To all the people who think they may have Multiple Sclerosis

[TiffanyinTupelo]

I have been looking at the website for a while because doctors thought I may have MS. Of course,
I was absolutely terrified and I wanted to ease a few people's minds. I see alot of people like me
on here asking if there numbness or symptoms are related to MS. I have been having numbness
symptoms for over a year and a half and I was sure I had MS. I understand that there are many
other issues that true sufferers go through, but it is in our nature to be afraid when we feel something
is wrong with our bodies. Anyway, I had a full MRI done of my full spine and head with and without
contrast. My symptoms included numbness and tingling, muscle jerks, and hot or cold sensations.
I was already trying to adjust to life as if I had already been diagnosed with MS. I started researching
MS and after that I  suddenly developed alot of the symptoms that went along with MS, but in reality
I had no one other symptoms other than my regular symptoms. My point here is that I think the web
surfing can be harmful to some people like me who think they have MS or another disease especially
those of us who suffer from anxiety. It just makes someone focus on it more. Of course, it is the right
thing to get informed on things but please don't freak out like me. Anyway, It turns out that I do not
have MS and that is only because the GRACE AND LOVE OF GOD is so wonderful. Of course,
I still do not know what is wrong with me, but I just wanted to offer a little hope to those who could
possibly be hit with MS. I believe that GOD is in control and even if I did have MS or if I have something
else wrong with me I believe that he is in control and everything happens for a reason. I have to say
that since all of this has happened to me I have found a different amount of respect for those who suffer
from MS or any other disease. My landlord's wife has MS and I see her walking with a cane and all I
used to think was poor woman, but now I have a deep sense of compassion for her. I am even looking
into donating and supporting the MS foundation. So, maybe that was my reason behind the MS scare
or maybe it happened to make me appreciate life a little more. So, I want to say GOD BLESS to all
who have to truly live with this disease and I know this is a little long but I just wanted to maybe ease
somebody's mind.

[sllowe]

Tiffany, thank you so very much!

Many blessings back to you,
-shell

[roncart]

Hi Tiffanay, I am happy for you that they cleared you of a ms disease. I understand your reluctance on getting the lumbar puncture because I put mine off for 2 years. The reason I did not want to do it was the same as you. I already had back issues and I did not want a needle stuck in my back. I also knew that there are a great percentage of peoople who do have ms and yet their lp results come back normal,therefore it is certainly not a definitive test . Had they said to me this will tell us for certain whether or not it is ms then I certainly would have done it right there. I did finally have it done almost 2 weeks ago and haven't heard anything about it yet. I know if it is normal it still does not mean that I don't have ms. The only real reason I had the test done was because it was imperative for me to have a myelogram done for my neck. There was some concern that a plate in my neck might have been pressing on the spinal cord requiring yet another neck surgery. Being I had to get a needle in my spine for that test I said ok while you are there you may withdraw the fluid. One needle 2 tests. yet honestly if not for needing the myelogram I would not have had the lp. I pray that you get the answers that you need to find out what is wrong with you. I think not knowing what is wrong causes just as much suffering as the symptoms do... God Bless, roncart

[MrsAristotle]

I was terrified of having a lumbar puncture but finally realised it was only the way i would get peace in my life, so I agreed. I was offered Diazapam but decided against it.

I had no PAIN, and you dont see anything anyway. It was easy. So if you can find the faith somewhere and the strength like I did go for it, you might finally get answers.

I actually also agree with the first part of your post. I think it is too easy for people to self diagnose and even come up with the weirdest diseases. The worse disease in this modern world for me is called GOOGLEITITIS LOL. (Think about it.)

[TiffanyinTupelo]

I was cleared of MS because I had gotten a MRI about a year and a half ago and it showed two white spots which were not MS related at all. I have had two extreme
concussions in my younger years. So, that is where those came from. Anyway,
there are no changer between the MRI I got then an the most recent MRI. So, it was ruled out as a possibility. I would not go for a lumbar puncture because I did not even
get an epidural when my daughter was born, and the thought of that needle terrifies me.
Overall, I am happy and satisfied with my MRI results.  

[Heather3418]

Welcome to the MS Forum!

God Bless YOU, Tiffany.  What a lovely post.  Who could not feel blessed to have YOU as a friend?

I hope you find out soon, what is causing your symptoms.  I'm thankful, as you are, that it is NOT MS.  That's a blessing for sure.  I hope you will tell us more how the doctor's determined it was not MS.  I hope that they are continuing to look for answers and that they will come soon for you.

Welcome to the MS Forum

Big Forum Hugs coming your way,
Heather