showed "brain atrophy." My primary physician ordered an MRI. (btw, blood pressure is now controled with meds)
My MRI report says, "In the periventricular deep white matter are multiple abnormal bright T2 and FLAIR weighted foci, which do not appear to contrast enhance. Their location and appearance is suspicious for demylenating disorder, such as multiple sclerosis. The rest of the brain appeared unremarkable. There are no contrast enhancing lesions. Posterior fossa appeared unremarkable. Brain stem appeared normal. Seventh and eighth cranial nerves appeared unremarkable. The parasellar region appeared normal."
I have an appointment to see a neurologist on 8/20. In the meantime, I can't help but ask questions. I guess what confuses me about what the MRI report says is where it says "there are no contrast enhancing lesions." I thought with MS they were supposed to see lesions on the MRI - or is the report saying there are lesions, but they do not contrast enhance?
It's very strange - the doctors and MRI tech and friends all say, "how long have you been having symptoms?" I don't really think I have any symptoms. I play drums, and have experienced no lack of coordination. I'm a secretary, so I practically type for a living - no problems there. I do have trouble standing from a seated position, especially if I've been seated for a while, feeling like my legs aren't going to support my weight, but I've passed that off as I'm just too **** fat and I don't excercise, so of course my legs are weak (my friend says, "move it or lose it"). I can't stand for very long without "concentrating" to do it, and then I still feel tired or achy in my leg muscles, but again, just too fat? I do get cramps in my legs frequently, but I figure that's dehydration (I don't drink enough water, that's for sure - working on that some), or low potassium, so I eat a banana (or, oddly, eating a dill pickle seems to help).
On a positive note, I moved into the second floor of an apartment building a few weeks ago, and since being there have found that I can take the stairs easier than before, which is a very good thing. My mother died from ALS, and I had wondered if what was seen on my MRI might be suspect for ALS as well. But I feel much better now because I wouldn't be able to build muscle up again taking the stairs if it was ALS (confirmed by Quix in another thread - many thanks! ! !) Can you build muscle when you have MS? Of course, I'm hoping the weakness in the legs is not MS, and perhaps just that I'm too fat, but then, why the brain atrophy on the MRI?
I also have sleep apnea, and hadn't been using my TAP appliance for a long time, so I also thought the weakness could be due to that. Can untreated sleep apnea cause brain atrophy? I don't want to be Cleopatra here (Queen of Denial - hehehe), but I don't seem to have the problems others mention (blurred vision, pain, falling, lack of coordination, etc.), and am hopeful that this is not MS. On the chance that it is, I feel that due to the high blood pressure spell, it was found well in advance of significant symptoms, so that's always a good thing, and hopefully, that will help in the long run. I'm 50 years old, and from what I've read, when MS is diagnosed later in life, it is usually progressive.
Okay, now I'm just rambling, so I'll stop.
I went to the ER because I was very dizzy. I have high blood pressure and suspected it was up (I had not been taking my meds for a long time - bad, I know). Blood pressure was up - 184/126. They did a CT to see if I had a stroke. No stroke, but the CT showed "brain atrophy." My primary physician ordered an MRI. (btw, blood pressure is now controled with meds)
My MRI report says, "In the periventricular deep white matter are multiple abnormal bright T2 and FLAIR weighted foci, which do not appear to contrast enhance. Their location and appearance is suspicious for demylenating disorder, such as multiple sclerosis. The rest of the brain appeared unremarkable. There are no contrast enhancing lesions. Posterior fossa appeared unremarkable. Brain stem appeared normal. Seventh and eighth cranial nerves appeared unremarkable. The parasellar region appeared normal."
I have an appointment to see a neurologist on 8/20. In the meantime, I can't help but ask questions. I guess what confuses me about what the MRI report says is where it says "there are no contrast enhancing lesions." I thought with MS they were supposed to see lesions on the MRI - or is the report saying there are lesions, but they do not contrast enhance?
