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Possible MS?
What does MS look like on an MRI? I suspect that I have MS but my Neurologist keeps insisting no. I think he doesn't want me to worry about something that is not diagnosed. But something is causing the following symptoms and I need to know what.
In December 2009 I began to have what I call 'dizzy spells'. I would run a low grade fever, develop a headache and dizziness with extreme nausea (in addition to the nausea caused by the gastro symptoms). These spells would come and go. Then in January I had my gall bladder removed. The day after the surgery I had a rash everywhere they had put betadine on my abdomen. So an allergy to iodine was suspected. Three days following the surgery, I developed constant vertigo in addition to the dizzy spells. After three days of this I went into the ER. They discovered that I had a UTI infection that had spread to the kidneys most likely caused by the catheter they inserted during surgery. What that has to do with vertigo I will never know?! So I was put on antibiotics and the UTI dissipated, but the vertigo remained. I saw my neurologist who recommended a series of tests, a hearing test, an ENG, an MRI, along with blood work.
(I need to say that in addition to the above mentioned symptoms I also have extreme fatigue that greatly effects my daily routine. I have lost 50 pounds since September 2009. I frequently have stool leakage and urine leakage - I have had two accidents where I did not even know that I was urinating until my pants were wet. I have frequent tingling and numbness in the fingers and arms - which worsens if I have my hands above my head for even the shortest amount of time. I have a hard time concentrating and I often find it hard to find the right words - it takes great effort. I feel like I am hearing through a fog in my right ear which came on suddenly about 2 months ago. I fall asleep very easily, especially while I am driving, hence I do not drive long distances and I tire easily. Also, four years ago I was diagnosed with Restless Legs syndrome, with it being severe at night, I have been on meds for it ever since. Three years ago I was diagnosed with PMDD and Adenomyosis and I have been on anti-depressants for the PMDD depression since. In November of 2009 I was diagnosed with Biliary Dyskinesia, Gastropareseis, and a Gastric Ulcer. I have had numerous ulcers since and in March I was diagnosed with Gastritis on top of everything else.)
The MRI showed what looked like labrynthitis in both ears, but the ENG and the hearing test came back normal (although I felt like she did not score the hearing test correctly as I had a much more difficult time hearing in the right ear than in my left). I have had blood work for Lyme - neg, Mono - exposed but not active, Parvo - exposed but sores in mouth have dissipated, thyroid - normal, RBC hemaglobin and hematrocrit - low but only slightly, Iron - low, and the test for inflammation in body - neg, herpes symplex (the type that causes cold sores) - exposed but not active, white blood cell count - normal. My doctors have ruled out: liver cancer, kidney stones and cancer, stomach cancer, small intestinal cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer, Celiac, Chron's Disease, and Diabetes. My heart functioning is normal except for a slight murmur in the mitral valve and I passed all stress tests. I have had numerous UTI's and kidney infections over the years. I am now running a constant fever around 99.5 to 101, with my temp going up with activity. The headache is constant and so is the extreme nausea, vertigo, and dizziness.
So the doctors have come back to the MRI, it obviously showed something and I am wondering if they have missed something, like MS? I have the MRI images but I am unsure of how to upload them to you.
I have a husband and 5 children at home. I am almost 35 and yet I feel much older. My husband an I have had some severe marital problems our entire marriage, which has been a source of constant stress for me. But we are trying to work them out. We are in counseling for the 2nd time. All of my docs agree that this constant stress for close to 15 years has played a significant role in my current health problems.
So I come back to my original question, what does MS look like on an MRI? And what could possibly be causing the vertigo, headaches, nausea, and fever - besides Labrynthiitis, which I think is a misdiagnosis given the ENG was normal and the blood test for inflammation was normal?
