Are these symptoms of early MS?

[meganinla]

Hi everyone,
I've read that muscle weakness is a big sign, but not sure if this specific thing is: basically, I'm a kindergarten teacher so I tend to sit on the floor with the kids and I have found that I have had a very hard time getting up, almost like someone or something is pushing my legs down from getting up.  I also have dizzy spells and head pains that occur.  Lastly, I've noticed I repeat myself a lot when I talk without wanting to, and sometimes say things backwards.
Does this all sound like MS symptoms or not really? If yes, how can I talk my GP into giving me a MRI to rule it out?  My GP gives me a tough time when i ask for a simple blood test...I can't imagine how difficult it would be to have her give me an MRI!
Thanks
-Megan

[sllowe]

Hi there,

Welcome to the forum. I hope you had the opportunity to poke around the site. You'll find our health pages in the upper right hand corner and they are loaded with solid information on MS.

Your GP should be more than willing to give you a thorough physical including labs to see what could be going on. I am doubtful however that an MRI would be ordered by your GP from the symptoms you mention. But, this is where the thorough physical comes in.

Is there any way you can line up an appt.w/the GP (or w/one who is more willing) for a physical just for starters?

Sorry you are dealing with this. It's so hard to adjust to not being able to do what you use to no matter what the cause. You are in good company here because we definitely understand that.

Thanks for joining us,

~Shell

[wiggles94]

Hi Meganinia,

Here is a link to early symptoms of MS:

http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/guide/recognizing-multiple-sclerosis

AS you see from the list, there are many symptoms, which also may be signs of other disease.

An MRI doesn't rule out MS - people can have neg MRI, and still have MS - AND you can have lesions, and not have MS.  So it can help in the dx process, but there is not a specific test to show MS.  Many mimics have to be ruled out along the dx process.

The dx process for MS can be long and frustrating.  Keep good notes on your symptoms.  And when you see your doc, don't go in with the idea that you have MS - keep an open mind and let him do the work in trying to figure it out.   He should refer to a neuro.  If you don't get answers, look for a doc who will take you seriously and try to get to the bottom of what is going on.

I am a first grade teacher on med leave since Feb 2010 with possible MS.  SO I know how hard it can be to teach when you have strange things going on!  Best of luck to you, and if you would like more info, feel free to send me a personal message.