It's very strange - the doctors and MRI tech and friends all say, "how long have you been having symptoms?" I don't really think I have any symptoms. I play drums, and have experienced no lack of coordination. I'm a secretary, so I practically type for a living - no problems there. I do have trouble standing from a seated position, especially if I've been seated for a while, feeling like my legs aren't going to support my weight, but I've passed that off as I'm just too **** fat and I don't excercise, so of course my legs are weak (my friend says, "move it or lose it"). I can't stand for very long without "concentrating" to do it, and then I still feel tired or achy in my leg muscles, but again, just too fat? I do get cramps in my legs frequently, but I figure that's dehydration (I don't drink enough water, that's for sure - working on that some), or low potassium, so I eat a banana (or, oddly, eating a dill pickle seems to help).
On a positive note, I moved into the second floor of an apartment building a few weeks ago, and since being there have found that I can take the stairs easier than before, which is a very good thing. My mother died from ALS, and I had wondered if what was seen on my MRI might be suspect for ALS as well. But I feel much better now because I wouldn't be able to build muscle up again taking the stairs if it was ALS (confirmed by Quix in another thread - many thanks! ! !) Can you build muscle when you have MS? Of course, I'm hoping the weakness in the legs is not MS, and perhaps just that I'm too fat, but then, why the brain atrophy on the MRI?
I also have sleep apnea, and hadn't been using my TAP appliance for a long time, so I also thought the weakness could be due to that. Can untreated sleep apnea cause brain atrophy? I don't want to be Cleopatra here (Queen of Denial - hehehe), but I don't seem to have the problems others mention (blurred vision, pain, falling, lack of coordination, etc.), and am hopeful that this is not MS. On the chance that it is, I feel that due to the high blood pressure spell, it was found well in advance of significant symptoms, so that's always a good thing, and hopefully, that will help in the long run. I'm 50 years old, and from what I've read, when MS is diagnosed later in life, it is usually progressive.
Okay, now I'm just rambling, so I'll stop.
Wow, lots of good answers! I'll comment onthem later. I hope you are able to jump in an relate to some of the things other people have going on. It's really the best way to learn.
Your RLS might well be related to why your beign evaluated for MS. Movement disorders, especially RLS, is more common in the MS population than in the general propulation. My old, "evil" neuro ignored my complaints of restless arms (yes, it often involves all of the limbs and many neuro's are now clling it Restless Limb Syndrome). My MS neuro just shook his head an told me it was a "soft" clue (along with all the other stuff) to suggest considering MS.
Quix
Your RLS might well be related to why your beign evaluated for MS. Movement disorders, especially RLS, is more common in the MS population than in the general propulation. My old, "evil" neuro ignored my complaints of restless arms (yes, it often involves all of the limbs and many neuro's are now clling it Restless Limb Syndrome). My MS neuro just shook his head an told me it was a "soft" clue (along with all the other stuff) to suggest considering MS.
Quix
I keep remembering things, and writing them here helps me to remember to ask the neuro when I see him.
I have Restless Leg Syndrome - pretty much everyone in my family does to one degree or another. I take Mirapex for it, and if I didn't have the Mirapex, even for one night, I would be absolutely miserable. If I'm traveling, driving at night, and haven't taken the Mirapex because I don't want to get drowsy, the RLS feelings go up into my lower back as well.
I don't think the RLS is related at all to the reason I'm being evaluated for MS, but I just wanted to mention it because I take the Mirapex, and I didn't want to leave a med I'm on out of the equation.
I read in another thread that you're tired from reading/writing. Please don't feel you have to respond to my posts. It helps me just to write it down, sort of thinking out loud, and not innundating my friends with my thoughts - they worry too much. I'm in a good place, with good friends, and I'm comfortable with my general physician, and she likes the neuro she referred me to. So many here have awful symptoms and stressful situations with their doctors. I am fortunate.
I hope you have a restful night, and that God surprises you with some unexpected, special thing tomorrow - a call from a friend you haven't heard from in a long time - a day of feeling really, really good - someone who wants to take you to a show, or concert or an Art Museum, or just to sit and read to you - whatever makes you happy. I don't know anything about your life, and don't know how dibilitating the disease is for you, but I hope that to whatever degree you suffer, that tomorrow you will feel well enough to truly enjoy the day, and take time for yourself to do so.