In December 2009 I began to have what I call 'dizzy spells'. I would run a low grade fever, develop a headache and dizziness with extreme nausea (in addition to the nausea caused by the gastro symptoms). These spells would come and go. Then in January I had my gall bladder removed. The day after the surgery I had a rash everywhere they had put betadine on my abdomen. So an allergy to iodine was suspected. Three days following the surgery, I developed constant vertigo in addition to the dizzy spells. After three days of this I went into the ER. They discovered that I had a UTI infection that had spread to the kidneys most likely caused by the catheter they inserted during surgery. What that has to do with vertigo I will never know?! So I was put on antibiotics and the UTI dissipated, but the vertigo remained. I saw my neurologist who recommended a series of tests, a hearing test, an ENG, an MRI, along with blood work.
(I need to say that in addition to the above mentioned symptoms I also have extreme fatigue that greatly effects my daily routine. I have lost 50 pounds since September 2009. I frequently have stool leakage and urine leakage - I have had two accidents where I did not even know that I was urinating until my pants were wet. I have frequent tingling and numbness in the fingers and arms - which worsens if I have my hands above my head for even the shortest amount of time. I have a hard time concentrating and I often find it hard to find the right words - it takes great effort. I feel like I am hearing through a fog in my right ear which came on suddenly about 2 months ago. I fall asleep very easily, especially while I am driving, hence I do not drive long distances and I tire easily. Also, four years ago I was diagnosed with Restless Legs syndrome, with it being severe at night, I have been on meds for it ever since. Three years ago I was diagnosed with PMDD and Adenomyosis and I have been on anti-depressants for the PMDD depression since. In November of 2009 I was diagnosed with Biliary Dyskinesia, Gastropareseis, and a Gastric Ulcer. I have had numerous ulcers since and in March I was diagnosed with Gastritis on top of everything else.)
The MRI showed what looked like labrynthitis in both ears, but the ENG and the hearing test came back normal (although I felt like she did not score the hearing test correctly as I had a much more difficult time hearing in the right ear than in my left). I have had blood work for Lyme - neg, Mono - exposed but not active, Parvo - exposed but sores in mouth have dissipated, thyroid - normal, RBC hemaglobin and hematrocrit - low but only slightly, Iron - low, and the test for inflammation in body - neg, herpes symplex (the type that causes cold sores) - exposed but not active, white blood cell count - normal. My doctors have ruled out: liver cancer, kidney stones and cancer, stomach cancer, small intestinal cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer, Celiac, Chron's Disease, and Diabetes. My heart functioning is normal except for a slight murmur in the mitral valve and I passed all stress tests. I have had numerous UTI's and kidney infections over the years. I am now running a constant fever around 99.5 to 101, with my temp going up with activity. The headache is constant and so is the extreme nausea, vertigo, and dizziness.
So the doctors have come back to the MRI, it obviously showed something and I am wondering if they have missed something, like MS? I have the MRI images but I am unsure of how to upload them to you.
I have a husband and 5 children at home. I am almost 35 and yet I feel much older. My husband an I have had some severe marital problems our entire marriage, which has been a source of constant stress for me. But we are trying to work them out. We are in counseling for the 2nd time. All of my docs agree that this constant stress for close to 15 years has played a significant role in my current health problems.
So I come back to my original question, what does MS look like on an MRI? And what could possibly be causing the vertigo, headaches, nausea, and fever - besides Labrynthiitis, which I think is a misdiagnosis given the ENG was normal and the blood test for inflammation was normal?
Thank you for your kind support. I am new to this forum so bear with me as I learn the ropes.
Like I said, I have not had a diagnosis of MS but the possibility of it scares me.
The fever is not directly related to any one thing, as I have not had a UTI since my gallbladder removal surgery. But overall, I have had more than my fair share in the last few years. But I currently do not have a UTI or any other sign of infection for that matter (as the Infectious Disease Specialist put it). So he suggested to keep close track of the fevers on a daily basis.
Also, I am seeing a dizziness specialist at John's Hopkins in September, so hopefully the doctor will be able to shed some light on the subject. I want to go in prepared with my questions, but right now I don't even know which questions to ask. Any suggestions?
Yes the MRI was done with and without contrast. I suggested to the nurse at John's Hopkins that they may want to repeat the MRI to compare with the first.
