13 Years Later Recurrence - Need Opinions

[DCNative]

Thirteen years ago I posted to this board (doctor forum) trying to find answers to a set of really strange symptoms. That post (it is long) is located here -

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Neurology/Re-Ongoing-Bizarre-Symptoms---No-Diagnosis-Treatment/show/905400

In the absence of any medical findings, I remained without a diagnosis and the symptoms resolved in time (three years for my feet to stop tingling). Life resumed without any residual problems and I remained entirely symptom free and healthy.

Fast forward to mid-February 2012 when it all started again, 13 years later. I am nowhere near in as bad shape as I was in 1999, but the same areas of my body are affected. This time though, the onset wasn't sudden - it's been a gradual increase over several weeks, especially the paresthesia, which first began in both feet then ascended. I do not (yet) have the strong electric shock sensations or sunburned feeling, but the tingling is relentless in my feet, legs, torso, arms, fingers.

I returned to my endocrinologist when these symptoms started, as last time I had these symptoms I had a concurrent course of thyrotoxicosis (resulting from a virus according to the endo). My thyroid levels are within range, though TSH is a bit low at .59. Vitamin D is quite low at 17, for which he's running me through a course or two of Rx-strength Vitamin D. All other blood tests normal. He also conducted a comprehensive neurological exam and my results were perfectly normal. Unable to attribute my symptoms, endo recommends I see a neurologist.

Meanwhile, I have no physical deficits. No eye problems, no gait problems, no fatigue, no obvious external signs. I don't know whether or not to suspect MS. Two distinct attacks, but the same symptoms (though to a lesser degree) separated by 13 years? And, while some of these symptoms are suggestive of MS, without physical deficit, it doesn't fit the most common MS patterns.

Does anyone have some words of wisdom for me? I am loathe to go through the battery of neurological testing again, only to find there are no answers.  

[DCNative]

Responding to my own post to bring it back to the top - perhaps frowned upon? But hoping for more insight from board members.

Symptoms continue, now six weeks from onset, but haven't particularly worsened. Regardless, they're with me 24/7. Seems to be worse late in the day/evening. FWIW, my Vitamin B level checked out perfectly normal at 530 for a reference range of 200-900.

Very strange this - no physical signs or disability, no eye problems, no cognitive issues...just buzzing, tingling, zaps.

Thanks

[maxthecat43]

It surely does sound like a confusing situation.  Do you have an appt scheduled?  (Sorry, no coffee yet to wake me up- didn't see if you did or not.)  If you don't have an appt yet, I'd sure get in as quickly as possible.  Neurological symptoms need to be assessed fairly quickly.  For your sake, I hope it's not MS.  If it is a vitamin defiency (check b-12 too, okay?), or a thyroid issue, at least these problems can be successfully treated.  

I know it's frustrating to have all these puzzle pieces, and not be able to make out a clear picture.  It's also important to remember, that it may not be just "one" thing.  Of course, no one disorder precludes having another at the same time.  (Wouldn't it be nice if it did?)  

I hope you are able to get some answers soon.  (BTW:  If you aren't able to get into a neurologist soon, and you have good insurance- you may want to get the "on call" neuro to see you at the ER.-  I've found that trying to save money, by not going to the ER, caused a long delay in getting my diagnosis.  Although, there is no guarantee it will help either- at least there would be a "trail" of sorts for your doctors' to follow.)

Tammy

[DCNative]

Thanks for your responses. I dunno - my symptoms really don't square with those most commonly cited for thyroid (low TSH) or or hyperparathyroidism. But they don't really add up to MS either, even though MS can be highly individualized.

[notscared2dream]

Hi. Did you try looking up parahyperthyroidism. This normally presents with low vitamin D levels.
Hope this helps.

[supermum_ms]

agggghhhhhhhhhh i just wrote a long detailed reply but it disapeared before i got to post it, so sorry but i'm not up to re-writting it, i really need a nap lol

This is all i could retrieve, hopefully its enough to get you headed in the right direction.

You are absolutely correct, this doesn't present like MS and personally i think you'd be looking in the wrong direction, especially considering you have 2 of the known MS mimics. 1. Low vit D and 2. low TSH. check out this site below:

http://www.labtestsonline.org.au/understanding/analytes/tsh/tab/test

A low TSH result can indicate an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or damage to the pituitary gland that prevents it from producing TSH. A low TSH result can also occur in people with an underactive thyroid gland who are receiving too much thyroid hormone medication.

An abnormal TSH usually indicates a deficiency or an excess of thyroid hormones available to the body but it does not indicate the reason why. An abnormal TSH result is usually followed by additional testing of FT4 and/or FT3 to investigate the cause.

The following table summarises the results and their most common causes.

TSH    FT4                 FT3                  Interpretation  
High    Normal            Normal             Mild (subclinical) hypothyroidism
High    Low                 Low or normal   Hypothyroidism
Low     Normal            Normal             Mild (subclinical) hyperthyroidism
Low     High or normal High or normal  Hyperthyroidism
Low     Low or normal  Low or normal   Nonthyroidal illness; rare pituitary (secondary) hypothyroidism

LOL so after all that, please check out sx of thyroid issues, it just might all start adding up, well hopefully it does!

Cheers.............JJ