I have Restless Leg Syndrome - pretty much everyone in my family does to one degree or another. I take Mirapex for it, and if I didn't have the Mirapex, even for one night, I would be absolutely miserable. If I'm traveling, driving at night, and haven't taken the Mirapex because I don't want to get drowsy, the RLS feelings go up into my lower back as well.
I don't think the RLS is related at all to the reason I'm being evaluated for MS, but I just wanted to mention it because I take the Mirapex, and I didn't want to leave a med I'm on out of the equation.
I read in another thread that you're tired from reading/writing. Please don't feel you have to respond to my posts. It helps me just to write it down, sort of thinking out loud, and not innundating my friends with my thoughts - they worry too much. I'm in a good place, with good friends, and I'm comfortable with my general physician, and she likes the neuro she referred me to. So many here have awful symptoms and stressful situations with their doctors. I am fortunate.
I hope you have a restful night, and that God surprises you with some unexpected, special thing tomorrow - a call from a friend you haven't heard from in a long time - a day of feeling really, really good - someone who wants to take you to a show, or concert or an Art Museum, or just to sit and read to you - whatever makes you happy. I don't know anything about your life, and don't know how dibilitating the disease is for you, but I hope that to whatever degree you suffer, that tomorrow you will feel well enough to truly enjoy the day, and take time for yourself to do so.
Hi again - I forgot you had asked some questions in your post, and I didn't answer them in my first reply.
The dizziness subsided before I even left the ER that day. No new episodes of dizziness.
I'm pretty sure my sleep apnea is obstructive. They never really said, but I started with a CPAP, and then went to the TAP because my ex-husband really hated the CPAP at night. When we divorced, I still used it for a couple of years, but then I felt it wasn't being effective any more (it kind of loosened in my sleep), and it probably needs an adjustment. I just fear the cost, and got out of the habit. But I have an appointment for a sleep study, and will likely go back on the CPAP - I didn't mind sleeping with it, and I doubt the dogs will object - hehehe.
A very dear friend has been concerned about my health - the weight, lack of exercise, low energy, etc., and finally convinced me to make an appointment to a general check up. I already had an appointment with my doctor when the high blood pressure incident occured. So I had at least taken a step towards taking care of myself again. Since then, and with the newfound whatever it is, I have a bit of a renewed interest in my health. Good friends are a godsend.
I don't smoke, or drink, do drugs, any of that. I just eat, but am working on eating better now, too.
As to the brain atrophy, at first, they kept saying to me, "we don't usually see this in people your age, so it's a concern," which lead me to believe pre-dementia/pre-Alzheimers. After I did some searching on the Internet about brain atrophy, I asked my doctor if they were looking for motor neuron diseases. She said, "do you mean demyelinating disorders?" Not knowing the difference at the time, I said yes. She said, "well, that's why we want you to have the MRI, - PAUSE - to rule those things out." So, I had the MRI, and it said suspicious for demyelinating disease like MS. So, here I am.
One other thought. After leaving the doctor's office, it occured to me that I was there for a PAP that particular time, and she did the hammer on the knee test, and I had absolutely no response. She did both ankles, and nothing there either. I thought maybe she just missed the spot. But my good friend and I took turns trying each other's knees and she had an instantaneous response at just a tap. Mine you could whack away at and nothing, except once it went - I thought maybe we woke it up.
Well, back to work for me again. I haven't been very productive coming in on the weekend to catch up - I've just been reading the forum.
Again, thank you for all the time you take with everyone here. I wish the best for you, and will keep you in my prayers.
The dizziness subsided before I even left the ER that day. No new episodes of dizziness.
I'm pretty sure my sleep apnea is obstructive. They never really said, but I started with a CPAP, and then went to the TAP because my ex-husband really hated the CPAP at night. When we divorced, I still used it for a couple of years, but then I felt it wasn't being effective any more (it kind of loosened in my sleep), and it probably needs an adjustment. I just fear the cost, and got out of the habit. But I have an appointment for a sleep study, and will likely go back on the CPAP - I didn't mind sleeping with it, and I doubt the dogs will object - hehehe.
