Healthy 43 yr old F, losing the battle so it feels

For a couple of years, at least, anytime I dropped my chin to my chest quickly, I would have a mirrored numbness (like putting your tongue on a 9v battery) in both palms of my hands. Mirrored exactly in strength and length of duration. The feeling begins exactly where the wrists meet the hands, is strongest at the base of each palm, extends to each finger tip however the pinky and thumb experience more of the sensation than the other three fingers.

About 2 months ago, for whatever reason, dropping my chin to my chest I notice the exact same thing happened in my feet ...mirrored exactly with the timing as it occurs in my hands. It begins about where a sneaker sits mid heel around the back of the ankle, it travels under each heel and about 2/3 of the distance up the sole of each foot, and only into the baby toes. It is felt slightly along the low outsides of my feet as well, perhaps upwards from the soles about 1/8 of an inch.

Add to this please; 2 incidents of instant weakness in my left leg causing me to collapse to the ground, both on the same day, prompted an MRI in November 2007. results: several areas of numerous lesions on my brain (sub cortical dorsi). Following those results I was tested for optic neuritis. That test came back positive in Both of my eyes (which I understand is rare).  The neurologist never really said much at that time and I've not been back for any follow up with him since.

I am losing strength, it seems, daily. I am a very vibrant, healthy and fit 43 year old female who has never smoked or been into drugs or alcohol at all. The remarkable difference in how weak I am becoming is clear to me. 6 months ago I could carry 4 times the amount (example groceries) from my car to my door. What only months ago was effortless is now a challenge. I find myself needing to carry one thing in at a time, even then the walking causes heaviness and fatigue. If I am walking up any amount of stairs, I am unable to carry any weight at all.

My heart races, resting rate is around 100 and within a moment of any kind of movement my heart rate will spike to 140 or over. If I am carrying weight and having to walk a distance my rate will spike to over 180bpm. I also am on medication for hypertension. Unmedicated blood pressure rate average of 165/140. Medicated average 150/98.

I'm tired all the time. I'm worried that something big will come of any testing.

[authrjenn]

I am not a doctor, however my suggestion is that you find a good neurologist and see him asap. spinal cord compression can cause your BP to skyrocket and there are many diseases that mimic MS or in the family. Please see that doc again or get a second opinion. They have meds to stop this in its tracks.

[selmaS]

Hi I have to agree with authrjenn in getting back to a Dr...but I would also like to add that u should be requesting copies of all ur MRI's and testing including the reports to help get a 2nd opinion. Many times we can find things that were overlooked or considered to be incidential....that could be the reason for ur symptoms...push for answers, but get back to the Dr.

  "selma"

[winglessangel]

Thank you for your comments. I am waiting for a call to give me a date for my MRI. In the meantime I will send a letter to my physician requesting copies of my earlier MRI's.

Thanks again and Regards