ANYONE

[katie276]

IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE BOTH M.S AND M.E (CFS)?

[katie276]

yeah thanx 4 that thats really going to help ppl that are worried about cfs

[wonko]

I can't answer the original question but as an interesting FYI, a recent report in Science links CFS with a retrovirus similar to HIV.  It's being hailed as a breakthrough in understanding this mysterious disorder.

http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/1179052

[katie276]

i have my dates in the next 2 weeks for MRI and  PROLONGED VIDEO WITH EEG
so maybe will shed some lite on my symptoms

[mistylee]

Well that deffinatly rules out the ME for me then!!!  No wonder the neuro I have now hasn't even mentioned ME.
At the time the first neuro said ME I must say I was a little baffled and even questioned him about some of my symptoms ie do people with ME have these symptoms??? He said yes!!!   hmmmmm needless to say I now have a new one!!

Mistylee

[katie276]

maybe to many symptoms with no dx lets the mind wander into thinking you have more :(

[katie276]

i have been told by my neuro that you dont get the buzzing,numbness,and the pains as in the hugs and spasms

so i'd listen to quix more she knows her stuff  
think ive got side tracked by some people on here really but suppose its just worry and being in limbo :(  
i have my EEG next week so hoping something shows

[mistylee]

Hi Quix,

So what then are the differences?? weakness , progression of lesions and Optic neuritis. Are there any other things seen with MS not seen with CFS?? Thanx Quix for your post on this subject.

Mistylee

[Quixotic1]

Several people here on the forum have been diagnosed with both Fibromyalgia and MS.  I do not see any scientific reason why a person can't have both.

Now, with regard to the "vast" similarities between CFS and MS.  This is a theory that has been promoted by certain people, but is not backed up with any really good scientific evidence.  The evidence given is almost all testimonial (which means the reporting of one person's opinion or experience).  CFS does NOT lead to the kinds of things seen in MS like significant and progressive brain lesions, weakness, optic neuritis.  The blurring of the lines between the two is unfortunate and, I believe is bogus.  I will look again at the evidence, but since I last looked at it (last spring) I have seen nothing to support it.

I will say that I disagree with the posting that you all refer to.  The two diseases are not that similar, though there is a small group in the scientific community that believes they are.

Quix

[mistylee]

Not only that, you get fatigue with both also as well as lesions. Quix???? any ideas???

[katie276]

sorry you also do get fasciculations with cfs

[katie276]

you can get cramps with cfs but not the others i am due for an eeg next week so fingers crossed

[jensequitur]

The buzzing, spasms, cramps, and fasciculations are not a part of CFS, as far as I know.  And MS causes fatigue, so...

[katie276]

very confused hmmm
i would also like to hear quix's view on this or anyone plz x

[mistylee]

Hi Katie,

Thx for that. yes I read that ....hence now total confusion. It is on the fibro(CFS) forum for anyone that wants to read. Thats what makes the dx of MS or ME???? really dirrercult. They are so similar they could be the same thing.
Quix..... any comments on this would be helpful.

Mistylee

[katie276]

have you took alook at the forum M.E (CFS) vs M.S its quite interesting

[katie276]

hiya
thank you for your reply, it is very confusing when i first came on here i read up on M.S and thought i have the symtoms but now i just dont know at all
my own doc is questioning the experts about if you can have both as she thought my symtoms was to similar to M.S  
i had a bad relationship for 13 year in which i suffered a bad head injury an the bottom of my spine was broke 8 years ago this time scale would come into maybe the MS side x

[katie276]

here goes i ll try n cut it down i have alot going on at the min maybe thats why i dont know where 2 look on here  any more i am under a neuro and have also been reffered to an M.E specialist  as my doc originally was towards M.S but unsure now ,so in limbo while i wait for tests
my symptoms i ll try n remember the order they started ....


FASCICULATIONS
CRAMPS IN MY LIMBS
SPASMS .. 1 i had in my back for 3 days but also at the same time got another kind of pain further down my back when i took deep breaths this lasted another week after the spasm stopped
BUZZING normally in my pelvis and legs
TIREDNESS
LEFT EYE TWITCHES
BOTTOM LEFT SIDE OF MY LIP TWITCHES AND GOES NUMB ONLY FOR MAYBE A FEW SECONDS
SHAKING INSIDE AND SOMETIMES MY RITE ARM
ARMS FEEL HEAVY WHEN I TRY TO LIFT THEM HIGH
SHARP PAINS NORMALLY MY LIMBS
ACID REFLUX
BLADDER  INCONTINENCE
HEAT causes twitches and as if there is something big crawling on my head or arm
BOWEL CONSTIPATION nearly hospitalised last week

ALERGIC REACTION TO PENECILLIN  this is why my doc is questioning M.E


IM ON MEDS FOR DEPRESSION, SLEEP, BOWELS,PAIN RELIEF,SPASMS


thanx xx

[mistylee]

Hi Katie

I was originally dx with ME 20 years ago (CFS) which I acepted and agreed with as fatigue was the only symptom.  20 years on and all these neuro problems. One neuro says possible ms another said ME. That was after the first attack. I have since had 2 more in a relapsing remitting pattern with signs of problems on my neuro exam coupled with lesions in the brain atypical for ms.  These lesions at least some of them (i have 16) are probably attributed to ME but I really feel I now have MS so that would mean I have both.
I have done a lot of research over the years on both diseases and I can still not tell the two apart. The symptoms of both are so alike!!!!  The only difference I feel between the two is that MS should have a greater lean towards the neuro symptoms and ME more towards the fatigue especially after excercise.  Im sure if you ask someone with MS they will say that excercise fatigues them and causes weakness too ....so there you go...total confusion.
Hence why I have no dx. If I showed lesions in certain areas typical for MS...problem solved. But as yet lesions are non specific.  The truth is if I have had ME for 20 years then why were there no neuro symptoms before . Have I progressed with the ME??? or do I have MS as well????  
As you can see i am as confused as you.  Sorry I cant be any clearer and have no answers.

Mistylee
xx

[katie276]

first of all thanx for replying
i joined a while ago i have posted on the neuro forum and the ms forum
i just dont know anymore,..... the thing is i have all the symtoms of M.E but also alot of the symptoms of M.S
i dont know if you can read my previous posts ? if not i will repost 2 u x

[sllowe]

Hi Katie,

Welcome to the forum. I'll not say it's impossible, but there are distinct differences between the two.  On the other hand, with many diseases and syndromes not all cases are crystal clear or typical. Takes an experienced neuro who is willing to investigate.

Are you being worked up by a Dr.? If it were me, and I were being worked up for either I'd want to know those differences.  You can ask your Dr,. or look into some solid sources.  Our forum has very educational health pages on MS that I think you'll find helpful, and I've not looked at the CFS forum, but you may find some information there.

If you feel comfortable to tell us a little about what you have been going through.  We have very diverse group of members who would be more than happy to share their experiences and expertise.

Be well,
Shell