Symptoms for 10 - 12 Years - No Dx

[Oscar1973]

Hello,

I've been experiencing Neuro type symptoms for the last 10 - possibly 12 years.  Tingling sensations, zaps through my body, weird visual stuff, fatigue, migraine with aura, ground feeling like it is falling under me, leg feeling like it is giving way, etc.  I've seen several GP's - all suggesting anxiety, stress and the 'you are too old for MS' type comments (am only 37!!), blah, blah.  My eye doc has suggested I have an astigmatism and that I can possibly see different colours in things (have a bit of colour de-saturation) that around 5% of the population see!!

Anyway, long story short, decided  that I would quit seeking a dx until something more 'substantial' happened (most of my things have been sensory).  I lead a fairly active life (in terms of exercise), work part time and have 3 small children who need looking after - so I don't have time to be going to 100's of Dr's appointments at this stage (.......who does right!).

I have been reading this forum for a long time and I just can't see how the above stuff cannot add up to be MS.  I consider myself in limbo - even though I am not actively seeking answers.

In the last week or two I've been getting a tightness in my chest.  I am not really short of breath as such - it just feels weird.  Almost like I have a blown up balloon in my chest/throat area or something.  I can still workout without any problems and my heart rate seems normal.  Does this sound like MS hug or is there usually pain associated with this?  It is just a tightness - not there all the time - just a couple of times through the day then it goes (or I stop concentrating on it!).  I think I had this similar thing 10 years ago - but it felt just more like a lump in my throat.

Am sorry for such a long post - helps to vent (my Husband thinks I'm crazy and is sick of my health woes!).

Thanks for reading!

Oscar1973 (Australia)

[soldy]

Hi,Please present your case to Prof.Dr.Garth Nicolson at Autoimmune Disorder Community(expert)forum on Nov 1,2010.He will be answering questions for three days.

[sllowe]

You are very welcome. And, what would a coach say to the fearful?

Very glad to have you here with us and your right, the ref. is the next step. Heck you may be facing something that can be fixed! Now that would be totally worth the next steps.

-shell

[Oscar1973]

Thank you for your replies.  I will need to go to a GP to get a Neuro ref anyway - so that'll have to be my first step.  I guess I am avoiding this cause I am so sure of a dx and am frightened about what impact this will have on my family (my 3 children aren't at school yet - so are home with me every day).  I am also a sports coach - so a lot of my life revolves around sport/being active - just to hard to accept this may not be able to be a part of my future.  Life is uncertain I guess!  Thanks again - this forum has some great info and resources.

[Sumanadevii]

No offense was taken, sllowe.  I just wanted to explain my position a bit better  I love this boards because of the different opinions.  It gives other posters pause for thought.  

[jensequitur]

All that being said, it's a good idea to eliminate the heart as a possibility of causing the tightness in the chest.  

I went through the same process before we decided it was esophageal spasm brought on (or so we thought at the time) by GERD.  Turns out that the tightness/spasms were actually from lesions in the spine.

Oscar, there's at least one other person on here in limbo who also lives in Australia.  They're also having trouble getting diagnosed.  Perhaps it's something about Australia!  

Whether you find a neuro who specializes in MS, or whether you just find a different neuro, you'll need to find a doctor who takes your symptoms more seriously.  

[sllowe]

Sumana,
I hope my message didn't come across wrong. If so,I apologize to you. Was just going w/what was originally posted w/out having read through your response thoroughly.  I totally understand where your coming from.
  
We base our responses on our experiences and they are always helpful - it's why folks come here - so no worries.  Your right, early is best and too much damage is done unfortunately when MS is overlooked or ignored.
-shell

[Sumanadevii]

The reason I suggested a neuro specializing in MS is because the poster stated he is having neurological problems over the last 10 to 12 years.  I spent five years with my family doctor then an internist with no help.  Then scared I ran to vascular, rheumatory and finally a neuro.  That neuro did not specialize in MS.  I spent three and one half years under his "care"(coughs).  He totally missed it. Due to the lack of care, there has been a lot of damage to my body that I think could have been prevented with treatment.  It was only after finding a neuro that specialized in MS that I was diagnosed.

This is a public message board.  We all have our own opinions.  This is just mine.

[sllowe]

Hi there,

From what you've provided, I don't recommend an MS specialist at this time.  But, I do recommend a qualified and good Dr. --someone other than this one who says 37 is too old for MS.  

While it may be true that many folks are diagnosed before the age of 37 it just couldn't be more incorrect to say 37 is too old for MS.  That's a big move on to a new doc flag to me.

As for the tightness in your chest, this you absolutely have to get checked. You work out, manage a life with 3 children, so I'm sure you found us because this is really affecting your life.   Stress is something that can cause anxiety however, it's been my experience and many others here that issues like you describe bring on these sorts of issues too.

I know it's hard to fit in yet another appt. with a busy life, but are you in a situation to visit a different doctor for a second opinion? One who will run some tests?

Thanks for joining us!
-Shelly

[Sumanadevii]

I have the same feeling.  My neuro put me on xanax because anxiety added to the problem.  That feeling (for me) is caused from a lesion on my brain stem.  I also have a very hard time swallowing.  I went to the emergency room twice fearing a heart attack and everything comes back "normal" for both my heart and lungs.  We are now working with a  pneumologist that is running his own tests to see of what help he can be.  

Maybe it is now time to seek the help of a specialist for MS.  Please do not waste time.  Early treatment can help prevent and calm some of the symptoms.