Possible Multiple Sceloris

[MAF1986]

Hello
I am a 24 year old male working on a masters in Phladelphia.  I am about to describe a set of symptoms I have had previously, however, this time I experienced them at greater severity and for a prologned period.  FIrst, in June 0f 2010 I started experienced weird sensations in my legs including prickly, waves of heat adn electricity, and also pulsating sensatinos.  This moved into my uppper extremities as well.  THese symptoms were accompanied by rand muscle twictches, back spasms, back pain, and tight mucles.  My calves were also chronically soar despite low levels of activity.

In October/November, the nature of the symptoms began to evolve or change.  I developed chronic foot pain in the sole of my feet despite low levels of activity and hand pain. I also have hand weakness, one day I was unable to open a peanut butter jar and another day I dropped the milk.  Also, when I hold a paper up while studying, I notice teh paper moves in small oscillation because my hand shakes, and my fingers, especially my left index, twiches.   This finger twicthing is worse in teh shower when it is hot.  I have also had hand pain, after I lift very light weights my hands feel hard to open adn they feel almsot arthritic?  

There are also other random symptoms.  My jaw vibrates almsot in a chatter-like fashion when  I am really tired. THe bottom eyelied of my left eye randomly twiches.  Also, my sexual desire has significantly decreased.

I had a brain MRI in December, a T-spine and C-spine MRI in January.  All were without contrast and all came back normal.  I have had full blood work up, including lyme and hypothyroidism and everythign came back within normal ranges.  

My doctor has implied that I am stressed or just being a hypochondrioc.  This upsets me because I know I am not depressed nor stressed.  Also, I was a 3 sport athlete and I have always remained active adn quite phsyically fit.  I never go to the doctor for any illness or injury.  I went to teh doctor once from teh time I was seventeen to twenty four and it is when I had mono so I think I am far frmo a hypochondrioc.  These symptoms are progressively getting worse, are nto going away, and I feel like no one is listening to me. What could it be?

[MissLauraI]

Two things struck me about your post that I relate to. One that you had mono. I was dx with mono when i was 16 and am now having MS sx.

The second thing is how quickly a doctor chalks things up to stress, all in your head, depression, etc. I think the doctors need to read some of these  forums. It seems to be a really common thread that many people who have MS or other diseases were originally told the same things.

I don't know if you have MS or something else, but like Sumana said, you know something is wrong.

I have to say that for me--not knowing is harder than knowing. Knowing allows you to make informed decisions and plans. Not knowing just leaves you with that feeling of wondering what to do. Wondering if there was something that could help. Wondering if there is a way to feel better. That is why I am pressing for an answer myself.

I hope for you that you find an answer too!

[Sumanadevii]

Opps..that's brother!!!!! lol

[Sumanadevii]

Well, maybe it is MS or maybe another neuro problem.  Thing is something is wrong...terribly wrong..and the doctor is dismissing you.  Find another....

And while it didn't show on the MRI...I ask..was a 3tMRI used on your spinal MRI?  I ask because my lesions were missed because it wasn't a high enough resolution on a 1.5.  I have but one tiny lesion on my brain and it still isn't know if it is age related for MS.  My spine lights up like fireworks on the 3t.

And even if not MS your body is telling you something is wrong.  I beg you not to sit under a doctor that wants to put it off to depression or anxiety or any other disorder.  I was stupid enough to sit with a doctor that said it was a pinched nerve in my neck.  Imagine a pinched nerve that took the use of my legs then my dominate hand.  Luckily I woke up and began a battle!!!!  

Keep fighting sister!

[CHSmokey3]

Hi.This is not to be dismissive about your very real cause for concern about your health problems. BUT a couple of questions.Would you be able to cope with bad news about your health when you are doing a University Degree? Ask yourself what good would it really do to know? How would it affect your study?How do you think others would really regard you with a serious health issue?
I think the best advice anyone should add in their helpful replies to you is. Find a way to minimize the effect of your problems on your day to day living until the docs come up with an informed answer.  AND BE HAPPY as this has a way to resolve/reduce an awful lot. And then live your life to the full enjoying all University has to offer. You are young life is for living and not worrying about the future. I write this from kindness not a lack of concern.

[MAF1986]

Hey thanks everyone
yeah smoe of the stuff is symmetrical, some is not.  I mean the weakness in my left is alot worse than in my right, and the shaking in my jaw seems to be on the left more (I know it sounds impossible, but it is).  Also, my left leg shakes.

The thign the frsutrates me is that I am in significant discomfort to see a doctor,  I have popped my shoulder out of its socket, sprained ankles, torn muscles, flues, cods, and never see the doctor.  For me to seek help I think is a testament to how desperare I am

THen what it is more frustrating is that I am told it is anxiety or stress.  LIke I said, I have done mini triathlons, I think I am high awareness level of my own body in terms of aches, pains, and gauging if something is wrong.  I know something is not right, I am not making this stuff up.

Anyways, thanks for listening, I have an EP test on April 27.  Thank you!

[LazyFisher]

Welcome.

I know it is hard finding the right doctor for you.  If you really like the doc you're with now have a conversation with him.  Tell him your concerns about his attitude.  If he still won't work with you find another doctor.  It is not uncommon to change/see a different doctor even within the same practice.

Good luck.  I hope you find your answers.

Eric

[COBOB]

I'll second the welcome from Lulu.   I will say that the clean MRI and symmetrical symptoms in your extremities tend to point away from MS.  I think I'd switch neurologists if your current doctor fails to address your current symptoms.  You might also consider seeing a Rheumatologist.  There are other CNS diseases and Neuro-Muscular Diseases that can create these symmetrical symptoms.

Bob  

[Lulu54]

We're listening.  I am glad you found us here to share your story.  What you describe could be neurological, but it could be from other things.

What strikes me from your story is the same theme we hear over and over....doctors dismissing patients because they can't see the proof that something is wrong.  That is definitely not the right doctor for you and you need to move on to one who will listen to you and your concerns rather than dismiss you.

You know your body - if you think something is wrong it may take a long time to find the answers, but don't give up.  You don't say what type of doctor you saw, but I will assume it was a neurologist from the list of tests that were run. Many people here saw multiple doctors before finding the right doctor, and getting a dx.

Interesting that you mention mono - there is a suspected but unproven link between MS and mono.  

Come back with your questions if you want - we're really good listeners and even have answers.

be well,
Lulu