I really have been sitting on the fence about things recently, because I have pretty bad anxiety and I just keep on sucking up how I’m feeling. Thought it might be worth dropping a message on a forum to see what others think.
I’m almost at this point convinced that I have MS. I’ve been trying to piece together all my symptoms or seeing if they can be commonly linked to things I’m already diagnosed with, and nothing has fit the bill nearly as well as MS the whole time. Especially recently, I’ve had a decline in health that has accentuated these symptoms. Instead of writing it in paragraph form, I thought I’d just put a list of the symptoms I’ve been experiencing and if anyone has some insight into if it really is worth pursuing this with my GP, please do let me know. I don’t want to take up their precious time you know.
Balance issues and difficulty walking, especially up and down stairs- it will be consistent but at varying severities over a period of a few weeks or so.
Fatigue- this is one of the symptoms that may be more closely linked to other conditions but it is very prominent even when my other disorders are not affecting me as much.
Vision problems, specifically blurriness in one eye at a time usually, which hasn’t been identified as any eye issues with my optometrist
Bladder issues, which have been ongoing for 5+ years at least, but have gotten worse over the last months.
Numbness in my limbs, especially hands and below the knee.
Joint pains when this numbness isn’t present, or tingling
Consistent muscle spasms, especially in my back and arms
Slow reactions
I really don’t know if I’m overthinking things but my symptoms match up well with the condition and it feels like I do need additional support, I’m considering getting a walking stick to help with the movement and balance issues because I’m injuring myself by falling into things so frequently and concerned that it’ll get worse over time.
Sending lots of kind regards to everyone, look after yourselves.
Phone your GP and ask for a telephone consultation.
I’m sorry to say that it is a complicated process talking to a doctor, thanks to covid.
Bladder issues are tricky because I would normally say get to the bladder and bowel clinic. Again covid has buggered everything up. I was taught how to self catheterise. Maybe the GP can prescribe catheters and perhaps you can learn how to use them online.
Your GP can prescribe pain killers.
Get that walking stick or hiking poles because a bad fall will be a major set back for you.
Keep warm! I am sat next to a very hot radiator (stuff the energy bills) with a furry blanket and I’m still chuffing freezing.
Beanie hats and fingerless gloves are handy to have around.
Now get creative with language re covid. you are allowed to use bad swear words!
I’m really sorry for people hoping to get a diagnosis in covid times.
Well done, piping up on here. You don’t want to bottle this stuff up. As Carole says, talk to the GP. You’re going to do yourself no good, worrying about it alone. Anxiety is horrid, and I am sorry that you are having a miserable time.
Hi Hal, hope you don’t mind me shortening your name there!
I agree with the others, don’t hesitate in getting a stick, or similar! I put it off for a long time. I didn’t want to look old too soon, but once I got one it really helped with my confidence in my mobility, whatever you are diagnosed with. If you buy a stick, get a fishtail handle (left or right handed) it’s more comfortable! Your symptoms mostly sound like mine, but don’t take my word for that as, that’s why it’s difficult to diagnose without investigation.
I don’t think you can take any combination of symptoms and come up with an accurate diagnosis of anything, let alone MS.
I’ve seen any number of lists similar to yours accompanying each one is the question ‘does this look like MS?’ Or ‘should I follow this up with a view to it being MS?’ Also the statement, ‘this seems to fit the diagnosis of MS’.
It sometimes is MS. Sometimes it is but takes months or years to diagnose. More often it’s not MS.
The only way you can find out is by seeing your GP (or filling in an e-consult form, if that’s possible or a phone consultation) and getting a referral to a neurologist. You’d need a neurological examination, an MRI, maybe other tests, for example lumbar puncture and visual evoked potentials. Maybe other tests (vitamin deficiencies would be an easy one).
Asking us on here is a good first step, but it really is a first step. MS has so many potential symptoms. We all experience MS differently so it’s not possible for any of us to say ‘oh yes that’s like me!’ Or rather, even if we did it wouldn’t be meaningful.
Best of luck finding out what’s going on for you. It’s certainly a rough time to be starting medical examinations.