I don't know what I am doing anymore. All I know is that I am sick. People ask me how I am doing and I have stopped lying to them by telling them all is well. I do not complain or moan and groan, I just tell them like it is. "I feel pretty crappy today. How about you?" Kind of stuff.
I keep telling myself that I just need to look at the bright side, which I know we all need to do, but sometimes it is hard to do.
Thanks for listening,
theflowergirl
Like I said, I have not had a diagnosis of MS but the possibility of it scares me.
The fever is not directly related to any one thing, as I have not had a UTI since my gallbladder removal surgery. But overall, I have had more than my fair share in the last few years. But I currently do not have a UTI or any other sign of infection for that matter (as the Infectious Disease Specialist put it). So he suggested to keep close track of the fevers on a daily basis.
Also, I am seeing a dizziness specialist at John's Hopkins in September, so hopefully the doctor will be able to shed some light on the subject. I want to go in prepared with my questions, but right now I don't even know which questions to ask. Any suggestions?
Yes the MRI was done with and without contrast. I suggested to the nurse at John's Hopkins that they may want to repeat the MRI to compare with the first.
I don't know what I am doing anymore. All I know is that I am sick. People ask me how I am doing and I have stopped lying to them by telling them all is well. I do not complain or moan and groan, I just tell them like it is. "I feel pretty crappy today. How about you?" Kind of stuff.
I keep telling myself that I just need to look at the bright side, which I know we all need to do, but sometimes it is hard to do.
Thanks for listening,
theflowergirl
Hi, I'm so sorry to hear all that you are going through. It does sound like you are carrying a heavy load and are under too much sress.
You mentioned the MRI, have they done the MRI's with contrast? So much of diagnosing MS is through excluding alot of other ilnesses. You may very well have more than one thing going on though too. It may take time to sort ot 'tease' out which symptoms belongs to what.
Regardless of what you have you have found a very supportive group that will be there for you.
let us know what is happening and how you are
lois
You mentioned the MRI, have they done the MRI's with contrast? So much of diagnosing MS is through excluding alot of other ilnesses. You may very well have more than one thing going on though too. It may take time to sort ot 'tease' out which symptoms belongs to what.
Regardless of what you have you have found a very supportive group that will be there for you.
let us know what is happening and how you are
lois
Hi,
I too wanted to say welcome to the forum. Sorry you are having all these symptoms. It is very stressful not knowing what is going on in your body.
I myself am in "limboland" with no diagnosis as of yet, 7 years.
There is great information in the "Health Pages" as has been related to you.
I just wanted to add that with my personal experiences of vertigo and dizziness, it can definitely lead to the nausea you refer to as can problems with your eyes.
I too many years ago was diagnosed by me PMD with labyrinthitis, which it turn was not that at all. The vertigo was a symptom of other things to come.
Another great useful area on the forum is the "Health Trackers." You can keep a daily history of your symptoms and add daily journals. This is also in the upper right-hand corner.
Take care,
terri
I too wanted to say welcome to the forum. Sorry you are having all these symptoms. It is very stressful not knowing what is going on in your body.
I myself am in "limboland" with no diagnosis as of yet, 7 years.
There is great information in the "Health Pages" as has been related to you.
I just wanted to add that with my personal experiences of vertigo and dizziness, it can definitely lead to the nausea you refer to as can problems with your eyes.
I too many years ago was diagnosed by me PMD with labyrinthitis, which it turn was not that at all. The vertigo was a symptom of other things to come.
Another great useful area on the forum is the "Health Trackers." You can keep a daily history of your symptoms and add daily journals. This is also in the upper right-hand corner.
Take care,
terri
Welcome to our forum.
Ren has given you lots of useful info, which I hope you will take advantage of.
I'm so sorry you're having those awful symptoms, which stress can only make worse. It does seem as if you've had every possible test and are in good medical hands.
