continued numbness in feet & legs

[wanda550]

Hi everyone. I havent posted in a long time but I,m back seeking more answers. This website has been phenomenal in helping me discover things about myself since my MS diagnosis two years ago.for example, MS HUGS...my neurologist didnt have a clue, but you all knew. I sincerely thank you for your testimonials and willingness to share your experiences.
Now here is my new symptom that Ive seen my doctor for and he still is clueless. My feet and lower leg have been numb for two weeks. Its not painful, just irritating. QUESTIONS: Is this normal? How long does it last? Is it permanent? Is there a supplement, vitamin, or food that I can take or eat to help eliminate this feeling? will certain exercise help? I,M LOST!!! HELP PLEASE!!! By the way I,m on Tecfidera and I have Relapsing MS.

[wanda550]

Hi Alex. Yes I am starting today trying to incorporate some exercise. My regular doctor and I discussed that today.She thought of nothing vigorous. We agreed on trying Yoga, or Pilates. The MS foundation actually sent me two videos for people with MS.So thanks for the insight.

[wanda550]

Thanks Kyle. And yes, MS ActiveSource have been extremely helpful. They have actually sent me a free months supply and were strong advocates in helping find affordable insurance. I never thought about the other episodes happened on one side only. Thanks for that insight. Well my regular doctor have taken blood and tested me again for all the regulars...diabetes, hypertension, anemia, liver tests, chlolesterol. all of those are negative and normal. That made me happy. So we think the symptoms are from the MS. My brother has MS too and had his diagnosis for over 10 years. I asked him did he get the numbness. He said yes, and everybodys MS was different with different episodal events. Im thinking now about a podiatrist to see if neuropathy is caused by another issue.

[HVAC]

Sounds like you are having a bit of a tough time. We can have any other ailment with MS. It is important to not jump to the conclusion it is MS for us or doctors. My doctors blamed another illness on MS for years.

MS also usually does not effect both legs at the same time. It is usually unilateral, one one side or the other. It can be on both sides but not at the same time.

If the legs are MS I would tell my neurologist right away. He might want to do another MRI.

There are two things in MS inflammation and nerve damage. Most relapses are due to inflammation. When they inflammation dies down so do symptoms.  With nerve damage symptoms do not go away. No one can tell for sure. Most of the time it is inflammation.


For symptom relief they can used steroids for big attacks. They use muscle relaxants like Baclofen or Zanaflex for spasms. For nerve issues Lyrica, Gabenpentin, or Trileptal.

Alex

Diet and exercise can help with your over all health which is important in MS. I exercise every day and watch my nutrition and take vitamins just to keep healthy.

[kwarendorf]

Hi Wanda-

I agree with JJ about seeking another opinion. As nice as he may be, not doctor that is qualified to treat MS would be clueless about the cause of your symptoms.

About the cost of your Tecfidera, have you spoken with anyone at MSAcitiveSource? It's Biogen Idec's patient support organization. They have a program(s) that reduce and or eliminate copays.

http://www.msactivesource.com/ms-support-and-community/ms-patient-support/cost-and-insurance.xml

Kyle

[wanda550]

Thanks for taking an interest in my posts. Blessings to you for that. Fortunately those episodes stopped with the spasms of the arm and bulging veins or muscles after starting the Tecfidera. I actually have been doing quite well over the past year with the medication. This recent turn of events started when I had to go without my meds because I changed jobs. Therefore I had to find an affordable and compensating insurance company to help afford this $4000 a month med. That was difficult and unfortunately took quite a bit of time. I now have started back on the Tecfidera and hope that the numbness will go away soon. As for my neurologist, He is quite young but happened to be the only doctor who listened to me after 18 years to actually quickly diagnos the MS. So there is a since of loyalty to him. He doesnt make up possible solutions to my problems. He is honest enough to say "I dont Know". I can respect that. But I will think about seeking other professional resources to help me understand my MS.

[supermum_ms]

Hi and welcome back :D

I think it's going be in your best interest for you to seriously consider looking for another neurologist, preferably one who specialises in MS and isn't going to be "clueless" about MS issues!

Previously you have actually mentioned a some thing's that seem....well, to be honest what you've mentioned does sound a bit odd if MS was the cause eg "My left arm tingles and my veins bulge like they are about to explode. These episodes happen often, anytime, and last from a few seconds to minutes"

"I went all day without an episode. Feeling good....then all of a sudden BOOM......it hits me at the hospital after getting some lab work......the sudden tingling, complete numbness, bulging veins, and complete weakness.....leaning against the closest bathroom wall to steady myself. Please God, not now. Then it hits me....this happens alot when I urinate. Could this problem not be the MS?"

"I begin to have an episode in front of my Hubby and our two girls (13 & 15). They were terrified. I try to hide this thing from them because of the effect it has on the 3 of them. My Hubby had this look of pity and pain. He walked away with a single year rolling down his face. The girls looked concerned and helpless. My heart sank as the episode passed over and my family went in different rooms."

What you've described before seems to be atypical for MS because what you have described to be experiencing is very sudden, dramatic in it's intensity and over very quickly but additionally your veins are bulging which is a vascular issue and not typically associated with MS. I'm not sure if you're meaning you go completely numb and completely weak all over your body or  not but still it seems strange to only happen for a few seconds to minutes and it to have such an impact........are you actually having a seizure?

The reason i'm mentioning what you said before, is that something's you've said (now and previously) would have me questioning the competency of the neurologist.........if you've been diagnosed with RRMS and your feet and lower leg have been clinically numb for two weeks it boggles my mind how your neuro could be "clueless" on the causation and or how to treat your symptoms!

I'm sorry but i'm not sure your questions are that easy to answer, it really all depends on a lot of factors, there is no way of guaranteeing what will be permanent or will remit completely but if MS is the cause of it, unfortunately vitamins, diet, exercise etc will not be able to fix the nerve damage and i'd suggest discussing symptom treatments etc with your neurologist.

Cheers..........JJ