A very dear friend has been concerned about my health - the weight, lack of exercise, low energy, etc., and finally convinced me to make an appointment to a general check up. I already had an appointment with my doctor when the high blood pressure incident occured. So I had at least taken a step towards taking care of myself again. Since then, and with the newfound whatever it is, I have a bit of a renewed interest in my health. Good friends are a godsend.
I don't smoke, or drink, do drugs, any of that. I just eat, but am working on eating better now, too.
As to the brain atrophy, at first, they kept saying to me, "we don't usually see this in people your age, so it's a concern," which lead me to believe pre-dementia/pre-Alzheimers. After I did some searching on the Internet about brain atrophy, I asked my doctor if they were looking for motor neuron diseases. She said, "do you mean demyelinating disorders?" Not knowing the difference at the time, I said yes. She said, "well, that's why we want you to have the MRI, - PAUSE - to rule those things out." So, I had the MRI, and it said suspicious for demyelinating disease like MS. So, here I am.
One other thought. After leaving the doctor's office, it occured to me that I was there for a PAP that particular time, and she did the hammer on the knee test, and I had absolutely no response. She did both ankles, and nothing there either. I thought maybe she just missed the spot. But my good friend and I took turns trying each other's knees and she had an instantaneous response at just a tap. Mine you could whack away at and nothing, except once it went - I thought maybe we woke it up.
Well, back to work for me again. I haven't been very productive coming in on the weekend to catch up - I've just been reading the forum.
Again, thank you for all the time you take with everyone here. I wish the best for you, and will keep you in my prayers.
Thanks for the welcome. I'm glad I found this forum - Quix is a wealth of knowledge, and so kind to share it. It seems everyone has something to add, a thought, an experience, it all adds up to help weave our way through the process. It sounds like you have no formal diagnosis of MS yet, and are looking for answers. I hope that you find them, and that the answer is not a disabling one.
As for my screen name, I have Chinese Shar Pei. I have five dogs at home with me, and they keep me very busy (especially living in an apartment on the second floor). Fortunately, we have a yard they can run in, so I don't have to walk them all - for now at least. The building is for sale, so I'm praying it doesn't sell soon, or that if it does, I can find someplace that will take 5 dogs and has a yard. I know, I'm asking a lot! I have a young male that I'm very excited about. Money has been very tight lately, and I haven't been able to get him out and show him. But when I can, I have every expectation he will do VERY well.
I could ramble on about my dogs forever. Sadly, I have to get back to work now. I came in on the weekend to do some catching up, and so far, I've spent my time on the forum, getting to know new friends.
Good luck finding answers to your situation. I'm sure we'll "talk" more.
Do you still show your Setters? The Sporting Group is a big group, and very competitive. And all the grooming that goes into it. But the product, a beautiful dog, is well worth it, don't you think?
As for my screen name, I have Chinese Shar Pei. I have five dogs at home with me, and they keep me very busy (especially living in an apartment on the second floor). Fortunately, we have a yard they can run in, so I don't have to walk them all - for now at least. The building is for sale, so I'm praying it doesn't sell soon, or that if it does, I can find someplace that will take 5 dogs and has a yard. I know, I'm asking a lot! I have a young male that I'm very excited about. Money has been very tight lately, and I haven't been able to get him out and show him. But when I can, I have every expectation he will do VERY well.
I could ramble on about my dogs forever. Sadly, I have to get back to work now. I came in on the weekend to do some catching up, and so far, I've spent my time on the forum, getting to know new friends.
Good luck finding answers to your situation. I'm sure we'll "talk" more.
Do you still show your Setters? The Sporting Group is a big group, and very competitive. And all the grooming that goes into it. But the product, a beautiful dog, is well worth it, don't you think?
Wow! You are amazing. I'm sorry to hear MS has changed your world so much, and I thank you for sharing yourself with this forum.
Did the MS cause you to retire? You must have been a wonderful pediatrican, and it must break your heart not to practice. I wish I could fix that for you. It's obvious you have a passion to help others, and although you aren't practicing formally, you are very good medicine to the hearts of those on this forum. You gave me so many questions to take to the neurologist - ones I would never have thought of. Thank you!
I hope that your symptoms are few, and that they are far between. I wish you years without relapse and much time to enjoy life. You have so much to offer, and give so much here. I wish I could do something for you. For now, I guess thank you will have to suffice. Please know that it is sincere, and heartfelt.
