Could this be MS? Should I keep pursuing this?

[crystal3035]

I'm a 30 year old female and in summer of 2010 I began having a lot of pain in my back (an area on my spine in particular that hurts when pressed), hands, arms, along with muscle weakness. Sometimes when I touched things it felt like electricity and it was so severe that I wouldn't want to touch anything. At first my doctor thought it was a vitamin D deficiency but then ruled that out. Things progressed and I started to have bladder issues, I couldn't always walk straight, was fatigued, and would have noticable tremors. I had to take a medical withdrawal from my university and move in with a parent. I don't get around much and sometimes must use a wheelchair in public. My memory is bad and I feel confused a lot, like I can't understand myself or others at times. My doctor has thought I have some type of neuromuscular disease and had referred me to a neurologist in Seattle. I flew across the country to see this neurologist but because it was a university hospital I spent nearly the entire appointment talking to the med student who then left the room to present my case to the neurologist. He came in and tested my reflexes, made me walk on my heels, etc. By the time he had come in to check this the appointment was technically supposed to have been over with since I was only allowed an hour. I tried to get in what I could by explaining things. He did note that I was positive for Hoffmanns sign but he didn't think any tests were necessary since I had a brain MRI and a cervical spine MRI about 6 months prior that were negative. I asked about MS and he said that probably would've shown up. I asked about an MRI for my spine and not just the cervical spine and he says my spine could not account for cognitive problems as well. His assessment shows that I might just be depressed (although I'm not) or that it's just somatization. I also told him that autoimmune diseases run in my family but he didn't check that out either. It's so discouraging to be going through this and told I should just talk to a psychiatrist because I know that isn't what's wrong. I was so excited to be finishing my degree and am happy with my life besides this issue. I don't know if I should see another doctor or if the next one is just going to blow me off since the MRIs were okay. I don't even have health insurance. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

[LisaJF]

Hi there and welcome to the forums!  This is a great place to meet people, find emotional support and learn!

You are not alone when you stated you have gone to a Neurologist and they surmise that your symptoms are of a somatization because there lacks proof of why you're having it.  

However, here's a link in regard to MS and negative MRIs written by our forum leaders Quix:

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/How-Can-a-Person-with-MS-Have-a-Negative-MRI/show/161?cid=36

You can also browse through the health pages too to learn a bit more about the disease.  A lot of people here can give valuable and useful information due to experiences and those who are definitively diagnosed with MS as well.

I'm sorry you're going through all of this.  As I said, you're not alone.

I agree with what Paula says in that MS is a difficult diagnosis to obtain.  The doctors (PCP and Neurologist) figure out if you are having mimics of the disease.  There is a long list too.  

Your journey will be long and frustrating at times, but don't give up.  You have us here to listen, support and guide you along the way.

Lisa

[figuerpa]

Lol I was just about to say you should break it up but I will read a little at a time.

Alot of your symptoms sound like the same symtoms that come with MS. MS is a very difficult disease to diagnos. There are tons of mimicks out there that have to be ruled out before they can give a definitive MS diagnosis.

With that being said, not all lesions show up on MRI's and sometimes it takes a while for lesions to delvelop. I wouldn't give up trying to find out what is going on, get a second, third or forth opinion if need be. No one knows your body like you do and you know when something is wrong.

It can take a long time to diagnos MS so don't fret and just find a neuro that is willing to take the time to listen to your symptons and when you go for a second opinion don't mention MS because that makes the neuro think you are just looking for a dx. Let the doctor be in charge and mention the possibilities/

Good luck in your journey and don't forget that you are important and that you need to find out what is going on.

Paula

[crystal3035]

Sorry I didn't include more paragraph breaks! I just read about it and understand why.