New here...you folks seem nice!

[TashaPup]

I have been looking for an MS group to talk to, and after browsing several MS forums, you folks stood out as the nicest and most compassionate...thank you!

I have been dealing with repercussions from a brain injury for the last eleven years.  I have been unable to work since then.  The last two years or so...or maybe longer, not sure, I have been experiencing MS symptoms.  The first time, was kind of an attack, I guess, as I had many symptoms, all at once, and very intense. Since then, they have been sporadic. I just got an MRI, and it showed numerous new white matter lesions, extending significantly into the centrum semi-ovale bilateral.  Anyway...I am waiting to see my BI neurologist about these 'new' symptoms.  The symptoms I have experienced are many, but primarily numbness/tingling in arms, legs, face (and some local numb 'spots'), eye problems (eyeballs hurting, feeling swollen, red), hearing loss, headaches (although, ever since my BI, I have had almost daily headaches, varying in intensity), digestive problems, urination issues (unable to empty completely), big time muscle weakness, body feels like rubber, brain is mush...there are more, but you get the idea.

I do also have an infection in my gum/tooth right now, so maybe that brought it on this time.  It will be interesting to see how my body does over the next five days...I am driving seven hours tomorrow (Sun), to be with my parents, because my Dad is going to a really important Dr appt...he is close to giving up on life, right now, due to the sudden disability that has occurred with his legs, over the last year or so.   Anyway...I am trying to stay calm as much as possible, but it will be a challenge for me...I feel what others feel, very strongly.  I just wonder if it will make my symptoms worse.  

Anyway...thanks for listening...I am pleased to meet you all!  Love and Light...Jan.

[Lulu54]

Jan, it sure sounds like you have a lot going on and I'm glad you are keeping an open mind about your health condition.  I trust your BI neurologist will alos keep and open mind and look at all possibilities for you.

Low Vit D can cause a variety of odd symptoms so be sure to do what you can to get your levels up.  I take (when I remember) a liquid Vitamin D3 that my neuro recommended. About 20 minutes of daylight on your arms and face every day will also give your D a big boost.

I hope you'll come around often and ask all the questions - we are a pretty nice bunch around here and have a wealth of experience wth all things neurological.  

Good luck to your dad and the pending surgery- I hope it all works out.  hugs, Laura

[TashaPup]

Thanks to all for your thoughtful comments, and support.  I just wanted to add a couple little facts, that I forgot to mention earlier.  I just had a big blood work   up done, and all was normal, except my Vit. D was low...again.  My doc now has me on a high dose of Vit D, to build it back up.  She also tested me for Lupus, and other such conditions.  They were ruled out.  

I guess that was all I was going to mention.  I made it to my parents' house this evening, after a pretty stressful drive...a lot of wind, rain and fog!  Now, I just have to last through this big Dr. appt that my Dad has on Tues.  There is a surgery that can be done to help my Dad get better (not sure how much better, tho), but we have been counseled, that any neurosurgeon, will not want to do the surgery, because of my Dad's bad aortic valve (can cause complications with anaesthesia).  My Dad won't like hearing that.  We shall see how it goes.   I am just trusting in the moment, and will try to be the voice of reason, and compassion, for my Dad, when he needs it.  Thanks for listening.   Love and Light, all.   Jan.

[rendean]

Welcome! Glad u found us! As JJ said emotional stress can trigger MS symptoms IF that's what your Neuro comes up with as a secondary diagnosis.

If you do have MS then you are correct that your mouth infection can cause an increase in symptoms.

JJ'S advice for counseling dependent on your emotional status is a good idea as is mindful meditation that works well for some.

I send wishes for easier days ahead and hope you and your Dad feel better soon!!!

Feel free to come back anytime with more questions and keep us updated about your Neuro appt.

Hugs and welcome again,
Ren

[Corriel]

Hi there, that is a big load you're carrying. I am not sure exactly what BI can do and MS is such a variable disease.

I wish you luck with your neuro and hope that you get some answers soon.

Pop in anytime and ask any questions you want.

Be well,
Corrie

[TashaPup]

JJ...thank you for your very thoughtful reply.  As for my symptoms being related to my BI and not of MS, I guess I will just have to wait and see what my neuro says.  I had read, that a BI, can lead to other neurological issues, such as MS.  We shall see!

As for my feeling symptoms that my Dad is feeling...I had actually noticed some of the similarities, too, but I had my first bout of them two years ago, when my Dad wasn't yet having his issues.

I will keep your comments in mind, JJ, about seeing someone for help, thanks...I will also do some meditating on the subject.  I am also receiving some energetic healing, which I hope will help, because my body is so sensitive to the side effects of medicines.

Thanks again, JJ...sorry to have bothered you folks, if I am being premature about all of this (the only issue mentioned in the MRI report by the radiologist, was possible MS, but as I read on some MS forums, radiologists aren't neurologists...so I will wait and see!).  Thanks again...Love and Light!  Jan.

[supermum_ms]

Hi and welcome,

I'm honestly not at all sure, that what you're experiencing could be from something like MS. MS has many mimic's and because you already have a brain injury, its highly plausible that your sx's are related to the existing brain damage and not an unrelated condition like MS. That's definitely something your  BI neuro should be able to determine for you.

Food for thought.......you mentioned your dad was suddenly physically disabled around the same time frame that you experienced these 'newer' sx's and if you are extremely sensitive to other peoples emotional states. With your dad also understandably psychologically effected, is it at all possible that you are personally dealing with your own high levels of emotional distress, that maybe isn't being adequately addressed?

If you are, please consider seeing someone who can help you find ways to deal with what's currently happening to and your family. I'm sure it would be a good thing to know how to disconnect from other peoples feelings too, so it might help you in the long term, to see someone specifically about this side of things.

I hope you find the inner strength to help your parents get through what ever may happen in the next few days, it will be a stressful time for you and yours so try and take baby steps, stay cool, rest and look after your self.

Cheers.........JJ