Did the MS cause you to retire? You must have been a wonderful pediatrican, and it must break your heart not to practice. I wish I could fix that for you. It's obvious you have a passion to help others, and although you aren't practicing formally, you are very good medicine to the hearts of those on this forum. You gave me so many questions to take to the neurologist - ones I would never have thought of. Thank you!
I hope that your symptoms are few, and that they are far between. I wish you years without relapse and much time to enjoy life. You have so much to offer, and give so much here. I wish I could do something for you. For now, I guess thank you will have to suffice. Please know that it is sincere, and heartfelt.
Hi karzme, and thanks for the welcome to the forum. Playing drums is a blast, and it's never too late to learn (drums, or anything for that matter). Sorry to hear you're newly diagnosed, but I'm glad you found this forum. There seems to be a wealth of information and support here.
Don't worry about the sleep test. They don't really watch you in the room. There's a camera there, but I'm sure the techs aren't staring at it like a movie or anything. They're watching instruments and taking notes, and that sort of thing. I found it hard to relax and sleep, but not because of the camera - more because I couldn't lay on my stomach or side. I was supposed to just lay on my back and sleep. Not a natural position for me. But I got through it just fine, and you will too. No worries!
Again, thanks for the welcome. Take care.
Don't worry about the sleep test. They don't really watch you in the room. There's a camera there, but I'm sure the techs aren't staring at it like a movie or anything. They're watching instruments and taking notes, and that sort of thing. I found it hard to relax and sleep, but not because of the camera - more because I couldn't lay on my stomach or side. I was supposed to just lay on my back and sleep. Not a natural position for me. But I got through it just fine, and you will too. No worries!
Again, thanks for the welcome. Take care.
Thanks for the welcome. In reading the various posts, I find this to be a group of very supportive people. It's nice to have somewhere to turn when you have questions. I feel like this is a place a person can be honest, and share experiences, fears, and hopes. I hope the best for you, and that your diagnosis is something treatable, and that you have good health and happiness ahead.
welcome to the forum! You're in good hands here - with Quix and the others. I am still looking for answers myself.
My question to you has nothing to do w/ MS. I am intrigued by your screen name, as I too have shown dogs. What's your breed? Mine is Irish Setters. Sorry to break in on your conversation, but I had to know:)
Penn
My question to you has nothing to do w/ MS. I am intrigued by your screen name, as I too have shown dogs. What's your breed? Mine is Irish Setters. Sorry to break in on your conversation, but I had to know:)
Penn
Hi, this definitely the place to be and be noticed! What do you raise?
I never know whether it is helpful to let newcomers know I am a retired/disabled physician (former pediatrician) newly diagnosed with MS. In one way it seem like I'm trying to dominate the forum when I lead this way, but some people have seemed surprised to hear it later. So for a while I am going to tell new people this and hope it doesn't change the atmosphere and dynamic on the forum.
You give an interesting history. Uncontrolled blood pressure can cause microvascular damage in the brain and those lesions can be mistaken for MS-type lesions. However, when they ordered the MRI I would be surprised if they didn't include the history of hypertension. So likely (but this is an assumption) the radiologist would know this and see the lesions in that light. That the readout mentions a possible demyelinating process, but not also the possibilty of a microangiopathy, is thus very interesting. The two types of lesions have their own "classic" appearance and yours must have looked more like dymyelination.
The CT scan is not as sensitive as the MRI, but I would ask a specialist whether or not that showed at all on the MTI. Sometimes (too often it seems) not everything is mentioned in the report. Did the dizziness resolve after they got your BP down?
Yes, the report indicates that there are "multiple lesions" and none "enhance".. This indicates that there is not an increased blood flow around any of the lesions. In terms of MS, it would indicate that there is no evidence of active lesions.
So, you have no suggestive symptoms. That's great! What does it mean in the context of MS? If you read much about the way MS progresses, you'll find that most researchers feel that the attacks on the myelin have been going on long before the disease becomes symptomatic. It runs just below the symptom range, in some people for years. If your lesions are MS (and we don't know that right now) then we have evidence of possibly two things. You have old lesions (how old?) - at least a month and maybe as much as a few years. It is also possible that your brain has shrunk from the bulk of old lesions which have scarred, shrunk down and caused a loss of brain volume. I would want verification from a good neurologist or neuroradiologist to make that second call.
