Concerned college athlete

[OSUZach]

Hi all,
I have been having a few new problems lately and am currently freaking out when someone told me i might have MS. I searched it online and realized that i match up to quite a few symptoms. I would consider myself an extremely healthy person. I play collegiate tennis work teaching tennis during the summer. I often play basketball and run. My diet is extremely healthy and i should have no deficiencies as i am a well rounded eater, eating around 3-5 complete meals a day. I am 6 foot tall and weigh 171 lbs. However, lately I have been getting really sore from working out and thought it was weird. In addition to that and more importantly, i cant control the twitching of my finger. Other problems include: temporary loss of vision, noticeably decreasing vision, extreme light sensitivity, twitches during sleep, voice control, joint pain, migraines, balance issues, and misc. others. I may just be freaking out and getting ghost symptoms now that the idea is embedded in my mind. Most of those symptoms are not constant, but i have definitely experienced them. The idea of MS was brought upon by one of my friends who noticed my finger twitching. The more i look into the possibility the more i am concerned. Sorry for the long and rambling question. If anyone could help me out, it would be greatly appreciated. The last thing i want in MS at 19 in college.

Thanks alot,
Zach

P.S. My unhealthy activities include the normal college deal. If more information is needed email me at ***@****.

[Lulu54]

Hi Zach, and welcome.
I have to ask if that is the OSU in Ohio?  If so, go Bucks!

Jen and Shell are right, a good work up by your doctor is in order.   Then you can discuss possible diagnosis.  Your description of *ghost symptoms* is a good one - I sure hope for your sake that is what is going on with you and your body.

Having MS s ucks and isn't something I would wish on my worst enemy.

Stay in touch and feel free to ask any questions that might come up,\

be well,
Lulu

[sllowe]

Hi Zach,

Thanks for coming along.  Sounds like need a good check up!  Go to a regular Dr., let them give you a once over and run some labs, check your eyes, thyroid, sugar, blood, etc.  

I agree w/Jens that it could be a nerve doing that to your finger, your active and working out a lot.  

Be well

[jensequitur]

Sorry your e-mail was bleeped out - they have an automatic filter to remove such things.  If you really want to post it (which I don't recommend!) put spaces between the elements.

When MS is suspected, the symptom should last at least a day.  Intermittent symptoms (perhaps a few minutes in length) are usually discounted.  

The thing to do is go to your PCP first.  They will test you for lyme, mercury poisoning, and other mimics which can cause neurological damage.  If these tests don't show anything, then they'll schedule you for an MRI.  

I wouldn't get too concerned yet.  Finger twitching can be just a compressed nerve.