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Multiple Sclerosis

I am 52 years old and I have all the symptoms of MS that have gradually gotten worse over the years but I have a normal MRI so my doctor said I do not have MS.  What are the chances that I still could have MS.  It would explain why I feel the way I do.  My worst symptom is balance, gait, weakness and fatigue.

Kathy1098
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Avatar universal
Going to your family doc in my opinion, is a good idea.  My family doc did all the preliminary work up.  He did lots of lab test to rule out the other diseases and then he ordered the MRI which was positive.  He is actually the one who told me I fit the criteria (as did the radiologist reading the MRI),  for the dx of MS.  I think because our family docs know us fairly well they are not afraid to say "the words".

So don't lose hope,  you are going to see the person who knows you best (medically speaking :)),  

I have to mention that I've noticed is that Neuro's hesitate to dx MS in older people, and by that I mean over 49 years old.  Personally, I don't think we should have to repeatedly remind them that out symptoms didn't start yesterday.  For some of us this has been ongoing for years.
Hang in there and let us know what your family doc thinks.

Sally
Helpful - 0
429700 tn?1308007823
What stands out about what you've said is that you've starting feeling this way after having the flu.  Have you researched ADEM?  Here's a quick link about it:

http://www.cafamily.org.uk/Direct/a17.html

There are many diseases and problems that will cause the symptoms that you are having--some neurological and others rheumatological.  Because your gait and balance are not good and you're having hearing loss and tinnitus, I would see a neurologist first.    

Deb
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have had a MRI, EEG and blood work to rule out lupus, RA, lyme disease and a sed rate that was high at 70.  From what I know the MRI was only of the brain and I am not sure the strength of the MRI.  Are muscle cramping and leg spasms especially in the calves a part of this.  I also feel like I have the flu alot of times or that I am running a fever but don't.  Like I said I have all the symptoms down to hearing loss and tinnitus.  My gait and balance are horrible and I fear falling most of the time and have on several occastions.  I see my family dr. this week, he wants to see me for a full 1/2 to discuss and go over my medical history which I think is a positive step or that he believes me and my symptoms.  I just feel so hopeless right now cause no one has answers for how I feel.  I was told also that fibromyalgia is not a reason and it is just a term for a group of problems rolled into one.  I have been searching the internet for help and came across this site.  My symptoms all got worse in May right after I had the flu real bad.  Is this any correlation to any of this?  Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.  Thank you for you help.

Kathy
Helpful - 0
198419 tn?1360242356
Hi Kathy,

Mary Kay is right, there are so many mimics of the disease and it's the Neuro's job to rule these things in, or out during a thorough workup.  

Do you know what this workup consists of so far? Was the MRI of the brain only? Do you know the strength of the machine used?

What labs were run? Sorry for all the questions, but it takes so much digging, and knowing this, we can help you put together a plan for your next steps if this Dr. is not making any suggestions at to what is going on.  Some Drs don't say what they are looking for though, we've seen that here. They don't want to get you worked up.

Like MK says, there is a wealth of information in our health pages to get you started understanding why this diagnosis is so difficult, hope you enjoy them.

Welcome, welcome! No matter what, you will be supported here and make a lot of friends as well.

Hope to see you around, and ask anything you like.  We have such a variety of experiences, chances are, someone will be able to provide input, and bare minimum, support.

Be well,
-Shell
Helpful - 0
539156 tn?1281818356
Many of us are in limbo and have symptoms like yours.  Many have been trying to get an accurate dx for years.  It's awful!  You are in good company here.  I doubt if any of us can say what the chances are that you have MS.  There are so many things that mimic the disease.  If you think your doctor has stopped looking, find a good neurologist. Read the health pages here and elsewhere, and don't give up on finding out what is wrong, whether it is MS or something else!  Keep checking in, let us know how you are doing, and blessings to you.
Mary Kay
Helpful - 0
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