Hi all. I have recently been told that there is a strong possibility that I have ms. I had an MRI scan in 2010 for what the doctor suspected was sciatica. The scan showed inflammation in the white matter around my spine, which the consultant at that time told me was a virus and was nothing to be concerned about, so naturally I put it out of my head! Since that, I have always sort of had a sore back but I have quite a physical job working as a shop assistant so put I down to that. Then in February of this year I took part in an intense fitness course in which I really hurt my back doing Russian twists. Along with general back pain, I had pins and needles in my hands and feet and a vibrating or shuddering sensation going down my back when I moved my neck in a certain way. I also had a severe shooting pain down my left leg and up the left side of my back which felt like it was stemming from my hip. Not being a huge fan of the doctors, I decided to go to a physio myself to sort out the problem. The physio I chose uses a form of alternative therapy which for the life of me I cannot remember the name of, but involves placing two hands on various parts of my body and using my pulse to take away tension in my body. He suggested that I had slipped discs which were nipping a nerve caused by a car accident I had in July 2012. After a few session the worst of the pain left and I was happy to not see him again. Then just a few months ago the pain came back. All of the above symptoms reoccurred but this time worse, with my whole left side going numb. Again, I went to a physio but chose a different one this time on recommendation of a friend. She used the more traditional method of massage and on my first visit told me she would rub me but would be happier if I saw a doctor before our next appointment. When I went to the doctor he told me he though it was the nipped nerve thing and referred me for another MRI, which I had done two weeks later. At the time I thought I had gotten the MRI so quickly because my doctor is a brilliant man!! Then I got the phone call to see the consultant almost 4 weeks later. They rang me on Monday night at 9pm for an appointment on Wednesday at 9am. I thought this was sudden but imagined I had got a cancellation. Turns out they had only just read the MRI and wante me on as soon as they could. The consultant carried out various tests, reflexes, eyesight, coordination etc, then went to consult with another doctor before telling me I was being scheduled for a lumbar puncture because it was possible I had ms. This came as a huge shock to me as I went to the hospital expecting to come away with a referral for a physio or choropractor!!! I also didn’t have anyone with me, as I wasn’t concerned about the appointment. The white matter in my previous MRI has considerably increased. So, totally shocked I drove home, told my parents and rang my gp. He said he was expecting my call, as ms was the diagnosis he had suspected all alon but couldn’t tell me so I wouldn’t worry in the meantime. He asked me to come in to see him the next day. I told a small number of family members, who of course all told me not to worry and that it probably wasn’t anything to worry about. Then I went to the doctor and he basically told me that he suspects that the lumbar puncture will be to confirm a diagnosis and that he was 98% sure that I had it! So, now I have to wait until end of jan/ start of GeV for my lumbar puncture, and have a few questions. Also, I am 24, female and there is no history whatsoever in either side of my family of ms. So, is the lumbar puncture as painful as they make out on tv?? I have to say I am quite scared of it! The consultant advised me to take a few days off work after as it can cause bad headaches. How were your side affects? How long does the actual procedure take? How long will it be before I get my results? The consultant told me not to take any aspirin a week before the procedure, as it thins blood. Would you recommend that I don’t drink alcohol as well? Has anyone else had these symptoms? Also, I sometimes have small black dots floating around my eyes, especially when I am reading on my iPad, which I looked up online and it told me they were floaters and nothing to be concerned about. Since this new news, I am wondering of they are also a symptom that I should inform my doctor of? I am so sorry about this long post but I would love if anyone would take the time to read it and help me out!
Hi What a shock this has all been for you! It sounds like you have a great doctor, that will be a great help to you. I have floaters in my eyes too, was told they’re perfectly normal. But wouldn’t hurt to see an optician if you are concerned. The lumbar puncture is quite a straight forward procedure. The possible side effects do vary between people. I was pre warned by my neuro that women in their twenties and thirties are more at risk of getting the headache afterwards, which had me worried, but I had no headache at all, just a tender back for a couple of days. The procedure itself didn’t hurt as the area was numbed first. Only took me about 20 mins, but then had to lie flat for an hour afterwards. Caffeine is meant to help ward of the headache so drink plenty of coffee and coke. I had my results done as an emergency, but think the usual waiting time is around six weeks. The fear for me was much worse than the reality! Hope all goes well for you. Lx
Hi Smallie
I have not had a LP carried out but I do get the floaters in front of my left eye. This is the eye which started aching a few months ago and felt as though I had dirt in it. Which I haven’t lol. The floaters are worse for me in a white coloured room.
I’m not sure but if you are worried then noone can force you to have a LP and I think that it might not be that conclusive anyway.
At times, I get severe pain in my back if I twist funny, which lasts for days and to be honest I wouldn’t let anybody near mine with a mitton on, let alone a needle.
Thank you leora and number08 for reading my very long post! I’m feeling a bit down today because my back is particularly sore and it just reminds me of what I might have! To be honest, I think once I get t diagnosis I will be ready to take on whateve is necessary to help me stay well, but this waiting and waiting for the lumbar puncture is really leaving me feel torn and unsure of myself! Although I am worried about the lumbar puncture, it is probably the results that’s playing on my mind more so. And leora, my doctor is an absolute gentleman, always thought that even before this blow. I can’t even explain the shock that just hits me out of nowhere. I will be fine for a few days and the next thing I will remember and I just get that hit by a jus feeling all over again! And of course, being me, proceed to bawl my eyes out involuntarily! Sorry, what a horrible way to be feeling on New Year’s Eve! Xx
Hi Smallie, I sympathise as I’m in limbo as well. I’m due to have my MRI very soon. I asked about lumbar punctures when I saw my neurologist and she didn’t seem very enamoured of them. Funny how opinions vary so much. So although I haven’t experienced an LP, I have had an epidural, which is also a needle in the spine. It felt odd but it really wasn’t too bad. I’m not sure how comparable those are. Wishing you Happiness, Clarity and Peace in this New Year 
Hi again, No the roller coaster of emotions is not a nice ride to be on. Many a time I have desperately wanted to get off, but now I have learned to accept there will always be highs and lows and It will get better. once you get some answers and you can focus on the future more, get some control back. When I was in limbo I just tried to take each day at a time and try and find one thing everyday to make me smile. Remember this too shall pass, and even if you are dx with ms life is still yours for the making, you might just need to make a few adjustments along the way. Wishing you a very happy new year, let us all know how you get on 
Lx