Aa
Newbie with many questions
First off, I'd like to apologize in advance for the lengthy post I am about to type. =)
I am a 41 yr old female with past diagnoses with allergies, Asthma, Polycystic Ovaries, Fibrocystic Breast Disease, Psoriasis, Joint Hypermobility and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. None of the diagnosis I mentioned currently cause me any problems like they did in the past (and even then, they were only minor, aside from Asthma and allergies, of course). I have enjoyed a symptom-free existence from of all these medical issues for over ten years (aside from seasonal allergies that are very easily controlled by Reactine). Oh, and I had moderately high cholesterol (6.1).
This year has been a pivotal and frustrating year for me in terms of health. I am currently a happily married, stay at home mom of an 8 year old boy (with Autism) and a 13 year old boy. Life is good except for new health issues. In fall of last year, I started noticing cognitive difficulties with short term memory and fatigue. I thought maybe I needed to get out more, so I joined a gym to take Zoomba classes and started hiking one and a half hours a day 4+ times a week with my dogs and a friend, while the kids were in school. The only Rx I was taking was for Crestor 10mg since January 2010 (when I remembered to take it =P).
In February, I began having issues with asthma for the first time in over 10 years. O_O We had an early thaw this year and the doctor chalked it up to dead grasses and molds being present in the environment where the snow melted so quickly. I was given a Rx for Ventolin, Flovent, Flonase and Reactine. I was then sent to an allergy specialist and she recommended I try Singulair because it controls allergies AND asthma. My allergy test revealed many allergies to environmentals such as grass, dust, mold, cats, trees, pollens, flowers, chemicals, perfumes, latex and some foods. I tried the Singulair in April and that's when all Heck broke loose.
Three days after taking Singulair, I developed a fever, sore throat, system wide swollen lymph nodes, sore and aching joints, night sweats and extreme fatigue. I stopped taking them and called the allergist and she said it was a virus and to go back on the Singulair in two weeks (just in case). All symptoms disappeared almost immediately (completely within 2 days). I took Singulair again two weeks later (May 5) and exactly three days later, I was at the hospital for the same symptoms only worse. My temp was not 102 like last time, but up to 106. I also had an odd, scaly, ring shaped rash on my torso and a blistering rash on my lower legs. My leukocyte count was 26, but all other blood tests came back within normal parameters.
I went off the Singulair and every other asthma medicine and Crestor. I was exhausted!!! I slept all day and all night for at least a month and developed weakness and tremor. I had a twitching in both eyes all day long, but never constant (episodes). My GP ran a full spectrum of blood tests checking for mono and anemia. The only thing that came back out of the ordinary was an elevated cholesterol (6) and a very low Vitamin D count. She ran tests for hypoglycemia because my shaking got worse and was not constant but got worse at certain times of day. I also had the leg rash that was treated with antibiotics and hydrocortisone cream to no avail.
In June, I still had a lot of tiredness, but could stay awake longer. I still had eye twitching, shaking and weakness and the rash on one leg. The rash is the only thing that was getting better. I am on the waiting list to see a dermatologist, but apparently, they are very busy and it can take a few months to get in.
In July, I still have the rash on one leg, the tiredness is more tolerable and the weakness and tremors are progressed to a stage that I have to be careful I don't poke my eye out if I scratch my nose because I miss my mark a lot. I found it difficult to walk, was dizzy, but not in the way that I felt sick, but in a way where I was extremely unbalanced. I developed a tremor in my neck and my eyes themselves started shaking.
At the end of July, I went to the hospital because I woke up with weakness in the left side of my face and tingling/buzzing on the left side of my body. I had lost the ability to articulate words properly without stuttering and slurring. They ran an EKG that came back normal with only a slightly elevated blood pressure (panic??). They thought maybe it was MS. They ran a CT scan and it came back clear. The neurologist came to see me and he found anomalies during his physical examination and ordered an MRI. I spent 4 days in the hospital. The last day I was there, I could talk again and my face was almost back to normal with the weird weak feeling only happening periodically. The MRI came back clear.
