Love the reading here, yall

[Rutey]

Hi, I just wanted to say I love reading the posts on this website. You are very informative, and at times you crack me up. Let me start off by saying Ive been hospitalized 2 times in the last year with "stroke like symptoms" abnormal gait, confusion, severely high b/p. They did a full cardiac work up and all is good. My MRI of the brain: Two small foci of nonspecific T2 hyperintensity. These can be seen in patients with migraine headaches. They may represent small foci of old infarct or demyelination.
Cervical MRI C4-7ACF Anterior fixaton plate. Left  C7-T1 posterior extrusion with nerve root and cord encroachment. Midline posterior C5 body osteophyte narrowing the ventral subarachnoid space. Shallow left central C4-5 posterior endplate spur. Bilateral C3-4 foraminal narrowing due to uncinate process spurring with shallow diffuse posterior protrusion.
MRI of thoracic Spine:
Multiple mid to lower thoracic disk herniations resulting in mild cord deformity at the T8-T9,T9-T10 levels. Left ligamental flavum buckling and facet arthropathy result in mild deformity of left posterior  cord at T10-T11 level.C7-T1 herniation deforming left cervical cord and encroaching on left exiting C8 nerve root as seen on prior MRI of cervical spine.
MRI of Lumbar spine:1) Lumbarization of the S1 vertical body demonstrated.
2) GRADE 1 Degenerative subluxation at the L5-S1 Level with mild sac deformity. There are multiple bulges and sites of posterior element degeneration without significant central stenosis or critical neural foraminal encroachment. However, facet arthopathy is severe at the L5-S1 level bilaterally. My Pcp had me do another MRI of the brain because Im having bilateral leg weakness, fatigue,confusion, and trouble focusing my eyes. My new MRI shows small scattered hyperintense T2 foci within the the white matter of cerebral hemispheres on the FLAIR and T2 sequence. There is also a subcentimeter cyst within the left parietal deep white matter.

I know my spine is a total mess. I had an ACF in jan 2006 of the C4-5 and 6. Im concerned about my spine but now my PCP is sending me for an EMG by a neurologist, and also sending me to a neurosurgeon in early October. My PCP seems more worried that I may have MS than anything else. Sorry for such a lengthy letter, but all of yall seem so knowledgable on this subject. Any thoughts to my MRI'S?

Rutey
                            

[grannyhotwheels]

Wow!  I wish I could have been here for all of this, but Oklahoma was playing football on tv so I could'nt miss that for sure.

Zilla,  You better believe that my hot legs where up dancing during this game.  We kicked butt, again..

Actually they really was'nt.  I seem to be having a little bit of a relapse with my legs right now.  I'm not sure what's going on but it scares me a little.  I'll just have to wait and talk to my doctor tomorrow at the Saturday clinic.  Actually that would be today cause it's 3:00am.

I'll talk more later.
Carol

[T-lynn]

I'm a little slow(comes with the disease) welcome!!!!I enjoyed the above post.

And I thought my spine was a wreck sounds like the train ran over ya and backed up.I can sympothise with ya.I have had 2 lumbar surgeries and now have steel rods keeping my spine stable.

I have a few thorcic paracentral herniations and narrowing in the c-spine.

I was Dx'd at 41,out of the age range and the DX took the country mile and back again.

Mine started with right side numbness,leg buzzying lack of coordination and weakness.now progressed to full blown spasms.My legs have developed their own mind and do not coordinate with the brain.Leg braces now keep them in line and shows them whose boss.I  don't walk side ways.My dancing days are over.

I'll sit on the side lines and watch ya all be ballerina's

[Rutey]

Love the humor with you bunch of crazy goofballs!  I need the laughter cause all of this stuff is scary and rather annoying. Its 12:14 am, I am up due to numbness and spazzing out of my legs again. Its a numbness in both my arms from shoulders to fingers, and the legs feel like they are having tremors or shaking from the knees all the way down. Im hoping Quix is reading this, if so, was that you started feeling? My legs wont stop, its like a buzzing from the inside. I went out to eat last night with hubby, and I kept walking sideways so he held my hand, and walked close beside me. Ive had this before, but it was intermittent, now my legs are doing this 24/7. DANGIT, this is so annoying and tiresome. Im just glad Im not alone in this, and all my crazy new friends can walk long sideways with me. Can I be  a ballerina too???????

[frann]

"Twinkle, twinkle little star"...You just follow your dreams...  and keep on your toes!!!

ps... don't worry, if you fall or vomit, i'd help you up or clean it up!

