No diagnosis for MS symptoms

[Steven38]

I,m 38 years old and about 2years ago started feeling generally unwell,my doc ordered a stool test came back with "profuse" e-coli" so he put me on antibiotics.Needless to say it was't e-coli the symptoms started getting worse Heat/coldness in the feet and hands clamminess in extremities ,creeping feelings in my head back of my neck has severe pressure,diarrhea from time to time,weakness at least every once in a while tiredness no sight loss in my left eye but it feels "funny" on occasion.I have done an MRI on the brain came back negative,i,m going to do an MRI on my spine this afternoon. I've also heard the "it could be psychological' diagnosis.So i have a few questions i guess could stress over the last two years cause these symptoms? and what would be the most definitive way to diagnose MS ?and my third question is, i've taken at least 3 to 4 courses of antibiotics and each time all my symptoms went away except a slight heat in my left foot,would that be possible with MS or would antibiotics have no affect  on MS?..thanks for any response

[sllowe]

Hi from me too, Steven.

How did your MRI go? Are you seeing a neuro or an MD?

As you see there will be many tests involved w/the MS workup, and you'll learn a lot here.

You ask a very good question about stress.  Many symptoms of diseases frankly, stress us out.  This is not to say that your symptoms are due from stress or that they cannot be a cause of stress.  It takes a very thorough Dr to get to the bottom of the cause.

I can say for me, that when I went to my MD she said my problem was "classic stress." Since I didn't and still don't go to her very often, I said "this cannot be stress." I can't talk, walk, etc.

She drew a batter of labs, and ordered an MRI on my brain wrote me a scrip for xanax and sent me on my way. The MRI revealed the 1st signs, and I've since then been dx'd with MS.  What I also want to add is that while my problem was not "stress induced" the physical and mental stress added to my problems made my existing deficits very much worse.  

I've read many experiences of people and our members too that describe how though we didn't realize it, our attacks came on at highly stressful times.  For me, I worked best under the gun, if you know what I mean. Was the only way I knew how to work and I liked it.  Still do, but I know life and work has to be different for me now.  

Hang w/us, let us know how you made out and what the Dr is saying.
ttys,
Shelly

[saveone]

Hi and welcome to the forum.  Wonko gave you a very good response.  You can also go to the top right hand side of this page or others in the forum/profile and find a quick link listed as health pages.  There is a lot of good info there. After reading come back and ask more questions or just hang around and talk.

Peace love and joy

[wonko]

Hi Steven38, I do not have MS but have been on this forum as I (slowly) work toward figuring out what is making me sick.  

Anyway, to the best of my knowledge, antibiotics are not effective in treating MS or it's symptoms.  However, some antibiotics may have anti-inflammatory properties.  Steroids are useful in treating MS symptoms, and are also anti-inflammatory.

Hopefully you get a full round of blood work.  There is no blood test for MS, but that's how many other mimics are identified.  There are also EMG/nerve conduction studies to determine if a mechanical nerve problem is present.  MRIs and lumbar puncture, and evoked potentials are tests done to look for MS.  This forum has a lot of info on the diagnostic testing under the health pages:

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/list?cid=36

Good luck!