The neurologist came in to see me, told me there was nothing wrong with me neurologically (even though he said he found anomalies and during his exam), told me he couldn't help me, but sent me to a Physical Therapist to get a cane and an OT and insisted I come to his office in three months to "see how my symptoms settle and evolve". If it's not neurological and he can't help, why would he not release me from the hospital until I got an appointment from his secretary to see him again in three months? If it's not neurological, why see me at all?? I am frustrated and confused. Why do I need to walk with a cane if there's nothing wrong with me?
I am a 41 yr old female with past diagnoses with allergies, Asthma, Polycystic Ovaries, Fibrocystic Breast Disease, Psoriasis, Joint Hypermobility and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. None of the diagnosis I mentioned currently cause me any problems like they did in the past (and even then, they were only minor, aside from Asthma and allergies, of course). I have enjoyed a symptom-free existence from of all these medical issues for over ten years (aside from seasonal allergies that are very easily controlled by Reactine). Oh, and I had moderately high cholesterol (6.1).
This year has been a pivotal and frustrating year for me in terms of health. I am currently a happily married, stay at home mom of an 8 year old boy (with Autism) and a 13 year old boy. Life is good except for new health issues. In fall of last year, I started noticing cognitive difficulties with short term memory and fatigue. I thought maybe I needed to get out more, so I joined a gym to take Zoomba classes and started hiking one and a half hours a day 4+ times a week with my dogs and a friend, while the kids were in school. The only Rx I was taking was for Crestor 10mg since January 2010 (when I remembered to take it =P).
In February, I began having issues with asthma for the first time in over 10 years. O_O We had an early thaw this year and the doctor chalked it up to dead grasses and molds being present in the environment where the snow melted so quickly. I was given a Rx for Ventolin, Flovent, Flonase and Reactine. I was then sent to an allergy specialist and she recommended I try Singulair because it controls allergies AND asthma. My allergy test revealed many allergies to environmentals such as grass, dust, mold, cats, trees, pollens, flowers, chemicals, perfumes, latex and some foods. I tried the Singulair in April and that's when all Heck broke loose.
Three days after taking Singulair, I developed a fever, sore throat, system wide swollen lymph nodes, sore and aching joints, night sweats and extreme fatigue. I stopped taking them and called the allergist and she said it was a virus and to go back on the Singulair in two weeks (just in case). All symptoms disappeared almost immediately (completely within 2 days). I took Singulair again two weeks later (May 5) and exactly three days later, I was at the hospital for the same symptoms only worse. My temp was not 102 like last time, but up to 106. I also had an odd, scaly, ring shaped rash on my torso and a blistering rash on my lower legs. My leukocyte count was 26, but all other blood tests came back within normal parameters.
I went off the Singulair and every other asthma medicine and Crestor. I was exhausted!!! I slept all day and all night for at least a month and developed weakness and tremor. I had a twitching in both eyes all day long, but never constant (episodes). My GP ran a full spectrum of blood tests checking for mono and anemia. The only thing that came back out of the ordinary was an elevated cholesterol (6) and a very low Vitamin D count. She ran tests for hypoglycemia because my shaking got worse and was not constant but got worse at certain times of day. I also had the leg rash that was treated with antibiotics and hydrocortisone cream to no avail.
In June, I still had a lot of tiredness, but could stay awake longer. I still had eye twitching, shaking and weakness and the rash on one leg. The rash is the only thing that was getting better. I am on the waiting list to see a dermatologist, but apparently, they are very busy and it can take a few months to get in.
In July, I still have the rash on one leg, the tiredness is more tolerable and the weakness and tremors are progressed to a stage that I have to be careful I don't poke my eye out if I scratch my nose because I miss my mark a lot. I found it difficult to walk, was dizzy, but not in the way that I felt sick, but in a way where I was extremely unbalanced. I developed a tremor in my neck and my eyes themselves started shaking.
At the end of July, I went to the hospital because I woke up with weakness in the left side of my face and tingling/buzzing on the left side of my body. I had lost the ability to articulate words properly without stuttering and slurring. They ran an EKG that came back normal with only a slightly elevated blood pressure (panic??). They thought maybe it was MS. They ran a CT scan and it came back clear. The neurologist came to see me and he found anomalies during his physical examination and ordered an MRI. I spent 4 days in the hospital. The last day I was there, I could talk again and my face was almost back to normal with the weird weak feeling only happening periodically. The MRI came back clear.
