Diagnosed with MS - ThinnerTimes

Dayanara · 03-08-2008, 09:27 AM

For the past two years I have had tingling in my fingers and right arm. The severity of it would come and go, causing me to be unable to write/type properly for periods at a time, but I got used to it. My family doctor has been sending me out for tests and treatments for various things from B12 deficiency to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome to carpel tunnel. Never did I think (or him actually) that it would come to this.

About two weeks ago the tingling went down into my right leg, then turned into a painful burning sensation (think when your hands get REALLY cold and then the burning you feel when they start to warm up). I decided to go to the hospital since it became difficult to walk. Last weekend, Saturday, I went to the emergency, waited a grueling 8+ hours (go go Canadian hospitals) and finally saw a doctor. He ordered a CT Scan of my head for the next day and to see another doctor in an emergency outpatient clinic for Monday morning. Had my CT Scan on Sunday, all was normal, so I figured it was not anything serious. But then something happened, I lost movement in my left foot and leg (non-technical term they kept calling it was drop foot)

Went in for my appointment on Monday morning, thinking I was going in to just get appointments for tests, but instead they admitted me immediately into the neurology department of the hospital to begin tests. I knew it was something serious then.

After nerve conduction studies, vision tests, CT Scans, dozens of blood tests, muscle biopsies and MRIs, they gave me the news that I have Multiple Sclerosis. I would be lying if I said I was not upset and scared when I heard that, but thank goodness for family and friends who are here for me and have been helping me keep positive since I was admitted into the hospital.

I was discharged late last night and will be getting the rest of my 5 day steroid treatment at home (thank god...I hate hospitals). Where I go from here, I have no idea. I am going to be seeing a doctor who is an MS specialist and will set up my therapy options and help figure out how severe my case is. The neurologist I had in the hospital said it was Relapse/Remitting MS with a good possibility due to my history that it is secondary progressive. And what all that means is with each "attack" I get it gets worse and worse.

If any of you know someone who has this, or have it yourselves I would love to hear your stories. Thanks.

Zenomia · 03-08-2008, 09:31 AM

Did you have a baby within the last 3 years? I ask because that tends to be a pre-curser to MS. I was diagnosed 6 months after I had my daughter, who is now 10.

The news is hard...My heart goes out to you, I know that 'unreal' feeling.

The good news is sometimes it goes into remission and doesn't progress!! I pray that happens for you!

If you need anything, feel free to PM me.

Dayanara · 03-08-2008, 09:33 AM

Have never been pregnant, nope. I want kids though and I really hope that this does not hinder my ability to have them or be a good mother when the time comes.

I will definitely shoot you any questions I have as they come up, thank you.

Andie · 03-08-2008, 09:33 AM

I'm sorry to hear this!! You are in my thoughts and prayers!

marilynbabe77 · 03-08-2008, 10:13 AM

I'm sorry to hear this and my heart goes out to you! My brother was diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis when he was 18 years of age and a senior in high school. That was 1980. The drug cocktails they now have for Multiple Sclerosis are an amazing help to get the disease slowed a great deal. I will keep you in my prayers!

coptergirl · 03-08-2008, 11:59 AM

Oh Trish - I am so sorry that you got this news. Back in Cali, I have a friend who has had MS fro about 8 years. Between her and her doctor, she seems to have it under control with medication, although she does have her good days and her bad days.

You are in my prayers...you are so strong...I know you will be able to handle this, hon.

Toony · 03-08-2008, 02:19 PM

Hi Trish... I know several people with MS --- symptoms vary from next to nothing to life-altering. There are some amazing new treatments available for you - and I hope your doctors get you going and give you a positive outlook... Try to keep yourself positive, and we'll all keep praying for you!!!

Katie

Nyn · 03-10-2008, 11:16 AM

My thoughts are with you in this difficult time. I can tell you're a strong person since you've recently taken control back of your life with the gastric bypass. May your strength continue in this new battle that you face. (((hugs)))

Dayanara · 03-25-2008, 08:39 AM

I am starting to get really frustrated over this stupid disease and the Canadian health care system.

When I left the hospital they said I should have an appointment with an MS specialist within 2 weeks, now I just found out it could be another month before I see one.

To tide me over my neurologist has prescribed some medications to help with some of my symptoms, but they are not the ones that I really should be on right now. He also has referred me to another specialist to see if another problem I have is or is not MS related. And that appointment could be another 2 months down the line.

So infuriating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I want answers and medications now that will help me, not 5 months from now. *sighs*

Toony · 03-25-2008, 09:17 AM

Hi Trish... I'd just been thinking about - and wondering about you!

The Healthcare System everywhere is frustrating! I know you in Canada have your own set of problems, but they exist here too... I love it when you finally get in to a doctor and they ask why you waited so long... DON'T THEY KNOW???

Can you get on a "wait list" in case there is a cancellation? Would it help if your primary doctor called to see if he can get you in sooner? That sometimes works for us here in the US...

Meanwhile, I'm guessing you're doing a lot of research online...

Feeling your frustration and concerns!

Katie