Thanks for sharing in a very uh, visual kind of way!!

God bless,
Frann

[Momzilla]

OK, OK, Frann -- I vow to keep my stupid mouth shut now and stay out of the debates and stick to twinkling my toes like a ballerina!   Well, I can't very well do that, because I'd either fall or vomit from dizziness, but a girl can dream, yall...

'Zilla*   (I'm glad that visual gives you such a laugh, SL!)  

[frann]

Thought i'd join in and welcome you too.

I share many of your symptoms.. numbness and tingling of the legs & feet & recently foot drop as well as the balance issues... i am getting pretty good at wall hugging... and i volunteer to push the grandbabies in the carriage... unfortunately, sometimes i bump into things>>> so my daughter & daughter-in-law... said i have been canned from pushing the kiddies... oh well, i guess it did look kinda weird for grandma to be veering to the right alot & banging into things... (sure many thought i was a drunk grandma)

I can honestly say that you will find it refreshing to be surrounded by such a great bunch of friends.
You will find plenty of info... humor... sometimes debates ( i won't try to explain)... but most of all... you will find understanding and encouragment... take care.. and welcome aboard.

God bless,
Frann

[sllowe]

LOL w/Zilla and the ballerina (no offense Zilla)!

Humor is good durn medicine, dosing schedule - unlimited, 0 side affects (unless it makes your stomach muscles hurt)

Quix - I hope you get some rest for those eyes of yours, I see why they are fried.

Many prayers for lots of good days for the forum members, that includes everyone!

[Quixotic1]

Daaang!  I like that.  You all (uh....y'''alll?  do I have the accent down?) are cracking me up and I needed it.  

Poor, 'Zilla.  She thinks she moves like a ballerina.  We humor her 'cause she a kick to be with.  Tell her she's prettty and graceful and she'll follow you anywhere.

.As far as we can tell I was 52 when I had my first symptoms that we think were from the MS.  I'll bump up the thread that introsuces some of us that have gotten a diagnosis.  It should of SLlowe's story, but she and several other people whom I have named before !!!!  are tardy in adding theirs.

About walking sideways, I miss most doorways and have permanent bruises on my shoulders from the doorjams.  The worst thing is if the ground is sloped a little, I just walk off into the bushes.  I was in an old house that had settled and the floor was badly out of level.  Everytime I got up to walk, it was right into the walls.  My hostess was aghast...  I haven't been invited back.  It's okay, her cookies were stale.

Well, it's back to bed.  I'm having a bad eye-tracking day.

Tootles,  Quix

[Rutey]

Im so glad I found this forum, yall are better than any Comedy Club!

[Momzilla]

Hey, who is Quix calling 'gimps?"  I guess she hasn't heard that Carol has got the HOTTEST legs  this side of the MedHelp forum!  Carols legs are SO hot, her doctor accidentally treated her for an infection, thinking she was feverish.  It wasn't her white cell count -- it was her HOT LEGS!!!!  Gimps, my a**!!

Pardon my foul language, Rutey, I simply had to set the record straight.  On everything else, Quix reigns, I know.  

Be well!

Gimpzilla*

[Rutey]

HAHAHAHA, Im at work today and Im cracking up at your posts. 2 gosh darn funny!

[sllowe]

No, haven't visited any of dem' der' talkin' type rooms. . .ha/ha. . .

All I'll say is that I understand the lingo, we're I'm from, they call some of us Piney's -- so that's pretty close relative to the rednecks, maybe we is  re-lated!   ha/ha

[Rutey]

In response to your:

Hope you saw that movie - don't want you to think I'm dang nutty in the coup!

Arent we all a little cuckoo?

BTW, while I have you reading my ramblings. Do any of you have paltalk.com? Its a great website and you can go into rooms and either type or talk on microphone. Its fun, they have health rooms over there. Its free unless you want to see cams. I love it over there, and I talk to people all over the world, the aussies are so much fun.

Rooter Pooter  "rutey"

[Rutey]

Thanks for the laughs! My cane could come in useful to some of those fresh college kids! JUST KIDDING! Its really strange because for the last 3 or 4 years, they keep working my symptoms up for cardiac disease. I have a heart that is as good as any 20 year olds. I do however have very high triglycerides and cholesterol, which is coming down. All these years my problems have been more than likely my spine. Everyone that has seen my MRI'S asks me if Ive been in a bad car accident. CRAZY!
BTW, I did see Joe Dirt, 2 funny!
As you can tell Im a southern redneck chick, and LOVING IT!

dangit, dangit, yall are fun!