The neurologist came in to see me, told me there was nothing wrong with me neurologically (even though he said he found anomalies and during his exam), told me he couldn't help me, but sent me to a Physical Therapist to get a cane and an OT and insisted I come to his office in three months to "see how my symptoms settle and evolve". If it's not neurological and he can't help, why would he not release me from the hospital until I got an appointment from his secretary to see him again in three months? If it's not neurological, why see me at all?? I am frustrated and confused. Why do I need to walk with a cane if there's nothing wrong with me?
Thank you, Lulu! =) And Mary is awesome! I can appreciate your impatience with many things and that's why I am trying very hard to be careful in what/how I say things. I cannot begin to imagine your frustration in living with MS daily. My hope is that I don't have it and that this will all go away soon. I'm just afraid and confused having no experience with neurologists. Sending all my most positive energy in hopes that you all enjoy many lengthy remittances, enjoyed freedom and ultimately a cure. =)
Wendy
Wendy
P.P.S. Do you think neurological issues can be a result of a bad drug interaction? I had one with Singulair in May (2nd...and LAST time). If so, how long do those type of reactions typically last? Thanks so much again... <3 =)
P.S. I used to type 92 wpm. Now it takes me forever. I think I leave stuff out now to shorten it up. Sorry about that. I will try to be more diligent in saying exactly what I mean. I came to this forum because "MS" was what they threw around so often in conversations with doctors.
Up until last year, I worked as a counsellor and program facilitator for women with addictions. I have learned that I must be VERY careful in what I say. I did not leave my job for health reasons. I left because my youngest had been diagnosed with Autism and I have used the time in the past year to line up all his treatments and therapies. I am fortunate enough to not have to work, but I love working and plan on returning to my career as soon as I can. =) Now that my son is set up, I'll be supremely bored when he returns to school. I left my job in August of last year (for time reference, if relevant).
Much peace, love and appreciation!
Wendy
Up until last year, I worked as a counsellor and program facilitator for women with addictions. I have learned that I must be VERY careful in what I say. I did not leave my job for health reasons. I left because my youngest had been diagnosed with Autism and I have used the time in the past year to line up all his treatments and therapies. I am fortunate enough to not have to work, but I love working and plan on returning to my career as soon as I can. =) Now that my son is set up, I'll be supremely bored when he returns to school. I left my job in August of last year (for time reference, if relevant).
Much peace, love and appreciation!
Wendy
Wendy, you did just fine. We get impatient around here with these neuro's who don't know their head from a hole in the ground .... there are some that really like to j erk around patients, it seems.
stay in touch with us as you search - I think Mary gave you some excellent leads to follow,
my best, Lu
stay in touch with us as you search - I think Mary gave you some excellent leads to follow,
my best, Lu
Oh, my apologies!!! I never intended to imply that anyone thought I was a hypochondriac. So hard to write without intonation without making it sound the way it shouldn't. I just wanted to say it because I did not want anyone to think I was wasting time. Time is a valuable commodity, and especially so for those who have conditions that slow them down considerably. I just felt like I was wasting time when I was talking with the neurologist, because I felt so stupid. No intentions of disrespect or implying such. Honestly! =)
No doctor suggested Lyme. I just had a friend out west who suggested it because a friend of hers had a daughter with it and she had some similar symptoms. I'm just freaked out by the symptoms I do have. I was able to run through the woods one day and walking with a cane the next. It's very scary! I Googled Erythema Multiforme and it doesn't look like that. There are no circles around the rash. There were a couple of pictures that looked exactly like it, but there are no circles around the dot. The rash is like red, itchy skin. When I scratch (and it's really hard to resist), it will turn into little purple bumps and some blisters. Kind of like hives and blisters, but much smaller. When they heal, it like it leaves behind brown freckles. Sorry about my crappy description.
The MRI did not include my entire spine. They just did head and base of brain, is what I was told. I know I was not shoved entirely into the tube. I know nothing about the machine or was I able to see any of the pictures or read anything on it. He looked at it himself and just said it was clear and nothing else. Of course, I never know (or think) to ask any of these questions either *blush*. I really didn't know what to ask and always take the doc's word and never go any further unless I'm told to.
