Symptoms not diagnosed

Question

I was a suspect for Peripheral Neuropathy and Raynauds and now MS. PN was ruled out with an EMG. I have a contrast MRI next week. I am so worried that I am going to make things worse for myself with the side effects of contrast. Right now I am always cold and have constant pins and needles all over my body with occasional blood rushes. I heard there is no definite diagnosis for MS. Is this true?

This discussion is related to MRI's with and without contrast.

Fa208 · Answer

Everyday seems to be a little worse than the day before.  I am going to get a second opinion from a Doctor who has a reputation for good diagnosis.  He need as much informaion as possible, so I am going to take your advice and take my blood pressure before a "rush" and then during one.  Thank you!

AireScottie · Answer

Is there any way to take your blood pressure when you feel this rush/flush?  That info could be very informative to a doctor.

Fa208 · Answer

Thanks for the question. I actually lost this site until last night and am not good at maneuvering around. This nerve pain and the coldness that it causes will be counteracted by a rush or flush.  It does feel like my blood pressure has gone way up, (briefly) but I also wonder if it is hot flashes returning with a vengeance? This entire weird hand and foot (mainly) pain is getting increasingly more painful, I have more numbness in my arms and I can feel a tingling even in my face. I get my MRI results on Thursday. I did the contrast, thanks to this site. I am looking into the skin biopsy.

AireScottie · Answer

Here's some info from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders.  It'll give you more info, be easier to print, and more chance of your doctor believing it.  After all, I could just be a crazy person :)  
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/peripheralneuropathy/detail_peripheralneuropathy.htm
CheeserNurse has a good question.  Is your blood pressure dropping, going up, loud in your ears, flushing your face, or what?

CheeserNurse · Answer

I am curious what you mean by "occasional blood rushes...."

Fa208 · Answer

I appreciate your feedback.  I did have a blood test, but I was worried about the contrast and a possible side effect.  I will try not to worry.  Your comments have helped me! Thank you!

Fa208 · Answer

I did not know that, and am very grateful to have the information.  I will ask my Doctor  ( one of them) on Monday and I am printing out your response (if I can) or take down the info.  This is all new to me so I need all the help I can get!
Thank you so much!

AireScottie · Answer

EMG does NOT rule out peripheral neuropathy.  It generally only catches damage to large nerves.  I have small fiber neuropathy, but my EMG was normal.  It took a skin biopsy to determine that almost all my small nerves are gone.  It's an easy, 99.9% pain free procedure.  Maybe you should go back to your doctor and see if s/he's aware of this procedure.  It has to be done with the appropriate stain, so you want someone who knows what s/he is doing.  If your doc hasn't heard of it, you might consider looking for one who has.

DrVinod · Answer

Yes,  absence of definite diagnosis does not mean you are not interested for a contrast MRI. Before you go for the contrast MRI  pre testing is done so do not worry.
For MS a combination of clinical symptoms with contrast MRI would be very good to come to diagnoisis and it is for your diagnosis they are taking steps.
Take care and come back to us on further queries.