Paresthesia ?

[Armygirl73]

Hello! I am fairly new here ... and really appreciate all the responses I've received so far. I stated in a previous post that I was having this buzzing feeling across my scalp for about a week. That is still true, however this weekend I noticed it in my left calf, thigh and abdominal area. It comes and goes, but happens frequently throughout the day ... although with the leg it seems to last for longer periods of time. Is this common with MS or does the tingling stuff stick mainly to one area with that? I guess I am asking because I was planning on waiting to see a doc when we got back to the states in a few months but this concerned me more. If it's just a normal nerve thing or something I will probably just let it slide, but it is so consistent -- happens even when I am walking, standing ... strange. Thanks again for all your help!

[Armygirl73]

Thanks for the help! I haven't been diagnosed officially ... right now I'm labeled possible I guess ... depends on the doctor. I'm in a weird situation, as we are stationed overseas. I had two MRIs done.

The brain showed five small white spots. I was told these were migraine spots, but I can't recall ever having one. I also had a spinal mri done and there was another white spot near my brain stem area ... don't know if that's related to my head shake that has plagued me on and off for months and years at a time over the past eight years.

That head shake was diagnosed as an essential tremor in a five-minute meeting with a doc -- no tests or anything. He did suggest I keep a symptom diary just in case (but didn't say what the "just in case was for"). I have that now, and after all these years, it is about four pages long -- some recurring symptoms that last for weeks, months, even years and then disappear.

The new doc said I needed to have a spinal puncture done, but am worried about it especially being overseas. I asked if they thought this was MS (a friend has it and thought that might be my problem) and was told they didn't think it was. However, another doc said it was possible that it was and my primary doctor who referred me in the first place was sure that it was. But the experts said they didn't think so. I feel iffy about it all b/c no one has ever looked at my symptoms list except my primary care doc.

At any rate, I am moving back to the states in a few months and was holding out for a doctor there ... I've experienced numerous cases (some really harsh) cases of anti-American feelings at the local hospitals. They don't seem to care for sharing their facilities with us. But I can't use the base neurologist right now b/c of the war injuries ... which I totally understand. It's hard seeing all our troops like that, and we have a firsthand look at it here. I just don't feel comfortable off base, so I thought I'd wait but this new thing kinda freaked me out some.

I always ask my husband if he feels stuff like this or that ... whatever I may be experiencing. He always just shakes his head and says no. He said it's weird that I have this stuff happening and he is completely frustrated with the doctors here. He's not a big fan of doctors anyway and this limbo has made him more leary because he is watching all this happen and can't help me.

Thanks again for your help. I am still in limbo and don't know anything for sure, but it's nice to know I'm not alone in these experiences.

[jensequitur]

Hey, chica - one of my first symptom was a buzzing feeling in my chin and cheeks.  I had my first flare soon after that.

Personally, I think it's definitely worth following up on.  If you're not comfortable with seeing the medical doctor on staff, or one in the town you're in, it shouldn't hurt to wait a little. However, if you go into a flare - a sudden worsening of symptoms, to the point where you can't function - then I would see a doctor right away.  They can administer IV steroids that will help you feel better.

[ShockedToday]

I have this all the time.  In fact, it was my first noticeable ms symptoms over twenty years ago.  At the time it was only my tongue and after all these years it occurs just about all over my body.  Some days just about everywhere it seems at some point during the day and other days just my toes.  It is very strange to say the least.

You didn't say if you are dx with ms or not.  Either way, if it is new for you, I would definitely tell the dr the next time you see him or her.  Some other diseases have it as a symptom as well.

HTH,

ST