many symptoms

[jessica4352]

Hello.  I am experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty focasing, some depression, leg pains ( mostly left thigh - feels like a very bad growing pain but i'm not still growing), some burning, tingling, numbing sensations throughout my feet (more so left then right).  Also my legs feel heavy when I walk and i get tired out much quicker then usual.  I have lots of weakness in my hands, arms, and legs.  When I move either my wrists or ankles up & down they shake.  I have occasional discomfort in my abdomen, and occasional electrical shock like sensations in my legs.  I have an apt. with neurologist, but not for another month.  I have had lots of tests that all came back normal. (EKG, Chest Xray, blood work)  Any ideas if this could be MS?  I had spinal meningitis when I was a baby and almost died.  They said I would more then likely have long-term effects like blindness or deafness but have appeared perfectly healthy until they symptoms started occuring.  I would appreciate ideas.  Thanks a lot

[Patti66]

Neuros (especially MS experts) are generally hard to get quick appointments with.  I remember way back in 1990 when I was waiting for my first neuro appointment, I waited over a month and I was having severe symptoms, but my primary doctor insisted I wait for THIS neuro.  I'm glad I did.  He was worth the wait, I still see him today.  But that was great advice above - see someone who specializes in MS.  They are the best for the weird stuff that MS can present itself with.  Good luck to you!

[spastic]

Hi Jessica, it usually takes a month or more to see a neuro. My old neuro wouldn't see me unless I was having seizures! He was also a pompass a**hole who dismissed my leg weakness to having anxiety. It is now 4 years later and finally I fell into my new neuro. I mean that literally. I still have to wait a few weeks to see him but it is worth the wait. Its rough being in Limbo-land but we are here for you.

Hugs,

Spastic Ada

[Rena705]

Hi again honey...to your question, it is NOT unusual to wait a month to see a neurologist but are you seeing a neurologist or an MS specialist?

I don't think you mentioned it but does your g.p. or pcp have suspicions that it may be MS?  If so you might be able to have your gp or pcp order an MRI before you see the specialist.  It would save a lot of time in the long run.  

I have seen my MS specialist and then waited 3 months for an MRI...so depending on where you live it could be a long road to a diagnosis.  Be prepared honey and forwarned is forearmed.

Lots of Hugs,

Rena

[jessica4352]

Hey thanks a lot for your input on my situation.  I really appreciate it.  The fact that I have to wait so long to see the neurologist makes me feel like I'm temporarily on my own with this problem.  It's really nice to have other people to talk to about these symptoms.  

Does everybody have to wait so long to get into the neurologist?  My jaw just about dropped when they told me I'd have to wait a month to be seen.

Thanks again, hope all is well.  Oh yeah, I did some research on Fibromyalgia and found out that it's very hard to diagnose because it's so similar to other diseases.  But yes, my symptoms match up to that as well, so I guess I'm left holding my breath.  Take care!

[Rena705]

Hello Jessica and Welcome to our Forum!  I am sorry to hear that you have been having so many problems!  We here on the forum are here to hopefully provide you with the support and information that will enable you to get a diagnosis in the least amount of time.

First of all, you stated that you have an appointment with a Neurologist in a month...was this appointment a referral by your pcp (usa) g.p. (canada)?  If so and your doctor has found reason to suspect MS, you should be referred to an MS Specialist.  If there is a concern about possible MS, the Specialist will get a history from you first then do a full head to toe neurological examination and then if an MRI is warranted you would be best to have an MS Specialist read the MRI as they are trained to look for things that neurologists are not trained to look for and they have the experience to see things that neurologists and radiologists may not.

Please look back on the forum for a post titled "So What Now???" and read through it.  It will give you some valuable information as to the steps you should be taking if you are concerned about a diagnosis of MS.  This post is probably moved down to page 2 or 3 but I will try to bump it back up to the top of this page for you ok?

Please look over this information first and then if you have any other questions, feel free to ask!  We are here to support you and should you want to rant, rave, cry or laugh we are here to share and listen 24/7.  I am looking forward to hearing your response after you get a chance to read that post!

Lots of Hugs,

Rena

[julia111]

Hi, I have pretty much all the same symptoms you are having, but I was recently "re-diagnosed" with fibromylagia.  

Many of my symptoms don't seem to really fit that diagnosis, so I still think I have a co-existing condition - not necessarily MS.  I think it really is something that mimics MS.  I have also been diagnosed with gluten intolerance which can produce some of the same symptoms.

I know a month is a long time to wait to see the neurologist, but they are really helpful here on this board.  Hang in there!