Oh and you were right. I did not think there was much point in going back to see him. I was left confused. I was told it was neurologic by him and the others, and then when he saw the MRI, he said he doesn't know what is wrong and that it's not neurologic, but come back and see him. I hope this makes better sense. It's really hard to explain/emphasize the important parts. Of course, when I don't know the proper questions to ask, I don't know which parts actually are important. I'm just very scared and confused. I do hope I was better able to clarify. =S
Again, I'm sorry if I suck at explaining and putting the proper intonation in the proper place. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I really, honestly do appreciate it. =)
Wendy
No doctor suggested Lyme. I just had a friend out west who suggested it because a friend of hers had a daughter with it and she had some similar symptoms. I'm just freaked out by the symptoms I do have. I was able to run through the woods one day and walking with a cane the next. It's very scary! I Googled Erythema Multiforme and it doesn't look like that. There are no circles around the rash. There were a couple of pictures that looked exactly like it, but there are no circles around the dot. The rash is like red, itchy skin. When I scratch (and it's really hard to resist), it will turn into little purple bumps and some blisters. Kind of like hives and blisters, but much smaller. When they heal, it like it leaves behind brown freckles. Sorry about my crappy description.
The MRI did not include my entire spine. They just did head and base of brain, is what I was told. I know I was not shoved entirely into the tube. I know nothing about the machine or was I able to see any of the pictures or read anything on it. He looked at it himself and just said it was clear and nothing else. Of course, I never know (or think) to ask any of these questions either *blush*. I really didn't know what to ask and always take the doc's word and never go any further unless I'm told to.
Oh and you were right. I did not think there was much point in going back to see him. I was left confused. I was told it was neurologic by him and the others, and then when he saw the MRI, he said he doesn't know what is wrong and that it's not neurologic, but come back and see him. I hope this makes better sense. It's really hard to explain/emphasize the important parts. Of course, when I don't know the proper questions to ask, I don't know which parts actually are important. I'm just very scared and confused. I do hope I was better able to clarify. =S
Again, I'm sorry if I suck at explaining and putting the proper intonation in the proper place. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I really, honestly do appreciate it. =)
Wendy
No one here is even remotely suggesting you are a hypochondriac. It was very clear that you are having a difficult time and worried. That is why I tried to give as complete an answer as possible.
I may have misunderstood your reason for asking about the neuro appointment though. I thought it sounded like you didn't see any point in going. Perhaps you only needed us to explain what to expect from a follow-up visit.
Have the doctors suggested that this could be Lyme? The tick that carries it is VERY small and easy to miss. It's the rash that follows the bite that more often alerts people to the tickly act. The possibility of Lyme did cross my mind but I thought your skin reaction and blisters sounded more like Erythema Multiforme. Please do a search and find some pictures of it and see what you think.
The exam findings you have added are neurologic finding that are more characteristic of MS than the symptoms you initially listed. However, they are also present in other conditions. Nothing about MS is unique from other diseases. That's why everything else has to be ruled out before MS is usually diagnosed. It's a process rather than a moment.
If three doctors and a physio (physical therapist?) all mentioned MS to you, then that would be why you are being asked to return to the neuros office for a follow-up visit. It isn't entirely unheard of to not see typical MS lesions on an MRI. Did they scan just your brain or your spine too? Do you know how strong the machine was or if MS protocol was used?
I hope you get some answers. When is your appointment?
Mary
I may have misunderstood your reason for asking about the neuro appointment though. I thought it sounded like you didn't see any point in going. Perhaps you only needed us to explain what to expect from a follow-up visit.
Have the doctors suggested that this could be Lyme? The tick that carries it is VERY small and easy to miss. It's the rash that follows the bite that more often alerts people to the tickly act. The possibility of Lyme did cross my mind but I thought your skin reaction and blisters sounded more like Erythema Multiforme. Please do a search and find some pictures of it and see what you think.
The exam findings you have added are neurologic finding that are more characteristic of MS than the symptoms you initially listed. However, they are also present in other conditions. Nothing about MS is unique from other diseases. That's why everything else has to be ruled out before MS is usually diagnosed. It's a process rather than a moment.