[sllowe]

Granny is right, do what you have to - to see that game! ha/ha. . . Besides, it will be easier to shoo away those unruley Memphis fans w/it!

My legs didn't feel tingly during my episode, it was my hands and my feet, moreso w/my legs it was that I couldn't walk a straight line! Granny can probably elaborate a little further re: help operating those Hot Wheels!

I have to look at the timeline, can't remember the exact age w/Q. . .she'll probably be on later, and hopefully post too. . .  .

Sincerely,
Lighting
DANG Lightning! I like it!
Reminds me of Joe Dirt.....daaaaaaang?
Hope you saw that movie - don't want you to think I'm dang nutty in the coup!

[grannyhotwheels]

Hi,  I don't blame you on the football game thats how I am with Oklahoma.  I might be sick and in pain but it is gonna have to wait until after the game.lol

I know you don't want to think about this but I found using a cane is very helpful.  I have just recently gotten out of my wheelchair (hooray!!!) and usually use my walker, but around the house and when I go to friends houses I use my cane.  It will help you keep your balance.  Also, watch your feet as much as possible.  Every time I have fell was because I was'nt watching my feet.

If you do get a cane get one that is adjustable.  You want to hold it to where your elbow is at a very slight bend, it's usually right around your waist.  Most people make the mistake of having their cane to high and it hurts the back.

Any way it's just a thought.  But, it sure helps me.

I'll be praying,
Carol

[Rutey]

Dang, is your nickname LIGHTNING FAST? Actually, Im at work today, and I love that you are responding so quickly. I look like Im 70 when Im walking to the bathroom. My legs feel so strange. Its so weird, they wont stop the tingly fingling. Its constant, its NOT painful, but very annoying, and Im scared Im going to fall. Do your legs feel like that? My hubby is threatening to take me to the ER but no way the UCF vs Memphis State game is saturday, and im dang sure going. I live 1 mile from UCF campus. My health has to take a backseat to the football game! LOL!

btw, am I allowed to ask how old QUIX was when diagnosed?

[sllowe]

Glad to hear those appt's are not far off.
Yea, isn't it ridiculous that you have to "think" about going about your daily business and things we must of all take for granted at some point in time, talking, walking, eating, cooking, cleaning, etc.  

I'm not too busy today, so I hope I'm not holding you up.  I'm glad to be able to relate, and respond, as many here can and will do too.  

I hope the Neuro on the 3rd will order labwork including the aCL and the aPL and the Lupus Anticoagulant LA and if there are flags, you can go from there.  If they ran the same things in the hospital, maybe there are some consistencies or (inconsistencies).  

Sending healing thoughts your way. . .
SL

p.s. Quix was diagnosed w/MS out of the "typical" age frame

[Rutey]

Wow, you are fast! Omg, you have been through what Im going through. You are so correct at the THINKING aspect of walking. I have to think where my feet are heading. Its funny how we just get up and walk and in the past my feet went where they were supposed to without thinking about it. My eyes havent been as bad as some of the other posts Ive read. I have had my eyeglass prescription changed a couple of times in the last year and a half. They attributed it to my blood pressure probs. I have had a "cloudy" film in front of my right eye, but it seems to get better. Like I said before, my legs used to "go to sleep" only at night while I was asleep or trying to sleep. Now it is constant, it feels like they are "spazzing" out from my knees ato my toes. I dont see them visually. but can definitely feel it. Im trying to focus on that its due to all my spine problems and not anything else. The last hospitalization in March of this year, I was in there 5 days. They worked me up cardiacly, and stated I needed to follow up with a neurologist. My Pcp never gave me a referral, and when I started having these leg weaknesses and headaches, he realized my brain MRI said demyelination, and thats when this whole MS subject started, I have an appt with a neurologist on Oct. 3rd, and a neurosurgeon about my cervical MRI'S  Oct 10th. My PCP wants me to go to the ER if I keep having the leg problems. I am trying to hold out until October.

[sllowe]

Hi,

I'm glad to do it, I've received so much help here, all I can do to re-pay is recipricate (sp?). I should of guessed the GA.  My brother is stationed there and lives there now.  

I can totally relate to the drunk feeling.  It's horrible.  I had it for a little over 3 months.  Not only does the body respond in that way, it's the thinking too right? Mine was.  Do you feel like you have to keep correcting yourself when walking? Like you are sideways a bit? What about your eyes?

