MS -- Big Picture?

[slbaker2425]

I am one of those still in limbo, but I am fortunate that I have a great, young neurologist who is determined to get me answers.  My symptoms started about 3 1/2 weeks ago.  We were new to the area and I still had not found an internist...up to now I had never really needed one.  The only experience I had with doctors was my annual "well" visit.  Anyhow based on my symptoms the doctor saw me right away and when the blood work came back normal she sent me immediately to a neurologist.  It has all happened so quickly.  In three weeks I have had 2 rounds of blood work, a brain MRI, EEG and spinal tap.  I must say that the spinal tap was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be BUT unfortunately I got a spinal headache the day after and spent the next 4 days on my back.  It took me 2 days to realize that what I was experiencing was a spinal headache -- I attributed it initially to the new meds I was on.  I don't want to go through that experience again.  Anyhow I'm waiting for the spinal tap results to come in along with the results of the additional blood work.  My MRI results showed several lesions in the outer areas of the brain and one sizable lesion in the left motor cortex area.  The only symptom I have had so far are severe spasms on the right side of my body.  My right arm and hand totally contract and posture as does my right foot with numbness down my leg.  The muscles in the right side of my neck and face also tighten and I have some twitching of the facial muscles.  So far today I have had more than 30 episodes lasting about 1 to 2 minutes each.  They are very intense -- not what I would call painful but rather uncomfortable.  They literally freeze me in my tracks and I have to wait to move until they subside.  For now I limit my driving because they have gotten more intense.  I had a great job interview lined up but had to forego that.  I can't work like this.  The slightest movement can set off a spasm.  I'm just physically exhausted by it.  So far the doctor has tried gabapentin and baclofen but neither have worked at all.  I have to call the neurologist tomorrow to let her know the latest drug isn't working, so we can move on to a new one.  If this in fact turns out to be MS what other kinds of symptoms am I looking at down the line??  

[slbaker2425]

Sorry for the rambling post lol.  I usually do breakdown my sentences into smaller paragraphs...just not entirely with it today.

My neuro did explain the doses and increasing them at a pace that makes them tolerable.  I am having better success with baclofen in being able to tolerate the dosage.  Gabapenten just was intolerable, and I could barely manage the lowest dosage.

I'm trying to give baclofen a chance...I have been on it a week but my neuro told me I should see some lessening of the spasms after a couple of days.  However, my spasms only seem to be getting worse and more frequent...very frustrating.  I am going to try it at the upper dosage for a few days to see if it has any effect - if not I am calling the neuro.

I am fortunate though, I have a really wonderful, understanding neuro, and she is behind me 100%.

[essdipity]

A welcome from me, sl. May I ask that in future posts you break your sentences into small paragraphs? The Welcome post at the top explains why.

Wow, I don't remember anyone else getting to the point of diagnosis so quickly. I hope everything goes well from now on.

Regarding meds, I urge you to consult our Health Pages, at upper right. It is crucial that you start slowly and gradually build up dosage for both baclofen and gabapentin, among other meds for symptom treatment.

Not doing this is a mistake that many MS patients make, and many neuros fail to explain. Too much at first may make you feel woozy and out of it. Giving up after too little is not giving the med a chance. We've had many posts about dosage, even some quite recently. Please take a look, and if you need help, come back and ask.

Good wishes,
ess