Nausea and fevers are not part of MS, unless some complication occurs. If you're having constant UTIs, they are probably making an overall diagnosis that much more difficult. Have you been thoroughly checked for BPPV? That is an ear problem that causes terrible vertigo and nausea.
As to MRIs, please don't try to 'read' your own. It takes many years of specialization to do this accurately, and none of us here is trained for that. If you have the radiology report and would lke to tell us what is says, we 'possibly' will understand the jargon if it is difficult to interpret.
I wish I could be of more help, but all I can really offer is support, which you will also get from many others here.
Good wishes,
ess
Ren has given you lots of useful info, which I hope you will take advantage of.
I'm so sorry you're having those awful symptoms, which stress can only make worse. It does seem as if you've had every possible test and are in good medical hands.
Nausea and fevers are not part of MS, unless some complication occurs. If you're having constant UTIs, they are probably making an overall diagnosis that much more difficult. Have you been thoroughly checked for BPPV? That is an ear problem that causes terrible vertigo and nausea.
As to MRIs, please don't try to 'read' your own. It takes many years of specialization to do this accurately, and none of us here is trained for that. If you have the radiology report and would lke to tell us what is says, we 'possibly' will understand the jargon if it is difficult to interpret.
I wish I could be of more help, but all I can really offer is support, which you will also get from many others here.
Good wishes,
ess
Hi! I don't believe we've met before so welcome! You have landed in the right place. Here you will find information, a place to vent, ask questions, find support and few laughs.
We can not diagnose you over the internet . What we can offer are own experiences and individual knowledge.
IF you have MS, no two cases present the same. MS follows the snowflake ideal in that no two are ever identical. If you haven't become acquainted to the site yet, I can make some recommendations.
First, the Health Pages, which can be found at the upper right hand corner of the page, next to the yellow icon. Here you will find a wealth of information, on a diverse number of subjects. One of which is how MS looks on an MRI. The direct link is:
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/How-MRIs-Show-Lesions-in-MS/show/23?cid=36
Also, if you have a particular question, there is a "Search this Community" bar located just above the Recent Activity sidebar on the right side of this page. Here you can search through only MS information and questions asked in previous posts.
I know I haven't answered your question directly but there is no specific answer to your question. Sorry that there is no straight answer, we ALL wish this disease was more clear-cut in it's presentation and symptoms.
One last forum note. On your profile page you can send a "note' that is public and visible to everyone or you may send a "PM" or private message to one person that is similar to private email. It is not visible to the public.
Welcome again! Just remember that there are no dumb questions...ask as many as you like and we will make an effort to answer as many as we can. It's usually slow on here on the week-ends and summers due to the many activities are members are involved in. If your question slips to Page 2 , then click on it and add "bump" in the comment section to bring it back to the top of the list.
Ren
We can not diagnose you over the internet . What we can offer are own experiences and individual knowledge.
IF you have MS, no two cases present the same. MS follows the snowflake ideal in that no two are ever identical. If you haven't become acquainted to the site yet, I can make some recommendations.
First, the Health Pages, which can be found at the upper right hand corner of the page, next to the yellow icon. Here you will find a wealth of information, on a diverse number of subjects. One of which is how MS looks on an MRI. The direct link is:
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/How-MRIs-Show-Lesions-in-MS/show/23?cid=36
Also, if you have a particular question, there is a "Search this Community" bar located just above the Recent Activity sidebar on the right side of this page. Here you can search through only MS information and questions asked in previous posts.
I know I haven't answered your question directly but there is no specific answer to your question. Sorry that there is no straight answer, we ALL wish this disease was more clear-cut in it's presentation and symptoms.
One last forum note. On your profile page you can send a "note' that is public and visible to everyone or you may send a "PM" or private message to one person that is similar to private email. It is not visible to the public.
Welcome again! Just remember that there are no dumb questions...ask as many as you like and we will make an effort to answer as many as we can. It's usually slow on here on the week-ends and summers due to the many activities are members are involved in. If your question slips to Page 2 , then click on it and add "bump" in the comment section to bring it back to the top of the list.
Ren
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