very concerned

[someqs17]

Hi,

I'm concerned about potentially having MS. The symptoms lasted for a few days and then they subsided. One week ago I started experienced extreme dizziness and some fatigue again. This is extremely abnormal for me.

The reason I'm concerned about MS is because a few days ago I started getting tingling/numbness in my legs. My legs also feel very weak. This has lasted for several days. Also, I read that heat can make MS worse...well, after I took a hot shower today, I started feeling worse and now all my leg muscles feel really sore and achy.

So, dizziness plus muscle weakness plus tingling. I am very worried. I went to my primary doc today and he thought these symptoms sounded too vague and wanted to put me on antidepressants.

I'm really concerned though-- I do not feel like myself, and something is wrong.

Any thoughts?

[LisaJF]

Please take a look at our forum's HEALTH PAGES

If that link doesn't work try this one:  http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/list?cid=36


You will find such useful information here.


Yes, normally when a patient is complaining of neurological symptoms a primary doctor would order a MRI of the brain and the spine (cervical and thoracic) to see if there's anything going on.  BUT, as you read the health pages, especially "How can a person with MS have a negative MRI".

I think if you continue to have your fatigue and paresthesias along with other neurological symptoms, it would be appropriate to ask your primary to refer you to a Neurologist, especially if the primary doesn't order laboratory tests as well as diagnostic tests.

There are tons of blood work a doctor can order:  Vit B12, Vit D, ANA, Thyroid panel, complete metabolic panel (electrolytes), Lyme, RPR (syphilis), Lipid panel, antiDSDNA, RF (Rheumatoid factor), etc.  There's plenty more.

As I said, i fyou are continuing to have these neurological symptoms, I would urge you to be a bit more assertive in getting answers as to why you are getting them.  It's your health and an antidepressant pill was a way to shove you along and give you a pat on the head saying, "Yes dear, try this".  

Lisa

[someqs17]

Thanks so much for getting back to me.

I know- I couldn't believe he did that. I got standard endo bloodwork done, and I guess since that was normal, he thinks I'm fine, but something is definitely not fine.

Yeah, I hate when they tell you it's in your head. Ugh...so annoying.

What sort of bloodwork would I need? I thought the way to test for MS was via a MRI or something.

[LisaJF]

Honest thought?  Your primary md sounds like a d|ckhead.  You say that you have these neurological symptoms that are out of the blue, never had them before in your life, symptoms that are lasting for days....and phucking wants to put you on antidepressants?!?!?!


Did your primary do any blood work? Like try B12 levels, Vit D, do a complete metabolic panel...perhaps?  Hello?

I have like zero tolerance for MDs who don't listen and chalk things up to psychological.  

My opinion, give that primary one more shot and call the office to call you back.  Arrange some questions on a piece of paper. Such as, "What inspired you to place me on an antidepressant? Or What is your clinical indication for doing so?"  "Do you think you should order some blood work on me to ensure that my Vit B12 (You can google vit b12 deficiency) is within normal limits....include the other blood tests as well.  

If I'm wrong in my assessment of your primary MD then shame on me. I get quite defensive when it comes to patients who entrust their life and health status with the medical profession and they fail them miserably.

Please let me know why he did order you the antidepressants?  Do you have a history of depression?

Welcome to the forums too!

I can understand your concern for MS.  But there are a few things your primary would have to test (bloodwork) first and then a referral to a Neurologist since you are experiencing neurological symptoms.

Dont forget to get back to us!

Lisa