Sick.. and waiting... and scared

[pianochic37]

Hi, everyone!

I'm a 33 year old female.

When I was 16, I began experiencing dizzy spells and migraines. I had an MRI and was found to have white matter lesions. My neurologist shrugged it off, saying "migraine syndrome with aura," and m ENT said "probably BPPV."

Since then, I've been able to control my symptoms with meclizine, high doses of ibuprofen, birth control (rule out hormonal migraines!) and, basically, a "positive state of mind."

Now, here's the kicker -- I got VERY VERY sick on vacation in California (I live in NY) this past April (3 months ago). A cold, then a fever, then possibly food poisoning/rotavirus, then an ear infection on the way home (after being told not to fly for 3 days, extending my miserable trip).

Was told it would all clear up on its own.

It didn't. The room has been woozy, swaying, and I've been nauseated for 3 straight months. My legs and arms feel weak. I have trouble swallowing. The heat (MY GOD THE HEAT) is excruciating, hot baths, hot showers, hot outside.. can't do it.

Went to a GP, was given doxycycline for inner ear infection (she guessed) and sinus pressure (maybe?), that didn't help. Given a higher dose of meclizine, plus Flonase. Didn't help.

Was sent for an MRI. Lo and behold, white matter lesions.

Being sent to a neurologist... but no appointments available for weeks.

GP thinks possibly vestibular migraines, and sending me to vestibular rehab so I can function on a daily basis (I can only do home and work, anxiety is high, face is flushed, dizziness is MASSIVE, nausea is persistent, weakness and fatigue are my daily life).

But.. the more I research...

..the more MS seems a possibility.

Any advice? Any help? Any hope?

[HVAC]

MS and the heat is that you nervous system slows way down. Sometimes people can't walk or think as well.

Alex

[immisceo]

Neurology appointments - it's actually typical to wait months, so if you have an appointment in a few weeks, that's actually pretty good. But I do understand that isn't much comfort at the moment. You have a lot going on, both in your long past, and recent medical history.

If the meclizine and other treatments worked in the past, it's possible that the additional recent issues are just your body dealing with viral infections and the complications those cause when you already have an underlying medical issue.

I wouldn't dissuade you form going to the neurologist appointment, but this could (theoretically!) all be explained by what you've already mentioned. When I was in hospital for my first attack, I shared a room with someone who was also being investigated for possible MS. Her symptoms were much as you describe - nausea, vertigo, fatigue. They finally found she had an ear issue. I'm not saying I know this is the case with you, just that ear issues can do massively weird things to our bodies! As can migraines.

I'd keep a brief medical/symptom timeline for your visit to the neurologist and maybe jot down any questions that come to mind between now and then. It's so easy to have the appointment be finished in a flash and next thing you know, you've forgotten to ask about something you're dying to know. But do keep an open mind regarding any possible diagnoses. It's early days yet.

[pianochic37]

Also, sorry -- all blood counts are normal. Normal WBC, normal thyroid, normal blood sugar.