In my situation, the optic neuritis seemed to slowly improve after the doctor said that the optic disc looked like it was healed. I had a lot of trouble with blurry and doubled vision even after it was supposedly healed. Then one evening (vision was typically worse in the evening), I noticed that there was finally only one moon, one street lamp light, and one of each tail light. I noticed that I could read print on the TV screen. The only permament problem I've noticed is a small black spot in the lower left part in my vision.
I sure hope you find a neuro that will listen to you. I can't believe he didn't listen to you. I had the symptom of not being able to hold a hair dryer (or write on a whiteboard), and I can tell you that upper extremity problems can be just as disabling as lower extremity problems. Your neuro totally disregarding your symptoms is just plain idiotic.
I'm happy to hear that you have a new neuro. Jan. 12th isn't that long away!
Hi, when they exam you does your left arm have low, normal or too high reflexes?
One of the things that can happen in MS is that we lose the proper motions that keep us balanced. When a normal person walks the arms swing actively, not just loosely. This keeps us in balance with our stride. We can have lesions that cause this to stop and the arm wopuld just swing freely. You can use the arm, but it doesn't act right. So, yes, this can happen.
The opposite can happen, especially with some spasticity. You can end up with the arm being held stiffly in an abnormal position instead of swinging with the gait.
You are aware, aren't you, that gray matter lesions are very consistent with MS? Typically they are less frequent than white matter lesions, but I have heard of people who presented with gray matter lesions only. There is a HP that talks about this.
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/Lesions-Lesions-Lesions/show/762?cid=36
Any neuro that ignores upper extremity problems and only looks for lower extremity problems is DUMB! You need to jump and light runnin' from these guys.
Yes, it is not uncommon for there to be residual problems after optic neuritis. these may very slowly improve - or not.
quix
Hi Deb
I did have an mri, showed 1 lesion, but apparently it wasn't a common ms lesion, and it was in the gray matter instead of white. They just called it a non-specific abnormality. I also had a cervical mri, I do have arthritis and spurs in my neck have had these for over 12 yrs though, I just started having these symptoms among others about 9 months ago. They said they did not find any lesions on the cervical scan. The both scan were done without contrast, I believe the neuro didn't think I had MS, even though I have ON, and my sister has it. So anyway she never ordered bloodwork of any kind either. Then when I told her I was gonna go to another neuro, she says she wants to do an LP. So off to another neuro, have an appointment in Feb. I also have Lupus, and the last stupid neuro, who wouldn't listen to me, said this is possibly the Lupus. I have had Lupus for over 7yrs, never had these symptoms.
So Deb, about the ON question, do you have residual problems even after the
Went to a new rheumy, said he thinks I may have been misdiagnosed, this may have been MS all along. So I will be going for the bloodwork soon, it's tough cause I'm moving from my rental, into my permanent home on the 4th and I'm really busy. It was nice though when I found the new neuro, and went to make the appt, the staff there was sooo nice, they wanted to see me immediately, but I had the new Rheumy appt, and all kinds of house stuff goin on so I made the appt for Jan 12, that's right around the corner, after what I've been through, that's nothing. But it sounded like a caring staff, so I'm just gonna be positive, cause I get panic attacks very quickly, and very easily intimidated.
So Deb, about the ON is this normal for the residual problems to occur even after the inflammation in under control. Do you have a similar problem? Sandie
Hi Sandie, I posted on your other question. Yes, with the other symptoms mentioned on other posts, like the ON and L'hermittes, it does sound like MS to me.
What tests have you had besides the ENG? When was the last MRI and did you an MRI of your spine as well? What about an LP?
Hello,
It is nice to meet you. I am in limbo too and have had similair issues you all are describing. I usually post in the other forum but was reading through this forum and saw your post. Most of my symptoms were on my left side. These started in August 2009 - Numbing and tingling in arm and leg with cramping in the bottom of foot, calf and upper inner thigh. I have also had weakness in arm and leg which is worse after a full day of chores, shopping, ect. I have trouble climbing stairs. I had an episode about 2 weeks back where my right thumb went absolutely numb for about 5 minutes, just the right thumb and then came back with feeling. I have also had cognitive issues with my memory and finding words or loosing my place in the middle of a sentence. Sometimes conversations get too confusing and overwhelming for me.
What is new for me is that the numbness and tingling is less frequent on left side but I have noticed the last 2 days now have issues in my right hand and forearm feels tight. I an having trouble opening my med bottle or moving my hand around..It feels like my numbness and tignling is moving into my right but is painful. My right leg is fine.
My neuro discussed the possibility of this being MS but is ordering more tests and scans. Nothing has been ruled out or in as of yet
Take Care
JibJen
I have had same problem with left arm and both hands during last relapse. No DX so far. All strength has now come back after about 4 months. Also weak legs especially left.
Im a possible MS at this stage.
Keep pushing for answers.
Mistylee
Hi WAF,
Thanks for your advice. I did have an ENG of lower and upper, and lower came back pinched nerve, but upper came back normal. Those tests were done about a year ago though. Are you dx with MS? Sandie
Sandie,
I have similar weakness to yours - but in my right arm and right leg. They feel very heavy, weak, and tired at times. My right leg has "gone out" on me numerous times resulting in bad falls.
I strongly suggest you LOSE your current lackluster and uncaring neurologists and get one who is interested in finding you the diagnosis you deserve. Then I strongly suggest you have an EMG/nerve conduction study done (not just by any neurologist, but by someone SPECIALIZING in that type of diagnostic testing). Make sure your left arm and hand are tested. Your symptoms are significant and may be indicative of something other than MS. Good luck!
WAF
Sandi,
They tap our elbows and test our hand strength because MS doesn't only appear in our legs. If this continues to bother you I would definitely talk to the neuro and ask for their ideas.
be well,
Lulu