At some point after MS has begun, the symptoms pop up. In the most common form of MS called Relapsing-Remitting they pop up, cause some grief, and then over days to months resolve. People vary with how often they have relapses. For some the second relapse may happen years, even a decad or more later. More frequently they pop up at closer intervals.
The weakness you describe does sound like it's from being sedentary, as it sounds like it is responding really well to your new stairs (Bravo for you!). Yes, weakness in MS when it is very early can respond and become stronger. It depends on why the weakness occurred. If it's becasue you are fatigues and less active, then the muscles show respond to exercise. If the nerve impulse to the muscle is not there, that muscle will not respond to strengthening, but the other unaffected muscles will try to pick up the slack.
Is the sleep apnea "obstructive" because of your weight? Yes, sleep apnea can cause brain damge from lack of oxygen to the brain, but more commonly the oxygen sensors in the blood arouse you from deep sleep and keep you tired and foggy. Why don't you use the TAP? Does it need adjusting?
Yes, IF this is MS (and I certainly don't know) your finding it before symptoms is certianly fortuitous. Because of the lack of neuro symptoms, you'll need more diagnostic evidence. the next step is a thorough neuro exam. That's coming up. And they'll likely order MRI's of the C-spine and T-spine which need to be done with and without contrast. It will be interesting what they show.
Then itwill be interesting to see. Do you smoke? I'm glad you have the BP controlled now. That is definitely a brain killer. It still may be the culprit of your lesions.
As to the later in life factor in MS being more progressive. It's a statistical thing. It's one of the risk factors for a more aggressive disease, but not all of us over 45 or so will have that.
Welcome to our forum. My goal for this forum is not to come to a diagnosis for people, but to help them make sense of where they find themselves, help them know what the next appropriate steps are, answer what questions we can and generally be supportive. A lot of my own knowledge about the disease is new (I was diagnosed in March) and it is still spotty. My facts and advice are to be taken with that in mind. I was not a neurologist and I will get some things wrong.
I'm glad you reposted. Quix
Karina - ALS is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gerhig's Disease. Q
I never know whether it is helpful to let newcomers know I am a retired/disabled physician (former pediatrician) newly diagnosed with MS. In one way it seem like I'm trying to dominate the forum when I lead this way, but some people have seemed surprised to hear it later. So for a while I am going to tell new people this and hope it doesn't change the atmosphere and dynamic on the forum.
You give an interesting history. Uncontrolled blood pressure can cause microvascular damage in the brain and those lesions can be mistaken for MS-type lesions. However, when they ordered the MRI I would be surprised if they didn't include the history of hypertension. So likely (but this is an assumption) the radiologist would know this and see the lesions in that light. That the readout mentions a possible demyelinating process, but not also the possibilty of a microangiopathy, is thus very interesting. The two types of lesions have their own "classic" appearance and yours must have looked more like dymyelination.
The CT scan is not as sensitive as the MRI, but I would ask a specialist whether or not that showed at all on the MTI. Sometimes (too often it seems) not everything is mentioned in the report. Did the dizziness resolve after they got your BP down?
Yes, the report indicates that there are "multiple lesions" and none "enhance".. This indicates that there is not an increased blood flow around any of the lesions. In terms of MS, it would indicate that there is no evidence of active lesions.
So, you have no suggestive symptoms. That's great! What does it mean in the context of MS? If you read much about the way MS progresses, you'll find that most researchers feel that the attacks on the myelin have been going on long before the disease becomes symptomatic. It runs just below the symptom range, in some people for years. If your lesions are MS (and we don't know that right now) then we have evidence of possibly two things. You have old lesions (how old?) - at least a month and maybe as much as a few years. It is also possible that your brain has shrunk from the bulk of old lesions which have scarred, shrunk down and caused a loss of brain volume. I would want verification from a good neurologist or neuroradiologist to make that second call.