If three doctors and a physio (physical therapist?) all mentioned MS to you, then that would be why you are being asked to return to the neuros office for a follow-up visit. It isn't entirely unheard of to not see typical MS lesions on an MRI. Did they scan just your brain or your spine too? Do you know how strong the machine was or if MS protocol was used?
I hope you get some answers. When is your appointment?
Mary
Hi again, here are more very brief, random thoughts from you reply -
B = Babinski, this is a test where they scrape the bottom of your foot and watch how your toes more. An upward movement with your great toe is considered positive.
I'm not sure about the P test
Hyperreflexia is a very common sign that something neurologic is wrong in the spinal area. It is very common in MS patients.
He probably used the word nystagmus when talking about your jumpy eyes.
You probably already know that the prevalence of MS in the Canadian population is huge. That alone is enough reason to continue watching your progress.
Lyme disease is an amazing mimic of MS, so the doctors should do a thorough screening for that as well.
Good luck with all of this and please stay in touch.
be well, Lulu
B = Babinski, this is a test where they scrape the bottom of your foot and watch how your toes more. An upward movement with your great toe is considered positive.
I'm not sure about the P test
Hyperreflexia is a very common sign that something neurologic is wrong in the spinal area. It is very common in MS patients.
He probably used the word nystagmus when talking about your jumpy eyes.
You probably already know that the prevalence of MS in the Canadian population is huge. That alone is enough reason to continue watching your progress.
Lyme disease is an amazing mimic of MS, so the doctors should do a thorough screening for that as well.
Good luck with all of this and please stay in touch.
be well, Lulu
Thank you so much for your prompt responses. ^_^ I forgot to mention the only reason they sent in the neurologist is because a similar incident occurred ten years ago. Symptoms weren't near as bad, but they included tremor, tingling, weakness on left side, head tremor. It went away completely for ten years after only being around for about 6 months. I failed an EVP in both arms at the time and they said Carpal Tunnel and didn't do anything else.
I don't remember being bitten by a tick, but maybe I did and that is responsible for crazy symptoms this time around. I hear Lyme Disease is here in this area. I was happy to know I didn't have a stroke though. LOL!
I was just wondering why I had to go back to neuro. Initially, he said had jumpy eyes (forget name), some kind of sign that starts with B and a drift that starts with P on the left side. He also noted hyperreflexia. I remember the name of that one because the Physio said it too and I made her repeat it and explain it. I don't know if that's part of MS or not. I just know I saw three doctors and a physio and they all suspected it. When my MRI came back clear, he told me to come back in three months because nothing showed. It just didn't make sense. I live in Canada, so I don't pay for visits. Everything is covered under Medicare here. Thankfully! =)
I'm not a hypochondriac or anything. This is the first time in ten years I saw my doc outside of regular yearly (female) check ups. I was just really worried is all. Thanks so much for all your insights. =)
I don't remember being bitten by a tick, but maybe I did and that is responsible for crazy symptoms this time around. I hear Lyme Disease is here in this area. I was happy to know I didn't have a stroke though. LOL!
I was just wondering why I had to go back to neuro. Initially, he said had jumpy eyes (forget name), some kind of sign that starts with B and a drift that starts with P on the left side. He also noted hyperreflexia. I remember the name of that one because the Physio said it too and I made her repeat it and explain it. I don't know if that's part of MS or not. I just know I saw three doctors and a physio and they all suspected it. When my MRI came back clear, he told me to come back in three months because nothing showed. It just didn't make sense. I live in Canada, so I don't pay for visits. Everything is covered under Medicare here. Thankfully! =)
I'm not a hypochondriac or anything. This is the first time in ten years I saw my doc outside of regular yearly (female) check ups. I was just really worried is all. Thanks so much for all your insights. =)
Those neuro's have a thing about vitamin D. Maybe it makes them feel good to offer a prescription. After being so helpful to the patient, they can then collect their $120.00 bucks and go off on vacation.
Hell no. Find a real physician. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Listen to your own body.
Hell no. Find a real physician. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Listen to your own body.
Hi Newbie Wanderling.
I can't even believe you started off with an apology for the length of your post. I've used that has my sign off several times today already. I doubt you will rival me for the verbosity award today but feel free to try :-) You only become eligible for prizes on this forum when you write lengthy missives. Creating nice paragraph breaks like you did will increase your chances of winning but if Dr. Quix is feeling well enough to join us later, she can win without breaking a sweat.
