Help about MS

[andiclarke33]

Hi all, than you for the informative information on many posts

I woke up about 8 months ago with a numb right wrist, which later turned into a sore wrist. The following day i noticed my left pinkie finger and next finger felt different, now both sides. 4 months ago I had very bad headaches, but these have stopped, however there I have still pressure on the left side of my head. My left eye feels like there is something in it and I blink a lot on this side, but no vision or pain issues. My inner ear has a constant pressure feeling. Recently i have noticed the both elbows feel tight.

I had surgery for lumber spinal stenosis 6 months ago, and due to this had a MRI on my neck which did not show any nerve issues. The consultant has referred me to a neurologist and I am waiting for an appointment.

It would be grateful for any of you thoughts.

Thanks

[kwarendorf]

Hi Andi - Welcome to our group.

From what I know, the sysmptoms caused by lumbar stenosis can start at the point of compression and go down. I mean that lumbar stenosis is unlikely to be the cause of anything going on with your hands and wrists.

What you describe about your hand/wrist symptoms doesn'r make my mind jump to MS. MS tends not to move around. I think seeing a neurologist is a logical next step. Let us know how you make out.

Kyle

[andiclarke33]

Thank you for you reply. I will let you know how I get on with the neurologist.

Many thanks

Andy

[supermum_ms]

Hi and welcome to our little MS community,

I'm a big believer in the simplest explanation being the most likely, and from your time line, you indicate this actually started 2 months prior to having spinal surgery. Lumbar spinal stenosis is when the spinal canal narrows and causes compression of the spinal cord and nerves. Spinal stenosis is commonly connected to degeneration of the spine and whilst its more likely to naturally develop over time as we age, it can also be a condition experienced in younger generations for various reasons eg genetic predisposition, sports, trauma etc.

"Removal of the obstruction that has caused the symptoms usually gives patients some relief; most patients have less leg pain and are able to walk better following surgery. However, if nerves were badly damaged before surgery, there may be some remaining pain or numbness or no improvement. Also, the degenerative process will likely continue, and pain or limitation of activity may reappear after surgery. NIAMS-supported researchers have published results from the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT), the largest trial to date comparing surgical and non-surgical interventions for the treatment of low back and associated leg pain caused by spinal stenosis."

http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Spinal_Stenosis/

From my perspective the most likely explanation would be your stenosis and resulting surgery, it may take a some time for those nerves to recover from the prior compression and i would expect the neurologist will probably focus on this being the likely causation first. Let us know how you get on......

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