Yes, I was dx'd this year.  I have to update and re-post up my timeline (so Quix doesn't hollar at me...lol) so you can read it.  It's actually a good thread with the others w/dx's too, although I think mine is waaaay back on the board.  

I too am in good shape (well, there is always something that need tweeeking), but overall could be worse. I haven't been able to combat smoking, and so I blamed everything "weird" that happened to me over the years on that.

Just as a forewarning.... do look into your past when your thinking is on track, before you go to the Dr.  It's good info for the Drs, in order for them to determine if you've had any past episodes.  Otherwise, it's considered clinically isolated (CIS), although a good neuro who is "definite" you have MS, however does not have the past episode identified w/time and space, will still recommend you on DMT's.

I have lots of spasms in varying places, and those back one's. . . . . .oh man, just take the breath out of you don't they! Are your appointments far off? I hope not. . .

[Rutey]

Howdy,

Actually I was born here in Orlando, Florida. All my relatives are from south ga though. Thanks for responding to my post so quickly. I feel like Im falling apart. Its really sad because, I eat healthy, ive lost weight, and now Im having a hard time walking. This morning my husband had to drive me to work, I feel like my legs are "drunk". I tried going up the stairs, and I had to hold on to the railing just to get up there. It was quite a workout. Have you been dx'd with MS?

[sllowe]

P.S.

I've had problems w/my neck for years. I won't begin to complain after hearing of your back. But, for me, MRI's looking for MS (among other things) showed left paracentral HNP at C3-4 and left uncinate spur is present w/moderate mass affect upon the anterior left thecal sac and mild left foraminal stnosis w/out cord compression. . .My neck and shoulder blade still aches like a toothache and I think the headaches are a result of that too.

After the Dr's suspected MS, I began researching symptoms for stroke (I thought for certain I had one and that they were all wrong), but I also searched Herniated discs and I found plenty of evidence that they can in fact cause neurological symptoms, depending on the effect on the spinal cord. . .not to mention the pain, nerve issues, etc. .. .

Just thought I'd add that incase you felt like researching those reports you have - best of luck,
SL

[sllowe]

Welcome Rutey!

Wow, so sorry to hear of all the troubles.  It must be painful! I'm glad you've joined our group and from...., oh, let me make a wild guess. . TX - ya'll, I just love it.

Anwyay, I thought this might be helpful.

Tests they would run to check for APS.  This was mentioned by Quix (Hughes Syndrome - Sticky Blood).  I've cut and pasted this from web info I've researched:

Physicians use a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests to diagnose APS. The common blood tests for antiphospholipid antibodies are as follows:

    Lupus anticoagulant (LA) and anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies are the classical tests used to diagnose the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

    -  Anticardiolipin antibodies (IgG, IgM, and IgA)
    -  Lupus anticoagulant – a panel of blood clotting tests that may include the dilute Russel Viper venom time (dRVVT), lupus aPTT, mixing studies, and hex phase phospholipid test, platelet neutralization procedure
    -  Antibodies to b2-glycoprotein I (IgG, IgM, IgA)

Clinical Criteria:
     - Vascular thrombosis- arterial, venous or small vessel, in any tissue or organ, confirmed by  objective validated criteria
     - Pregnancy morbidity
     - Unexplained fetal death at or beyond 10 weeks gestation
     - Premature birth before 34 weeks gestation because of eclampsia, severe pre-eclampsia or placental insufficiency
     - Three or more unexplained consecutive spontaneous abortions before 10 weeks gestation
Laboratory Criteria:
     -  Lupus anticoagulant, present on at least 2 occasions, at least 12 weeks apart.
Anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA), IgG or IgM, >30 units for both, present on at least 2 occasions, at least 12 weeks apart.
     -  Anti-beta-2-glycoprotein I antibodies (anti-B2GPI), IgG or IgM, >20 units for both, present on at least 2 occasions, at least 12 weeks apart.

In the absense of the clinical criteria, it's easy to see why APS is not necessarily checked for and caught in the early stages to keep folks from having strokes, blood clots, hearts attack, etc.

With MS there are so many similar symptoms you an compare them side-by-side.

Again, welcome, and I hope you get some relief and answers soon,

SL

[Rutey]

I love the hand grenade comment about my back. I almost peed in my computer chair laughing. Yall are so funny. Its nice to find a place thats not only informative but amusing. See yall when I get to work!

Rutey