So here are a few comments based on what you presented to us. I hope they make some sense as they are random and will appear in my post as things occur to me on re-reading your original.
Joint hypermobility can be important in diagnosing some uncommon conditions/diseases and it can be a variant of normal anatomy and mobility. I'm not sure I've heard of it as a stand alone diagnosis. It sounds more like a description. I have no way of knowing if it fits into your total picture (I do hope Quix comes along because I'm beginning to sink.)
You sound like you are still a young woman so the short term memory loss and fatigue are especially worrisome. I suppose they will be explained away by some doctors as predictable results of the effort and stress involved in caring for your family. Since you report this as abnormal for you I believe that to be true.
My first instinct is to wonder about the statin (Crestor combo) drug. Which came first, the symptoms or the drug? These are well documented side effects of cholesterol lowering drugs. If you continue to take the medication for cholesterol control, I would add CoQ10 best as Ubiquinol) as a supplement. Statins deplete this necessary substance.
Hypoglycemia can be hard to detect with random tests. I was told my blood sugars were normal until a sharp endocrinologist sent me home with a meter to check my blood sugar at the moments I had symptoms. Turned out my blood glucose was falling into the 35-45 range at times and I needed to make adjustments to my eating patterns and adjust my carbohydrate to fat ratio, especially when I was stressed or premenstrual.
It does seem ironic that the allergy medicine can cause severe allergic reactions but I have seen many reports of exactly that. Some allergies will present with severe and prolonged and sometimes dangerous skin reactions. What you describe sounds like Erythema Multiforme. I'd suggest doing a web search rather than having me describe it here only to find out it doesn't apply. I would also think about it long and hard before giving Singular another go. Just saying.
I've never quite understood the dermatologist thing with appointments scheduled way out. Sometimes when you need one you need one - NOW. Yet I've never heard of an emergency dermatology consult. It seems they think nothing is life threatening so if it's worth seeing it will hang around until they can get to you in a couple of months. I don't have any answers there, just questions to add.
Neurospeak is a language you have to learn by living in it. "Nothing is neurologically wrong" is most often code for "I don't have a clue what this is because the tests I ran didn't spell it out for me but maybe I'll be able to figure it out in a few months even though I'm not going to think about it once between now and then".
The "see how symptoms settle and evolve" theory sounds somewhat familiar to me. My husband explained that to me when we moved to this house ten years ago. He put a lot of stuff in the garage and told me he was going to give it all a year to "find it's place". It seemed to work for him but when I tried it in the house everything just piled up on the most convenient flat surface. In neurology I think this means "I figure that by then you will be cured and cancel the appointment or develop some symptoms that will make diagnosis easier." At any rate, after three months some tests can be repeated (at a fee) to see if results are reproducible.
Neurospeak is a universal language by the way. It translates the same no matter what country you live in or in what tongue you seek diagnosis.
In the end your description doesn't strike me right off as likely to be MS. Even though low vitamin D levels are commonly seen in MSers, it is also very common in the general population. I would ask your GP about supplementing now to prevent loss of calcium and bone in the future. It's much easier to hold onto those things now than it is to replenish them later.
While you wait for the repeat neuro adventure you might think about seeing an allergy specialist. Okay, a different one because I'm remembering now that is who sent you down the singular trail without regret. I suspect the dermatologist might help you more than the other specialists you are helping to support.
I'm done trying to match your word count. I concede the contest with my best wishes that you are soon able to resume those wonderful hikes with your friends and canine companions. It sounds wonderful! And please do hang around and let us know if you encounter a brilliant diagnostician out there somewhere.
Mary
I can't even believe you started off with an apology for the length of your post. I've used that has my sign off several times today already. I doubt you will rival me for the verbosity award today but feel free to try :-) You only become eligible for prizes on this forum when you write lengthy missives. Creating nice paragraph breaks like you did will increase your chances of winning but if Dr. Quix is feeling well enough to join us later, she can win without breaking a sweat.
So here are a few comments based on what you presented to us. I hope they make some sense as they are random and will appear in my post as things occur to me on re-reading your original.