At some point after MS has begun, the symptoms pop up. In the most common form of MS called Relapsing-Remitting they pop up, cause some grief, and then over days to months resolve. People vary with how often they have relapses. For some the second relapse may happen years, even a decad or more later. More frequently they pop up at closer intervals.
The weakness you describe does sound like it's from being sedentary, as it sounds like it is responding really well to your new stairs (Bravo for you!). Yes, weakness in MS when it is very early can respond and become stronger. It depends on why the weakness occurred. If it's becasue you are fatigues and less active, then the muscles show respond to exercise. If the nerve impulse to the muscle is not there, that muscle will not respond to strengthening, but the other unaffected muscles will try to pick up the slack.
Is the sleep apnea "obstructive" because of your weight? Yes, sleep apnea can cause brain damge from lack of oxygen to the brain, but more commonly the oxygen sensors in the blood arouse you from deep sleep and keep you tired and foggy. Why don't you use the TAP? Does it need adjusting?
Yes, IF this is MS (and I certainly don't know) your finding it before symptoms is certianly fortuitous. Because of the lack of neuro symptoms, you'll need more diagnostic evidence. the next step is a thorough neuro exam. That's coming up. And they'll likely order MRI's of the C-spine and T-spine which need to be done with and without contrast. It will be interesting what they show.
Then itwill be interesting to see. Do you smoke? I'm glad you have the BP controlled now. That is definitely a brain killer. It still may be the culprit of your lesions.
As to the later in life factor in MS being more progressive. It's a statistical thing. It's one of the risk factors for a more aggressive disease, but not all of us over 45 or so will have that.
Welcome to our forum. My goal for this forum is not to come to a diagnosis for people, but to help them make sense of where they find themselves, help them know what the next appropriate steps are, answer what questions we can and generally be supportive. A lot of my own knowledge about the disease is new (I was diagnosed in March) and it is still spotty. My facts and advice are to be taken with that in mind. I was not a neurologist and I will get some things wrong.
I'm glad you reposted. Quix
Karina - ALS is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gerhig's Disease. Q
WELCOME!!!! Sorry to have to meet under these circumstances, but new friends are nice to have. I'm not well schooled in medical terms, what does ALS mean? I am suppose to get tested for sleep apnea, when I can afford co-pay. I think it seems kind of weid to have someone watch you sleep. Creeps me out at the thought.
I don't know if I can be of any help. Quix is great at advice, as well as others on this forum. I'm newly diagnosed, so not sure what to tell you. Doesn't sound like you have many symptoms of MS, but I'm not a doctor. Well keep us posted. Mainly wanted to say hi and welcome to our family.
I don't know if I can be of any help. Quix is great at advice, as well as others on this forum. I'm newly diagnosed, so not sure what to tell you. Doesn't sound like you have many symptoms of MS, but I'm not a doctor. Well keep us posted. Mainly wanted to say hi and welcome to our family.
Hi and welcome to the forum! I'm new here also and am looking for a Dx.
Others can give you more details, but lesions enhance when they are "active" (Quix has a really good thread a bit down further that explains it better). If your lesions don't enhance, they are "old" (i.e. were inflamed over 30 days ago by what my neuro told me).
I would be confused if the CT scan said "brain atrophy", but the MRI doesn't appear to state that???
I'm almost 45 and I've also read things about "late onset" of MS and being progressive, especially since my symptoms didn't show up until last year. It used to worry about it too, but I wouldn't worry about that at this point.
Also wanted to say that I think that pretty neat that you play the drums!!! I've always wanted to do that!!
Welcome again and I hope you can get some answers! Pat :)
Others can give you more details, but lesions enhance when they are "active" (Quix has a really good thread a bit down further that explains it better). If your lesions don't enhance, they are "old" (i.e. were inflamed over 30 days ago by what my neuro told me).
I would be confused if the CT scan said "brain atrophy", but the MRI doesn't appear to state that???
I'm almost 45 and I've also read things about "late onset" of MS and being progressive, especially since my symptoms didn't show up until last year. It used to worry about it too, but I wouldn't worry about that at this point.
Also wanted to say that I think that pretty neat that you play the drums!!! I've always wanted to do that!!
Welcome again and I hope you can get some answers! Pat :)
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