MS Attacks

[Todd36]

I went to the ER the other night for some unusual symptoms (i.e., temporarily lost sensation in hands and feet and experienced numbing in forehead).  The ER doctor said it probably wasn't MS because my symptoms have been “waning and waxing” too frequently.  Do MS attacks ever wane and wax in 24 hour periods?  Drs can’t put a finger on what I’m deal with, and still waiting for tests.

i'd like to ask the online Dr to for this community but a bit strapped for cash since my ER visit plus the holidays.

Thanks,
Todd

[Todd36]

thanks all for your comments.  my trip to the ER was interesting.  the loss of feeling and numbness in my hands, feet and forehead was scary but only lasted for 30 minutes or so, and it was accompanied with nausea, which I've read isn't typical for people with MS - but MS symptoms sounds pretty random to me.  The ER Drs were befuddled with my symptoms and they were not MS specialists.

although i've been experiencing symptoms VERY similar to how most describe MS, I have not been officially dx'ed with it yet.  I will undergo an EMG and an MRI come the first week of January to investigate things.  my symptoms have a tendency to be unilateral (left side), but occasionally are bilateral, esp. in my feet.  I've racked up so many medical bills over the last year, and I'm just now being told to see a neurologist!!  This whole process has been frustrating.  If i have MS, I want to know so i can begin the necessary treatment and get on with it.

there are other things i'm having my Dr look into.  a friend of mine who i served in Peace Corps with developed similar symptoms as me about 2 to 3 years ago - around  the same time i started developing them.  he was recently dx'ed with an undescribed mitochondria myopathy.  the chances of us being dx'ed with the same thing would be odd, but who knows...

Thanks again for your feedback and help.

best,
todd

[nncdalton]

Could you have possibly been too hot? That will make me have wierd symptoms. Also too much excitement from all that is going on during the holidays is a factor too. I started an episode last week with numbness on the right side of my face and the dr said that all of the hullabaloo from the season could have a factor. I don't know. I hope that you feel better though.

Christy D

[sllowe]

I should clarify.  If you carry an MS dx, this does sound like MS symptoms to me.  Just don't want to be misleading.....

[sllowe]

Hi Todd,

How did you make out? It's not a bad idea to get a 2nd opinion here.  You were dx'd right? Sorry, I'm just forgetting some things these days. In the context of MS, that is what I would do.  Go back to my treating Dr.

I know there is a lot of confusion as to the 2 sided body issues and all at one time, but it happens. From what I have read, MS patients to not always 'present' with both sides issues (prior to dx), but some do.  For a fact though, both of my hands were numb for some time as have been both of my legs in the past.

My Dr has always said that an attack must be a minimum of 24 hrs. And of course MS waxes and wanes.  So, unless I'm reading what you described incorrectly.  What you have described does sound like MS to me. You can be symptomatic and those symptoms can very from one 24 period to another.  I know they can, they do for me, often.  

Hope you keep us updated and let us know what your Dr. says,
ttys,
shell

[Lulu54]

Hi Todd,

You can ask Dr. Kantor this question - he answers one freebie a day courtesy of his arrangement with MedHelp.  Its just the additional questions beyond that first one that he charges $25  for.  But you should think about phrasing your question in a more generic form because I don't believe he can answer specific patient questions without doing a complete consult and medical history for you. There's lot of confusion about this expert role, but I'm sure with time we'll get it straightened out.  

As for your ER trip - I'm sorry to know that happened.  From what I know about the sensation in the limbs, they don't usually happen on both sides at once.  As for them waxing and waning frequently, I guess anything is possible.  

The ER doc most probably wasn't a specialist in Ms and if these problems continue, I would go back to my MS specialist for answers.  Even a simple phone call to ask if you need to be seen in person may help to clear up your questions.

Happy holidays and try not to get too stressed worrying over this,
Lulu