What else could MS symptoms mean?

[MaMaPanda2888]

Inflamation on spine. Doctor says could be MS. What else could it be? I also have alot of visual problems which is why I do not believe it is a herniated disc.

[MaMaPanda2888]

thank you for  your input. I will see a dr. I have been having alot of visual issues. the flashes of light are rare but do happen so  I wil definitely see a dr about that. I see all my drs pretty regualrly lately. To be honest...im only 24 and i feel like my body is just falling apart on me. Lately Ive noticed it is hard to make a fist today my hands and fingers just feel so weak and while making a fist isnt PAINFUL persay it is uncomfortable like the tendons in my handsdont want to bend. I dont know my conditon never seems to improve but become worse. I am getting a LP on tuesday I hope some of my questions are answered. thank you for your help.

[BOK2Bjan]

Sorry - I just realized I had forgotten about the inflammation on your spine.  I didn't mean to dismiss that.  I do also have DDD - so than can be a separate dx.  I certainly don't mean you shouldn't investigate it though.

[BOK2Bjan]

Hi - your symptoms are too "all over the place" for me to offer much help - BUT - I wanted to comment on your "floaters" with "flashes of light".  I was recently diagnosed with vitreous detatchment (causing floaters) and when you see flashes of light with it, it can be a sign of the retina detaching.  If you catch it soon enough, they can treat it with a laser and stop the tearing.  I would see an opthomologist right away.  You don't want to risk losing any of your sight.

The other symptoms could be any number of "connective tissue diseases" or nothing at all.  I have MS, as well as systemic sclerosis, which causes arthragia, and I also have arthritis.  My Sys. Sclerosis started with a fever, flu like symptoms and blood in the urine and stiff swollen joints.  I was thought to have RA, but later it was changed to Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder, and then Systemic Sclerosis.  I also have Interstitial Cystitis, which is a disease of the lining of the bladder.  So - I just kept going to the best of my abilitiy - and still do - because none of these disorders have any cures.

Now - I realize that many (most) believe that dx MS early is important, so you can get on the drugs, but I was dx with MS and have never been able to tolerate any of the meds.  Maybe because of that, I've convinced myself that they don't really help the "end result" or "end point disability".  But there are many different feelings on that one (so don't yell at me please, fellow MSers :) )

I do not think you'll benefit from presenting a large list of symptoms to a doctor.  Write them down and keep a journal.  Then, if you notice a definite pattern, or your symptoms become debilitating - see a doctor.  In the meantime - please see the eye doctor.

Blessings to you.

[zoefromsussex]

Hi, I've just read your question & can really relate to the flu like symptoms, visual disturbances, pains etc. Also, I'd assumed bladder problems meant incontinence but now you mention it, I often have trouble starting (sorry for tmi! lol) Anyway, I have at least been dx with MS which I believe is a big relief...

[MaMaPanda2888]

I understand I tried to shorten the info hahaha. Well here is the backstory kinda long so  please bear with me. Ever since my teen years Ive had at time debilitating headaches. After awhile they went away without many occurrences until I was about 19 or 20. I also started having numbness and tingling in my back which never went away fully but would go a long time without occurring from the time I was 20 until I got pregnant at 22 in Feb 2010. Which while pregnant all I ever noticed was slight visual disturbances not eclampsia related. Starting about Feb of this year I had horrible shoulder pain. First the pain spread down my neck collarbone area was numb and had an itching sensation. Then it left the collarbone area and spread down my right arm. My right arm has now been numb and my thumb index and middle fingers are numb and tingling for 4 months. Also Ive been having very severe headaches. The neurologist ruled out carpal tunnel and arthritis. I had an MRI done he mentioned something about some spots deep in the brain but wasn't concerned about them and then said and later showed my the inflamed area of my c-spine..He thinks it may be MS and didn't really mention anything else it may be. He is having me do a spinal tap next week. Aside from all this I feel very much pain in both hands something I would liken to what i think arthritis may feel like. I also am CONSTANTLY tired a few hours after waking even when I get a full 8 hours of sleep. Ive been having pain in my calves. Ive also had dizziness lightheaded, and when I have severe headaches I have blurred vision, slurred speech, and coordination problems. I have a horrible memory and sometimes cant even remember things that happened that were very important to me. I have always had concentration problems since I was a kid because I have ADD. Recently I had this strange RANDOM break out of what felt like the flu I had a low grade fever never went over 101. And had EXTREME muscle pain so bad I could hardly walk. I thought I just had the flu or a cold eveb though i only had a sore throat. so I took Motrin and it went away within a few days. Ive also realized that I have had problems with bladder. Like needing to go a lot and having trouble starting urination at times. I attributed this to having a child but realized it is a symptom of MS. I have recently started having pain like stiffness in my calves and ankles into my feet and I have EXTREME stiffness especially when I feel stressed in my neck and shoulders. I also see floaters several times a day and sometimes flashes of light.

[Lulu54]

hi and welcome.  We're not doctors around here, just people who happen to live with MS.  You've given us very little of your history - can you share more so we can offer suggestions?  welcome again, Lulu