could i have ms

[jlbchhlz]

I have all the symptoms of MS.  I had an MRI done with contrast on the brain, cervical, thorsic and lower spine.  I have bluriness in my left eye which came on suddenly and my left side is unbalanced.  I walk with a gait.  My left leg and arm are heavy and numb and feels like pins and needles at times.  An EPV showed my left eye does not have normal perphireal vision.  However, I had surgery from on my lower back S1 - L5 with rods, screws and a cage placed in FEbruary of 07 with a corrective surgery in May of 08.  I have been fine since my surgery up until a week ago whree I lost vision and sensation in my left side (arm and leg).  My left side also feels heavy.  I have not oticed it but ohters have noticed tht my speech is slurred and I can't recall words as accurately or I mix up the letters when I speak.  I had an MRI done on Monday with contrast.  The Brain and one other section came back normal.  The other two (one being my lower spine) showed lesions that could be indicative of MS.  I am going to a neurologist today.  Any thoughts that my lesions were caused by my surgery and not MS?  I also have cold hands and feet.  i went to a neurogist today and the mri could not rule out MS.  I have to go next week for an lumbar puncture and another epv test.  They said although the MRI showed one lesion it was near where i had my surgery.  They also noticed my left side of my face droops lower than my right and I cannot raise my eyebrows.  I just want a diagnosis and feel like every medical test they do, it comes back negative.  What if th eLP is negative?

[Lulu54]

Welcome to the MS forum - there are great people here willing to help you sort through the infromation on your way to a diagnosis.  This is a difficult disease to pin down but it sounds like your doctors are moving fast to find out some answers for you.  I hope you will stay in touch and keep us informed on what the doctors say next.  My best, Lulu

[GrannyJo6]

Welcome! You must be very frightened! The Health Pages are truly a wealth of information and lots of people here have gone through similar wars! I hope you get some answers and maybe treatment soon!

[mary_kay]

I can sense your urgent feelings, and I sure do empathize.  You need to know that pretty much everyone here has experienced those feelings too.  One thing one can learn from the diagnostic process is patience.  Be sure to check out the health pages (see upper right corner)  I have learned so much from them myself.  
I have been actively working on trying to get a diagnosis for about a year.  I still don't have one, but I hope to soon.
Blessings,
Mary Kay