Normal brain MRI

[sonjajazz]

Hello, I am new to this forum. My husband is 46 y.o. About 1 1/2 years ago he got very sick, was put on prednisone and was better in a few days.  Now he's sick again- symptoms include: severe pain in legs, ankles and knees, pain much worse on right side, pain in hands/wrists, pain and swelling in right eye (checked by doc, no infection or pressure probs apparently), severe nausea/cramping- last time he vomited a lot, not vomiting this time, extreme fatigue, stiffness in legs, pins and needles feelings in limbs, weakness in legs (walks with a hiking stick sometimes), vasculitis (lesions/swelling on lower legs and ankles), hands tremors, pain aches but can also be stabbing and intolerable (although better pain management has helped), had nosebleeds early on, numbness in upper spine, takes a lot of effort for him to talk, stiffness in jaws. Prednisone not helpful this time, tapering him off now.  Brain MRI normal, nerve conduction tests normal.  Has seen family doc so far, to see a neurologist soon.  Deos this look like MS?    

[sonjajazz]

I appreciate everyone's input.  He was originally put on Prednisone for the vasculitus lesions on lower legs.  I forgot to mention severe groin pain.  Trying to get in with a neuro. He had several blood tests done, unsure if those were specifically done, I'll check.  He could have more than one condition I guess.  Today he's very shaky, lots of tremors.

[monotreme]

Welcome to the forum.  With all those joint aches, your husband should have a Western Blot blood test for Lyme disease.  He should also have a ANA blood test to check for other autoimmune diseases.

Those are at least two blood tests your husband's family doctor can easily order.

Good Luck to you and your husband.
Elaine

[sllowe]

Hi there!

I too welcome you.  I hope your husband feels better soon.  Like Ess says, he has a lot of symptoms going on, and I hope someone puts together the puzzle for you both.

May I ask why he was put on the prednisone? Did they mention what for?  I'm guessing to relieve the jaw muscles, or something, but wondering what they said specifically.  What do they have him on for pain management, and why was he going originally.  Is he on some new course of meds that might be contributing to the weakness?

I wish you well w/everything.  When is he scheduled for the Neuro?
Again, as said above, lots of reading on our health page.  Off the top of my head, think the muscles and spasticity might be a good place to start.

be well,
-SL

[essdipity]

Hi, and welcome to the forum. We'll do our best to help.

Your husband has a great many symptoms, some of which sound like MS. Digestive issues, swelling, nosebleeds and vasculitis are not generally central nervous system problems and thus not MS, but pain, numbness, tingling, tremors and difficulty walking are often MS symptoms. However, there are lots of other diseases and conditions this could be, and they have to be ruled out. This can be a long process, but it's worth it, particularly now that your husband is having a second attack.

Seeing a good neurologist soon is important, and if he or she suspects MS, then a consultation with an MS specialist is in order. Meanwhile, please read lots on our Health Pages here (go to upper right and click). You will learn what a good neuro exam is like, and what tests are important. Most of this info was written by our member Quix, who was a pediatrician, and being an MSer now, has done lots of research. She really knows her stuff.

Best of luck,
ess