MS ?? or Disc or both

[janbubears]

Hi Folks well here goes. I started with a numbness in my left arm over 5 months ago, i was initially sent home from work with this problem. I went straight to my GP who conducted an ECG which was ok, but he refered me to a neurologist.

In the meantime my sister works at a private hospital and got me in to see a spinal surgeon. When i was examined by him he thought i had a herniated disc ( think thats right ) in my neck, at this point i did not have any neck pain.

To cut a long story short - i have now been refered back to a neurologist because a swelling was found on my spine ( not told where about just said neck area) after my first MRI. I had a second MRI with contrast, and a brain scan. I have now after 5 month got horrendous pain in my left arm, although its numb - i have a feeling of something burning and crawling around in my arm. My neck is absolutely killing me, i cant even bend my neck to eat my meals. I have aching and painful feet also.

I am now on anti depressants because i was experiencing horrible detached feelings like i was losing my mind. very scary.. this only started at same time as pain got worse. I am still in agony can hardly use my left arm hand fingers are numb pins needles also in my feet .

I have now been told my mri showed a number of areas in my brain within increased  signal - but seem quite a long way from ventricles. demyelination does remain a possibility this was wrote by my Neurologist.. I have a history of lower back pain for years, which seems to flare up now and again. I have also had a few dizzy spells ..Please help i do not want to self dx but if these symptoms seem familiar in first stages of MS with anyone please tell me .

I am now awaiting a Lumber puncture appointment, a 3rd MRI and neurologist is advising on a 3 day course of intravenous methyl prednisolone.

Had 3rd MRI and going gor LP on 14th July

Jan xx

[silkcut]

Hi janubear and welcome!

Gosh, that sounds like a right muddle with all that pain and the tests and possibilities. No wonder you're feeling beside yourself - as jibby says, feel free to rant!

Many of us have been through similar experiences where the medics aren't sure of what's going on and your pain gets worse and they give you different drugs in a sort of process of disease elimination.

Obviously we can't diagnose and, yes, you're right, so many diseases look like MS and vice versa, but one thing's for sure: you really shouldn't have to put up with this level of pain and disability. Can you go back to your GP and ask for effective pain relief and maybe even a referral for a second opinion if you feel it may be necessary?

Please do let us know how the lumbar puncture goes - and how you're doing anyway...

bestest wishes
sammyxxx

[jibjen]

Hello janbu,

Welcome to the forum. I am so sorry you are going through this. I am not an expert by far and have similar symptoms as you. As far as I have learned, MS can present in so many different ways and so differently with each individual, as well as there are so many mimics of MS too.. I havenot had an LP yet, my neuro is not ready he says..but have also had MRI of brain and EMG. My EMG was normal, I was told..I have not been put on any meds and MRI shows approx. 20 lesions...

I know how you feel as do alot of people on this forum.I hope some other members will chime in as well..For now, please stay with us and vent when you need to vent and update us.

Be well Jib Jen