what is % of people being diagnosed with ms who are in there 50"s

[katbrack]

I have had previous injuries to my neck. Fusion and more herniation's on right side, which should cause problems on right side.  After another injury a year ago, I have developed severe lt. shoulder/ arm pain, spasms, numbness and weakness which radiates into my face.  I have also developed weakness in leg and spasms in my feet where my toes will goes in every direction except where they belong. I have problems with white flashes in my rt. eye and head aches in right side of my head.  Neurologist said he doesn't seem to think that the pain in lt. side is due to neck and orthopedic doesn't think it is my shoulder, he thinks it is a neck problem.  When I ask if they think maybe it might be neuromuscular like MS, they say that I am to old (58).  After reading some of the people who were diagnosed in there later years of life, I am not so sure that my Dr.'s. were right.  What type of Dr. should I be consulting about this matter and do you know of any good ones within 200 miles of central PA.  I know what everyone is feeling, like they are in limbo where no one believes them.  It is sort of a feeling of hopelessness not knowing who to turn to for answers.  thank you.  Kathy

[zerodegrees]

Diagnosed this year at 45. Symptoms started 2 years prior, but did not seek medical help until the age of 45 and was immediately diagnosed.

Based on what I have read it can be diagnosed at any age. I think the doctors are finally catching up with that!

[SarahL2491]

I was in late 60's when diagnosed, find someone new!

[Theresalp]

I agree the hardest part is not knowing! I am not the type who handles being idle but finding that I pretty much dont have any control on that. I lose my balance alot and fall. I love being out working in the yard and omg never thought I would say this...miss the deep house cleaning along with being employed. Frustrating is probably not a strong enough word to describe how I feel lately. Hang in there! Theresa

[katbrack]

thank you all for your helpful comments.  I think I will contact my local MS Soc. chapter and see who they recommend.  Pitts. Hopkins they are all possible.  The hard part is not knowing.  You know  there is something wrong and no one can really tell you one way or another what is causing your problems, so they look at you like it is all in your head.
thank all of you again
kathy

[kwarendorf]

Hi KB - Welcome to the group.

I was 51 when I was diagnosed. And to make me an even further outlier I'm male :-) For many there is a difference between when you are diagnosed and when MS first appeared. During my diagnostic process we discovered that MS first showed up 20 years before.

So while statistics are nice, age has nothing to do with MS. Anything is possible. Your ortho doc will look for ortho problems. A neurologist that does not specialize in MS will look for other neuro problems. If I were you, and I wanted MS ruled in or out, I would contact the local MS Soc. chapter and ask for info on specialists in your area.

Kyle

[Theresalp]

I am 54 and my neurologist is having me tested and I am awaiting to see if I have MS. I had neck surgery back in 2000. metal plate and 2 replacement bones. I have been having "issues" since at least 2008 which I blamed on my neck. well in March I was in a car accident and had a bone spur break off where metal plate is and have been having nothing problems ever since. I am declining as the months have gone by. My neurologist said that not all my symptoms are related to my neck and so he is testing me for lyme, lupus and MS. I honestly my own opinion I have medical knowledge at all but would think it best for you to get a 2nd opinion. Best wishes. Theresa

[essdipity]

Oh, didn't address the rest of your post--

I'm a patient at Johns Hopkins. There are also other good MS centers in Philadelphia, DC, the Univ. of MD in Baltimore, and I'm sure, Pittsburgh. So you should have a lot to look into within your range.

[essdipity]

Hey there. I don't know whether or not you have MS but I do know you are NOT too old to have it diagnosed.

I myself was in my early 60s at diagnosis after a few years of symptoms. There are other members here who were at least that old. There was a study in Spain some years back that showed definitively that MS can indeed start at a much more advanced age than previously thought. Google about this, especially the Spanish study, and you'll see what I mean. One neurologist told me people have been diagnosed in their late 70s and even beyond.

You need a new and better informed doctor. Even if this doesn't turn out to be MS, confidence in your current neuro should take a dive. I'd be thinking, 'What else doesn't he know?'

Good luck.
ess