Suggestions? Labeled "possible MS".

[AlaskaYoung]

I have been having issues with my extremities tingling and going numb, pain in muscles and joints; sometimes accompanied by moderate to severe swelling of "attacked" extremity, lack of coordination (dropping dishes while trying to wash them, falling down while trying to walk, etc), fits of crying and laughter (uncontrolled), and some vision issues for about the past seven months. I constantly stay fatigued and just feel like I'm not myself anymore. I dont even recognize myself. Ive gained 20 pounds in the past two months and have become extremely sensitive about my weight and image. I've lost all sex-drive, and for a 24 year old that just isnt normal.
Doctor saw me and did an exam after telling her my symptoms and gave me a diagnosis of general muscle weakness, vertigo, and possible MS. She ordered lab work since some of my labs were abnormal from a previous visit a few months ago. My CRP was a 30 and my Sed rate was a 35. There was also blood in my urine that they want to check on. She prescribed me a cane to help me get around when i have these "flare ups". I'm getting referred to a neurologist and they'll call me to schedule the appointment when they receive today's referral. They definitely want a repeat MRI of the brain and C-spine. My EMG that i had back in March was normal. Is there anything I should ask the Neuro when i see him? What does this sound like to you?

[jacjoemax]

Okay I'm a little freaked out as I posted recently almost word for word asking what can be going on with me. Can you please keep me posted on what other tests are ordered for you and what they find? My primary doc says all the blood work is good except for the sed rate and CRP as well. Did tests to rule out Rheumatoid issues and all were normal. I also gained thirty pounds and my arm and leg pain getting worse. Good luck to you feel free to message me with any questions, I truly want to keep in touch. Read my earlier post if you can, thanks

[kwarendorf]

Hi AY - Welcome to our group :-)

I'm sure it's scarey to have all this stuff going on, with very few answers. Seeing a neurologist is the right next step. As alex said the neuro will rely on your history, in part, to guide her/him.

Some of what you describe shows up on the MS symtom list (vertigo, fatigue, muscle weakness) others not so much (swelling, weightg gain). It may tale some time to work through it all and come up with a diagnosis.

What you should expect is the need for futher bloodwork, MRI's of your brain, c-spine and t-spine, possibly a lumbar puncture (LP). You are in the information gathering stage. And as ALex also said it may take a while.

As to your sed rate, the normal range for a woman of your age is 0 - 20. Your rate of 35 indicates that there is inflammation somewhere, but doesn't tell you where or what's causing it.

Keep us posted as you wend your way towards a diagnosis.

Kyle

[HVAC]

Hi I know you must be confused and a little scared when MS is brought up. Mostly you would like to know what is wrong with you. You do describe a lot of symptoms of MS but these are also symptoms of other illnesses. Mostly if you keep a journal of when symptoms start and stop that will help.

The neurologist will use history, a neurological exam which is reflexes and such, your MRIs the emg and the blood work to see what you have. Sometimes they like to watch you over time until they commit to a diagnosis.

The sed rate measure inflammation the higher it is the more inflammation you have.

Alex