Joint hypermobility can be important in diagnosing some uncommon conditions/diseases and it can be a variant of normal anatomy and mobility. I'm not sure I've heard of it as a stand alone diagnosis. It sounds more like a description. I have no way of knowing if it fits into your total picture (I do hope Quix comes along because I'm beginning to sink.)
You sound like you are still a young woman so the short term memory loss and fatigue are especially worrisome. I suppose they will be explained away by some doctors as predictable results of the effort and stress involved in caring for your family. Since you report this as abnormal for you I believe that to be true.
My first instinct is to wonder about the statin (Crestor combo) drug. Which came first, the symptoms or the drug? These are well documented side effects of cholesterol lowering drugs. If you continue to take the medication for cholesterol control, I would add CoQ10 best as Ubiquinol) as a supplement. Statins deplete this necessary substance.
Hypoglycemia can be hard to detect with random tests. I was told my blood sugars were normal until a sharp endocrinologist sent me home with a meter to check my blood sugar at the moments I had symptoms. Turned out my blood glucose was falling into the 35-45 range at times and I needed to make adjustments to my eating patterns and adjust my carbohydrate to fat ratio, especially when I was stressed or premenstrual.
It does seem ironic that the allergy medicine can cause severe allergic reactions but I have seen many reports of exactly that. Some allergies will present with severe and prolonged and sometimes dangerous skin reactions. What you describe sounds like Erythema Multiforme. I'd suggest doing a web search rather than having me describe it here only to find out it doesn't apply. I would also think about it long and hard before giving Singular another go. Just saying.
I've never quite understood the dermatologist thing with appointments scheduled way out. Sometimes when you need one you need one - NOW. Yet I've never heard of an emergency dermatology consult. It seems they think nothing is life threatening so if it's worth seeing it will hang around until they can get to you in a couple of months. I don't have any answers there, just questions to add.
Neurospeak is a language you have to learn by living in it. "Nothing is neurologically wrong" is most often code for "I don't have a clue what this is because the tests I ran didn't spell it out for me but maybe I'll be able to figure it out in a few months even though I'm not going to think about it once between now and then".
The "see how symptoms settle and evolve" theory sounds somewhat familiar to me. My husband explained that to me when we moved to this house ten years ago. He put a lot of stuff in the garage and told me he was going to give it all a year to "find it's place". It seemed to work for him but when I tried it in the house everything just piled up on the most convenient flat surface. In neurology I think this means "I figure that by then you will be cured and cancel the appointment or develop some symptoms that will make diagnosis easier." At any rate, after three months some tests can be repeated (at a fee) to see if results are reproducible.
Neurospeak is a universal language by the way. It translates the same no matter what country you live in or in what tongue you seek diagnosis.
In the end your description doesn't strike me right off as likely to be MS. Even though low vitamin D levels are commonly seen in MSers, it is also very common in the general population. I would ask your GP about supplementing now to prevent loss of calcium and bone in the future. It's much easier to hold onto those things now than it is to replenish them later.
While you wait for the repeat neuro adventure you might think about seeing an allergy specialist. Okay, a different one because I'm remembering now that is who sent you down the singular trail without regret. I suspect the dermatologist might help you more than the other specialists you are helping to support.
I'm done trying to match your word count. I concede the contest with my best wishes that you are soon able to resume those wonderful hikes with your friends and canine companions. It sounds wonderful! And please do hang around and let us know if you encounter a brilliant diagnostician out there somewhere.
Mary
Welcome to the forum here. My grandchildren are due here any minute so I can't stop to write much but I'm sure others will jump in with some ideas. (Mary, do you have this one?)
There is lots to be said - the come back in three months is standard to recheck a person who has had neuro problems. My guess is he might be thinking your tingling, numbness, etc may be from a virus. Those nasty bugs can linger in our systems for years and reek havoc.
The cane would be to keep you safe. If you don't need it, don't use it. Remember so many doctors these days practice defensive medicine - they err all over the side of caution to avoid possible legal action . He might be thinking a better safe than sorry with the cane, too.
I hope you'll stick around here and learn more about MS. Even if you don't have it we like to know there are more people out there who are wise to this MiSerable disease.
welcome again, Lulu
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