MS diagnosis questionable...

[Chere__0]

  I have been diagnosed with RR MS and had that diagnosis taken away several times.  I am currently under treatment through an HMO, and they are labelling my symptomology as a "undiagnosed neurological disorder".  I am at my wits end...can you help me?  Here is some background information that may prove helpful.  I am 33 years old and have a 31 year old sister with Systemic Lupus.  My symptoms include numbness in both feet; optic neuritis that is intermittently bad to worse in my right eye; autonomic facial "flares" with one side of my face hot and bright red, with the other side cool to the touch; severe reaction to heat exposure that can cause fainting; chronic fatigue; questionable evoked potentials to the upper & lower extremities; a high signal on the right side of my brain confirmed on several brain MRI's that is only minutely increasing in size; severe fibromyalgic pain in all extremities; myochondritis and chostochondritis in both my chest and back; pleurisy in my chest wall; numbness at times to my
  left side, particularly in my left leg and foot - this causes me to limp or have no strength for standing at times; a swallow study confirmed weakness in my tongue muscle that causes choking at times with solids and liquids; I am anticardiolipid antibody positive (pardon the spelling if incorrect) and am on a chronic oral coumadin therapy; tingling and numbness to both sides of my face with a feeling of palsy or dragging of the corner of my mouth; dizziness and vertigo; forgetfulness and confusion at times. I suffer periods of total exhaustion where I can sleep 18-24 hours at a time.  I'm currently taking only amantadine, as steroids (Medrol/Prednisone) have added considerable weight.  They've also tried Welbutrin and Prozac.  They tell me I'm not a candidate for Betaseron or Avonex, and question whether I do have MS at this time.  I was unable to undergo a spinal puncture due to my extreme obesity and the coumadin. I am very scared and have lost my job due to the ongoing symptomology.  I cannot afford to go outside of my HMO for diagnosis and hope you can assist me.  I have distant cousins and a neice who also have Lupus...this might prove helpful in your review.  Both of my parents are healthy.  Please provide any assistance you think may help, as well as whether or not you think this still is MS or could be another type of disorder.  I am grateful that you have this service available and thank you from the bottom of my heart!  Fondest regards...
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Dear Cheree,
You have noted a wide variety of symptoms in your posting that make it quite
difficult to offer a sound medical opinion in your case.  The best answer may
be to say that it is possible you have MS and it is possible you have Lupus.
If you do have one of these conditions, it most certainly is not the only issue
at hand as your other coexisting medical maladies complicate matters.
Speak to your physician regarding your diagnosis and possible options.  He or
she should have a better understanding of your situation as it is, without
a doubt, quite complicated.
Good luck.