numbness

Question

You know, I still am learning about MS after being dx'd for 1 1/2 years. In the last week, I've started this thing with my legs, particularly my left leg. Both feet tingle like all the time, but on the left it goes up to my knee. Across between tingling and feeling like they are asleep. I also have this in myleft hand going up my forearm. Is this part of the MS? It feels really freaky.

jensequitur · Answer

All the tingling and buzzing and creepy-crawlie feelings going on, you'd think they would be more fun!  But no, they're just incredibly annoying and a little distracting.  

I've tried to avoid the neurontin and Lyrica, mostly because I can't afford it - but it's probably the next step for me.  Unless my spasticity gets worse!

sllowe · Answer

It does sound like your MS.  I can relate to the tingly numbness.  I get the burning it in my back. I have it on most occasions, but it was at it's peak once for 5 months. Though it may seem silly, be sure to jot it down.

It's nice to see you back - Willow-W seems it's been awhile.  You would enjoy reading Doc Quix's write up on Parathesias - Things that go bump in the night (in the Health pages).  If you've not already read it.

-shell

rendean · Answer

Regarding the Neurontin, it helped initially then we switched to Lyrica. A lot of people do get relief from these drugs. I had to stop eventually because after a relapse because strangely enough it started to make me loopy. Prior to that it worked well. Now I use nortriptylin  and Trileptal and get very good relief.

I hope you find relief soon. I know how miserable it can me.

Wishing you well,
Ren

willowwoman7 · Answer

Thanks all for your tips. I've only been dx'd for 18 months so I don't know alot about the symptoms, yet. I've had most of the symptoms (according to my neuro I've about got them all), but this one seems to be getting worse the past little while. Rendean, does the neurontin really help? It is so annoying. Plus, for about an hour, the bottoms of my feet were actually burning. Yech.

rendean · Answer

I have this same symptom in my left and arm and on random days both legs as well. My arm/hand symptom has been there for the majority of the last 10 years in some form or another.

I was given neurontin and now other neuropathic pain meds that do relieve the symptoms. It's a little hard to  work and type with only one hand. So the meds have given me good relief.

Take care,
Ren

Khiba · Answer

That's how it started with me, numbness from toes to knees. It went after after a while with no help. Now 10 years later it is here again. Only for me its the right leg and right arm and a bit in left foot and hand.

So frustrating! Every day is a new day with MS.

Hang in there!

Jessica