Mono and MS

[JENNIEO]

Hi - I am new to this forum, and new to this issue overall! I've recently been told that I have a patch of demyelination on my spinal cord up near C5/C6.  This was discovered by MRI after I initially saw a doctor for carpal tunnel symptoms.  EMG test showed the problem stemmed from my neck, was not carpal tunnel.  Had 2 MRIs, one without and then one with contrast, as they thought the abnormal reading from the first was showing a tumor - good news was that it wasn't a tumor, but it is demyelination.  Now awaiting a brain MRI. My question comes from thinking back over the last 10 years and all of the weird things that happened to me.  I have had a high sed rate the whole time - that was being checked just because arthritis is in my family history, but I don't (yet) have arthritis, but do have a high sed rate.  I started having low grade fevers often, and borderline lupus test results.  My GP finally sent me for some fairly extensive tests several years ago - all negative results for things like HIV, Hepatitis, other things... but lupus was still borderline and as I recall, one out of three things for Lyme disease was within range for a positive read.  But having just one of the three meant that I didn't have the disease...  also, about 5 years ago I had mono for the second time - I had it when I was 19 and then again at 41.  I have read some about mono antibodies in women being related to MS - has anyone else had mono, and/or mono more than once?  Borderline lupus readings? Mind you, I'm not yet diagnosed - and reading the other posts here makes me think that might be a long haul - but I'm still trying to piece things together myself.  Oh, also 12 years ago, the arm pain that I started seeing a doc 2 years ago (thinking it was from too much computer work) flared up badly, making things like carrying bags or driving quite painful - I cannot remember how long it lasted, but it went away for about 10 years, and then came back with a vengance. Is that MS-like?  The initial arm pain was when I was in my mid-30s, but I was under a lot of stress so I didn't think much of it at the time.
Thanks for listening-
Jen

[Heartshome]

I've had mono and read about this link. I've also had roseola, which is also mentioned at times. Great. I am not diagnosed, but I'm still working on it.

[Quixotic1]

Oh, Boy, one of my favorite topics.  Yes, mono and MS are linked by many, many studies and more than one of our members has had confirmed mononucleosis more than once.

Be back later.

Quix

[Wobbly]

Welcome to the forum, boy you have been through alot already...What do the Dr say?  I guess you will be in Limboland abit longer. hang in there and keep us informed on your results..

take care
andie