Hoping for help with diagnoses

[Friendlily]

I want to start out by saying thanks to everyone who responds so quickly and shows concern for the people on this forum in particular, because it really is a strong support especially when you dont have one at home :)
I have been scared of possibly having MS as i have had symptoms that mimic it and now have had further blood testing which shows low RBC count, enlarged red blood cells, a high Rhematoid Factor, and a slightly high ANA which my dr said it could be an autoimmune problem which further scares me into thinking it could be MS because it is an autoimmune disease( i have been refered to a neuro and a rhematologist but the long wait to get in to see them is so frustrating so im hopiing to get some possible answers from here...i was wondering if any of these symptoms sound familiar to anyone and/or your test results were similar to this before being diagnosed with MS or if anyone knows of any other reason/or autoimmune problem that it could be that could cause these symptoms:
tingling/numbness in both legs/hands/face
fatigue
stiff neck can barely turn my head either direction/weak muscles
memory loss
concentration problems
Raynauds
I have no stomach problems/nausea etc or pain except for in the neck which just developed yesterday but i have been having these symptoms for the past 3 weeks so im not thinking its arthritis or fibro since i dont really have a high pain factor...My dr. suspected i could have a problem absorbing B12 but after tests it showed that i didnt and that it was fine. I take multivitamins/b12 vitamins/vitamin D suppliments daily and dont take other meds that would cause any of these problems... any ideas/comments would be really helpful and would help possibly ease some of the anxiety and fear im having until the appts , thanks again so much for everyone on here :)

[supermum_ms]

I noticed this in your post "further blood testing which shows low RBC count, enlarged red blood cells, a high Rhematoid Factor, and a slightly high ANA which my dr said it could be an autoimmune problem" which would be very inconsistent with a dx of MS and more consistent with something like say, Lupus.

Unlike other autoimmune problems, there isn't any blood tests for MS so having these results would actually point away from, not towards MS. I'd see the Rhematologist and wouldn't see a neurologist until after all testings the Rhematologist comes up with, these need ruling out first. In mho there isn't anything in your sx list that is screaming MS to me.

Of your list, fatigue although a common sx of MS, its also common to many other autoimmune conditions, is more than likely accounting for 2 of your other sx (fatigue, concentration, memory). The raynauds isn't a sx of MS though doesn't exclude you from having MS, more common in Lupus but raynauds can be a stand alone dx. I dont think after one day the new stiff neck should be included in your list of sx, well not yet anyway its just too soon count.

I'd see the Rhemi because your sx and test results so far, are indicating away from MS.

Cheers.......JJ

[Sumanadevii]

You know, the thing is we really cannot compare your symptoms to ours.  Each case of MS has her own.  I bet if everyone on this board wrote out their symptoms, each would be different.  Some might overlap...tingling...burning...numbing...but none are going to match.  

My advice is...if what your doctor is telling you doesn't make sense...doesn't match your symptoms then find another.  I wouldn't waste time.  If he/she isn't explaining to you why then they are not listening.  Usually when this happens they want to put it off to depression, anxiety or stress.  Those words should be enough for you to RUN not walk to another doctor.  And, don't be fooled by any big *** title..neuro..MS specialist....They make mistakes too.  Don't let it be with your body.

[Autumn55]

I've had many of the same symptoms and my Neurologist thought I had MS as well.  I found out this week that I have a syrinx(syringomyelia).  Look it up, you might find it interesting.

[figuerpa]

Hi there,

The fatigue gets me hard, I am on meds for the fatigue just so I can get through my day. Numbness and tingling I have in my left leg, arm and face not on both sides of my body, but not saying it isn't possible. As for your neck I am not sure about that one, I don't suffer from that problem myself. MEmory loss and concentration problems, oh yeah big time. When I am tired or hot it is much worse.

I think your doc is going in the right direction by sending you to a rheumy and a neuro. The neuro would probably reccommend it anyway.

MS is a VERY complex disease and there are many mimics out there that have to be ruled out before the neuro can conclude it is MS. It can take years to be diagnosed with MS but there are medications out there to treat your symptoms until they find what is causing your issues.

Take a deep breath and fight onward and just know that we are all here for you and your journey through the diagnosis process. We have all been there or are still there.

Take Care,
Paula