Can someone answer some basic questions please

[JoelleB1]

Okay...so Ive read the MS health pages...but I still have some questions....

first....I have been having odd symptoms for 4 wks now...if this is MS...how long do these relapses last for...realistically how long will I be feeling bad for??  And...if you have RR MS....do you ever feel normal again between the relapses..or do you always feel bad...can you feel like your normal self again...between relapses...or do you always have some reminants of the disease

Second....with MS...do you always feel things only on one side of your body?  I have heard that with MS its always unilateral if you have numbness etc...so If I have been feeling numbness on both sides of my face from my ear to my jaw on both sides...is this something that can happen in MS?

Also...what is the deal with B12,,,I asked my OB if my symptoms could be caused by a B12 difficiency..and he kinda laughed and told me as long as you eat a healthy diet B12 diff. shouldnt be an issue....and he told me that people get B12 shots sometimes..but its just for a temporary energy boost....so should I ask to get my B12 tested...or is it a long shot that it could be off?

Lastly...I just had a baby 4 months ago...can progesterone/estrogen hormone imbalance cause symptoms of imbalance, shaky hands, and numbness/tingling?  Or  having a hormon IUD put in?

Sorry..one more question... Does anyone here know anyone living with RRMS or any other type of MS for that matter that has lived a relatively normal life for like 30 years??  Realistically how many good years does someone diagnosed have....I just had a baby...and now Im just so worried for him and my husband and what is going to happen...any help with my questions would be so much appreciated!!!

[JoelleB1]

Thanks Ada!!!  I have been checked for thyroid issues...that was the first test that was done!  I was soooo hopeful that, that was it..but my thyroid turned out fine...all testes FSH, T4, T3 were all in normal range...low normal...but normal...thanks for the post!!!

[spastic]

Hi there!!!  Have they checked you for postpartum thyroiditis?  I had that happen to me a few months after I had my son.  It was a really bizarre, I couldnt lose the baby weight, was exhausted but there is a condition called postpartum hyperthyroidism, rapid weight loss, shaky hands, feeling overheated, muscular weakness especially involving the upper arms and thighs.  It can completely dissipate on its own or you might need to have an endocrinologist evaluate you and see if there is something more going on.  I just wanted to throw this out there because our bodies can do some really weird things and not all Dr's look for this.  Good luck, Sweetie.

Many Hugs,

Ada

[JoelleB1]

Rena....what was going on with you in 1993 that you even got tested for MS?  Was it just the seizures?  

[Rena705]

Just to let you know that I was diagnosed with MS in 1993 via a positive MRI and a positive Lumbar Puncture and I was in what they called "remission" until July of 2007 when I believe I had a relapse.  I have not been on any of the disease modifying drugs and I have only been on Tegretol because I presented with Grand Mal Seizures (of which I have had none for about 13-14 years).  So I think I am a good example of how MS can be different for everyone and hopefully you will be like me.  Otherwise the disease modifying drugs seem to have some good results so don't get to worked up  until you know exactly what you are dealing with ok?  You apparently haven't got a diagnosis yet so there is no reason to upset yourself when you really don't know what the whole diagnosis is. I hope that it isn't MS that you are facing but if it is, there are no guarantees as to the progress of the disease.

Lots of Hugs,

Rena  

[Tahiri_Veila]

This would probably be a question for quix. I am not sure.  I hope not personally as I have some pretty bad symptoms during my "relapses".
Tahiri

[JoelleB1]

I really appreciate you writing!!!  This is the first time I have experienced any symptoms..came on with a vengance right around fathers day...was fatigued for a few days...with muscle weakness in my arms, shaking hands and i am off balanced.  I have had many blood tests run through my PCP and had a clear MRI....and am waiting to see the neuro who is an MS specialist.  I just cant imagine what this could be besides MS and it terrifies me!!  i wouldnt have had another baby if I knew this was comming!!!!!  I have a 10 year old and a 5 year old and a new baby....I just really fear for my family!!  My husband is the best thing since sliced bread!!!  I just dont want him to have any diminished quality of life because of me...I just hope this isnt my fate..but I still am off balance, have shaky hands..not like tremors..but more like I had too much caffiene...so they dont shake when I do things..they just feel like they arnt working right....and I have had recently in the last few days...numbness on the left side of my body..but sometimes both sides at the same time...so I dont know....I guess Ill have to see what the neuro says..

One more thing...do you know or have you heard...does the severity of your symptoms during the relapse tell anything about how bad your MS is or can you have severe relapse and still have a pretty mild course of MS?

[santana8]

Hello, and Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of people on this forum who have a definite MS diagnosis. And there are a lot of people like me who are in limbo, meaning no definite dx yet.  I have been stuck between ADEM and MS for two years now, and some of the others here in limbo are still being checked for other mimics. MS mimics need to be ruled out before an MS DX is made.

B12 deficiency is one of the conditions that can mimic MS. It is usually checked for by the neurologist along with other blood work and test.  Such as an MRI, evoked potientals, a spinal tap, clinical neuro exam, and sometimes other test.

Have you been refered to a neurologist?  If not, and these symptoms are continuing, then I would ask your GP to refer you to a neurologist.  This is the first step in finding out if MS is a possible cause for your symptoms.

If you would like to list all of your symptoms, and any test and the results, I am sure that some of the ones here who are dx with MS would be better able to lead you in the right direction.

~Santana~

[Tahiri_Veila]

I do not have a diagnosis, but I thought I would try and answer some of your questions.  From what I have heard relapses last at least 24 hours but many can last weeks or months.  If what I have is MS I have had symptoms occur and stay for at up to 3 months.  Yes in some cases or early on you can go back to feeling relatively normal between relapses.

Although MS does not usually present symmetrically it is not impossible for it to do so.  MS is so different from person to person that there is no set rule.

Lack of Vitamin B12 can kill your neurons causing symptoms similar to MS.  Your OB should not have laughed at you as this can happen even if you are eating a healthy diet. I knew someone close to me who had to take B12 shots for the last years of her life because for some reason her body would not get enough of it no matter what.  Like she could not uptake it without it being put in her blood stream directly.  You really should get tested.

I have had symptoms on an off for 2.5 years.  I know that during pregnancy MS symptoms will subside.  It is also not uncommon for them to come back with a vengeance a while after the baby is born.  My symptoms went away during my pregnancy, but they also came back.  

I want you to know that I also have a 1 year old.  These symptoms I have and what my doctors are looking into quite frankly scare me as there are very few good options of what it could be.  At first I was really worried about what my husband and daughter would do.  I want you to know that I am there for you and I understand.  I have had my cries and weeps over it.  I am lucky to have an understanding husband.  I hope you do too.  I also wanted to let you know that I did know someone who has had MS for a long time.  It was one of my high school substitute teachers.  He was the best sub and so kind.  He did not keep his MS a secret.  I am not sure how long exactly he had it, but last time I saw him he had to be nearing 60.  I also have a friend at work who has had it for 10 years and still is enjoying a normal life.  MS is different for everyone, but it is possible to live a relatively normal life even if you do have it.

I am here whenever you need to talk.  I understand.  If you feel that the symptoms are concerning, go to your PCP and talk to him (or find one you can talk to) ask them what this could be and to run the tests.  Asked to be referred to a neuro or MS specialist if you want to know if it is MS related.  

Have you had relapses of symptoms or is this the first one? Let me know what else I can help you with and hopefully some of the other wonderful people here will be able to help as well.
Tahiri