itching, headaches, vision blurring, constipation,m.s.?

[missyrae1983]

I'm a 25 year old female.  I've been having unusual symptoms on and off since my teen years.  Currently I've been having blurring of my vision in both eyes that flashes and only lasts a minute at a time; I have constipation that the docs can't figure out the cause of (only thing that helps is lactulose, 6 tablespoons a day); sometimes I get itchy that scratching doesn't relieve, or it feels like my foot itches but I have to scratch all over just to find relief by scratching my thigh or back or other area; I have odd shooting pains in my arms and hands that come and go; my lower ribs are very sensitive to touch; I have sciatica; last night I started having sharp shooting pains in my head that only last a second at a time, I've had it about 10 times since last night; when I urinate I feel like I have to go again as soon as I stand up; I have neck pain and light sensitivity and raynauds phenomenon that I had for a while then it went away for a few years and now is back; also I go through periods when I am soooo tired, I fall right to sleep at night and have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, and sometimes it feels like my insides are buzzing or vibrating.  The list could go on for ever!  I don't have a vitamin deficiency and my thyroid is fine(actually I have hypothyroidism but have been treated for it since I was 14 and my levels are fine.).  An MRI showed nothing on my lower abdomen that could cause constipation.

I'm wondering if I should see a neurologist.  I mentioned M.S. to my doc and she said that M.S. does not cause constipation, that is only causes incontinence.  When I tell docs about the itching they look at me like I am crazy.  The eye doc didn't find optic neuritis, but she told me to come back if I have complete loss of vision.  The blurring I get is like a flashing distortion in the center of my vision in the same spot in both eyes at the same time.  Does anyone have any idea what might cause all of these things?

[Lulu54]

Hi, Doni covered it very well. Your doctor is entirely wrong about the constipation - it is a very common MS symptoms.  So common that the MS society web page has space dedicated to that topic alone.  

Definitely pursue seeing a neurological specialist - something is going on with you and you deserve answers so you can be treated.  MS or not, you need to know.

Lulu

[doni54]

Hi Missy, and welcome to the forum.

In my opinion, yes, you should get your regular physician to refer you to a neuro, best case would be an MS Specialist.  If you don't know of one in your area, just call the local MS Society and they can give you the names of the local MS Specialist Neuros.

I think you do have some symptoms that are similar to those of MS.  The problem with that is there are also many mimics of MS.

As far as what your physician told you about MS only causing incontinence, she is wrong.  There are members here who have constipation and some who have incontenience.  It's like my GP telling me that muscle spasms were NOT a symptom of MS.

You will find members here who are diagnosed with MS, and others who are searching for a diagnosis, and even others who have been dx with different things but we just won't let them leave..hahaha  You will also find that everyone here is very caring, knowledgeable, and supporting..........you've come to the right place!!!!

Check out our health pages in the upper right hand corner of the page.  There is some great info there.

I wish you the best and hope you can find a great neuro who will work to find out what is wrong.  Just come here anytime and ask us anything you need to ask.  I'm sure others will be one here to give you their opinions also.

Take care,
doni