SPINAL LESION QUESTION

[starryeyes1]

What happens when you have lesions on the spine? I have sort of electrical shocks down my legs sometimes when I put my head to my chest. I have had this since my first early symptoms.They don't happen all the time. I had MRI's done on my head neck and chest ..the last MRI on my spine was about 1 1/2 yrs ago..maybe longer.

The MRI didn't show any lesions on my spine, altho I had the "zingers" going down my legs. So, I'm wondering...what does it mean if you do have spinal lesions? Is that a definate wheelchair thing?  Should I worry about swallowing/breathing problems in the future?

I worry about how they say "you won't die from MS, but from complications from MS." It doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy about this. In fact, I worry so much about the possibility of this happening. It sounds aweful.

Does anyone know of someone passing away from this disease? My husbands aunt died from "complications to MS".
My dad has had MS for 30 yrs but he is in a wheelchair and completely paralyzed on his right side.

I guess I am just starting to get woried. Sorry to bring up a sensitive subject guys.

Kristi
s

[KenDub]

Hi Kristi,

I have a lesion on my spinal cord, and it is causing me trouble walking, and was causing neuropathic pain. I am in a wheelchair, but only by choice. It makes working a lot easier when I can be mobile for more than 15 minutes at a time.

After my second steroid dose in 4 months, the neuropathic pain is a dissipating symptom. However, walking is still very difficult. I also have minor difficulty with bladder control and swallowing. I was told by an M.S. Specialist that these symptoms are all likely due to the spinal cord lesion. I should also mention that I have several brain lesions as well.

With all of that said, I would try not to worry if I were you.Take it from me, the less you worry, the better off you will be. Worry can cause anxiety and anxiety never makes anything better. Also, there are many people in the world who have had M.S. and never even knew it. Lesions suggestive of M.S. have been found during autopsy in healthy individuals who never had a clinical event (symptom).

Also, do lots of research on the disease, many fears and worries may be alleviated. For instance, even though your Dad has M.S. you only have a 3% chance of getting the disease based soley on that. This forum is a great place to start researching, check out the Health Pages section (yellow button at the top right).

[starryeyes1]

Thank you for responding. Lately I have been consumed with this fear of respiratory problems. My dad has MS and he almost died recently due to lung trouble. One thing the Dr had said was that the MS is adding to the problems. Well, I totally perked right up when I heard that.

I have walking trouble due to my balance being affected. But, after any sort of distance, I have tingling down both legs. I remember last year right after I was dx my dr saying that its very bad to get lesions on the spine. Well, I'm sure my dad has that and I have this fear.

Some days I feel calmer and some days I feel totally panicked. Thanks for the calming words. You pulled me back from the ledge.

Thanks
Kristi

[Zacksmomi]

Hello there,
I have a few visible spinal cord lesions and some suspected lesions.  I do have a lot of symptoms and trouble walking, but it certainly does not mean a wheel chair or death sentence.

MS research has come so far compared to 30 years ago.  There are treatments to slow the diesase, and studies being done every day to even try to reverse symptoms.  

I hope you don't worry too much.  This is all scary and unknown, but the outcome today for us is a much brighter one than it used to be.

Big hugs
D