Could be MS?

[rondoo]

Had MRI which showed white matter lesions.  Neurologist ordered MRI of spine and MS Panel (bloodwork). Was referred to Neurologist with complaints of fatigue, muscle weakness, vertigo, tinnitus and heat intolerance.  I also have thyroid cancer and had total thyroidectomy and have trouble getting my thyroid hormone levels in normal range.  I am very scared right now.  i am waiting for authorization from insurance company for MRI.  How were others diagnosed and what symptoms did you have at time of diagnosis.  I would also have numbness and tingling off and on in my fingers and feet.  Would appreciate any response?

[rondoo]

Thank you for the quick reply.  I have been complaining for probably the past 4 to 5 years of unusual fatigue to my doctor.  I had a thyroid nodule at the time and dr. blamed it on 'thyroid" problems even though levels were normal. I would explain to him that sometimes I felt like I would collapse from exhaustion. For the past 2 years I have had heat intolerance and off and on numbness. What lead to referral to Neuro was vertigo and tinnitus for months that wouldnt go away.  My MRI was without contrast.  Also ordered some Evoked potential test that I have to schedule. I am getting MS panel drawn tomorrow,  My symptoms seemed to come and go for the past several years but this fatigue has been constant since September.  What else could white matter lesions be?  Also I am 44 yr. old female.

[jujuminx]

Welcome to the MS forum. So sorry you are having physical problems.  

So, you had an MRI of the brain?  With and without contrast?  Apparently it looked somewhat suspicious now the dr is ordering a spinal MRI?  C and T?  Have you had other bloodwork other than an MS panel?

How long have you had your symptoms? Is this the first time you have experienced these symtoms?  Sorry to be asking so many questions but MS is a diagnosis of exclusion so I am just trying to figure out where you and the dr are in this process.

MS symptoms are different for everyone. Not sure there is a normal but eye problems and  numbness and tingling in the limbs, muscle weakness, and fatigue is common.  Those symtoms are also common for a lot of other things as well so don't get ahead of yourself.

I know waiting to get a diagnosis is, well, it's a terrible time. Unfortunately, it often takes a while to run all the tests that need to be done to exclude everything else. If you have your brain MRI report, it is sometimes helpful to post the results (make sure you exclude your personal information) so those in the forum with some medical background can help you make some sense of it.

Again, I am sorry you have having to face these challenges. You have come to the right place to get some answers and get some support. If you can give us a bit more information perhaps we can help you better.

Julie