hey

[herewego63]

hey how are you. i'm a 24 year old young male and i'm a little worried about multiple sclerosis. but the only symptom i may have is the tingling. just one day about a month and a half ago i had tingling all over. it kind of comes and goes but when i don't think about it it's not there. but its not numbness or tingling like when your foots asleep and its on my face my arms a little and my legs. i'm wondering though if it could be vitamin deficiency or alcohol because i've never been drunk but because of my job i had been drinking cocktails socially daily. I don't have any of the other symptoms. i've had some diarrhea but thats it. what are the chances I have ms? what are the first symptoms? any help would be much appreciated.

[twopack]

Did the doctor check your B12 level?  You could be on track with that.  Low levels can cause some MS-like symptoms.  

You can get good B12 supplements OTC but it would be best to have the blood work to confirm or rule out the need to use it.  I don't think you can really take too much but you wouldn't want to waste time trying it (and ignoring other possibilities) if you are already getting plenty in your diet.

You also wondered if alcohol intake might be a possible factor.  Maybe - if you drink more than you eat.  I don't think that is usually a problem with business cocktails but you could try cutting out alcohol for a month and see how you do.  If co-workers mention it you can alway roll your eyes and tell them, "Doctors orders".  (I'm not one.  I doubt your own doc would mind taking the blame though.)

Alcohol does dilate blood vessels and sometimes people say it makes them "warm and tingley" but that feeling doesn't last long and doesn't come and go randomly.  Damage to the brain and nervous system related to alcohol use more often becomes evident after long-term excessive use.

You and Shell are both right about anxiety being a possible cause too.  Is this a new job and causing you more than the usual daily stress?  Are the cocktails with business meetings or after hours networking?  Do you simply have new buddies to pal with now?  

You don't have to answer any of this here.  Just consider anything that might be different in your life or lifestyle since this tingling started and for maybe the 4-6 weeks before.  You might find a clue.

I don't think what you describe sounds typical for MS either.  I'd suggest you try to stay involved in those activities that both distract and relax you away from noticing the symptom.  Our bodies are living organisms that do all manner of "stuff" we never notice until we get still and quiet.  

Don't ignore your body signals completely though.  Check in with yourself (and us!) from time to time.  Lots of the body's "stuff" is temporary and will fade away but it's always good to make sure we aren't drowning out something important.

If this continues or keeps you from leading your normal life DEFINITELY get back to the doctor.  Otherwise he will assume you feel better.  He needs to investigate if a possible cause isn't found the first time around.

Mary

[sllowe]

So glad you already went for the checkup. Tell the doctor you still have the tingling, and let them check further than the initial visit - anxiety can cause tingling, but so can many other things.
-shell

[herewego63]

Yes actually i've never been even drunk in my life.  I went for a full checkup blood work, he checked thyroid, lyme, etc.  I'm just not sure what this tingling is from.  It's not awful but more annoying.  And I did a full checkup so it just seems a little strange.  Maybe vitamin B deficiency? I'm not sure, Maybe anxiety.  I just worry about ms, because when I type in tingling it's the first thing that pops up.

[sllowe]

Hi there,

Thanks for trusting us to you questions. To put your mind at ease - the last thing to worry about is MS.

Can you get to a regular medical doctor for a physical? A very thorough check-up is in order for all folks, but you are young, potentially in the prime of your 20s, and this could be something super simple, and very fixable :)

Let us know how you make out,
-Shell

[Sumanadevii]

I am not a medical professional but I am a mother to many sons.  When you say you are drinking socially daily because of your job...that is not social.  You are using it as an escape from your job.  I know young men especially enjoy a few or a bit more than a few but I beg you to think of the reason you need it daily.  Is there a way to transfer into another department or a possibility of looking elsewhere for employment?

As far as is it MS, I don't know.  It doesn't sound like MS but heck, mine didn't sound like MS either.  There is also the possibility that perhaps this is anxiety?  That kind of stress in your job could sure cause it.

My recommendation is to see your PCP.  Be honest about the drinking as well as the problems on the job....and the physical symptoms.

I hope you will heed my warning.  Alcohol to numb is not a good idea.