So I started getting all these really strange symptoms around 18 months ago, I literally felt like my brain had given up on me. I saw my GP three times and I was being told repeatedly I had anxiety and put on anti depressants which felt so strange being 20 years old and had no real stresses. The symptoms I’ve been getting have been varied, it started with loss of co-ordination and balance, since then I’ve experienced-
Eyes not focussing, white lights in my eyes
Burning, freezing, pins and needle sensations on skin
Hypersensitive skin (if I scratch myself, bang into something, hurt myself, I can feel the pain on my skin for ages)
Loss of memory, (I’ll have food in my mouth and just forget how to swallow it, or I’ll go to read something out loud and I forget how to pronounce letters, or words. I’ll be walking down the street and just forget what I’m doing or which way I should be walking, where I’m going)
I was referred to a neurologist and I’m going for my MRI scan on Friday. I’d like to know if anyone’s got any tips about staying positive whilst going through this process. I don’t want to be full of self pity, but a year ago I didn’t even have a clue what MS was, and it’s just all so overwhelming.
The other question I had was, as soon as you get your MRI scan results, is it simple to then diagnose, as I’ve heard there are a million and one conditions that have similar symptoms.
I know it’s scary, but you’re on the right path to finding out what’s going on and hopefully getting some help - and that’s got to be a positive.
The diagnostic criteria for MS are called the McDonald criteria. In a nutshell, you need to have had at least two attacks or have symptoms that have gradually progressed for a year and have at least two parts of the nervous system that have been affected. MRI is one of the main tests, but it’s not absolute - there are no tests that can say if someone has MS for definite. The neuro has to put together your history & symptoms, the results of your clinical exam and any test results before he/she can make a diagnosis. And, yes, there are many conditions that share symptoms and even test results so it’s not straightforward.
From what you’ve said, it seems like you have symptoms all over your body? This is pretty unusual for early MS so do try and keep an open mind about what the MRI might reveal. Something like vitamin B12 deficiency could cause your symptoms for example - and that’s stoppable with supplements
I hope the MRI goes well and you don’t have too long to get some answers
i’ve been looking for answers for a few years now and had all types of test’s done. finally the answer was ms! was diagnosed on 24th nov so i’m still new at this! all i can say regarding your mri is i got my results when my consultant got back from holiday!! the mri guy told me it took 7 day’s to get the results through and as far as the mri images are concerned then yes it seemed easy, he showed me the pic of my brain and there was a nice white patch!! your symptoms are virtually identicle to mine and i don’t like it either, scary!! was told smoking cannabis helped and i tried and it definetley does, seems to wake me up and clear my head a bit so not was i was expecting!!
oh and the mri machine makes LOADSof noise and it vibrates a bit too, no-one told me so came as a shock
thats about all i know so far so good luck with everything, the journey begins!!
I’m trying not to put myself in a box until I’ve got the results but it’s good to speak to people that have been in similar situations. When I first started getting symptoms I thought I was going mental!
Another thing I forgot to mention was my problems with perception, like I’ll find it really difficult to work out the distance between me to a object, so I’ll go to pick something up and miss. Orrrr, I’ll go to walk up a step and step up before I’ve even got to the step, if that makes sense?!
Whilst I’m on here I also wanted to ask about relationships. I’ve only been with my current boyfriend a few months and given that I’m 20 and he’s 22 we go out pretty much every weekend. I do have some anxiety because of these symptoms, especially in busy places because I get really self conscious that I’m walking funny or I’m going to fall over in front of people. Anyway, we’ve had to come home from a couple of nights out early, and come home from shopping because of the symptoms and anxiety. I’m scared that he’s going to frustrated/bored/annoyed with the situation. Has MS had serious effects on anyone’s relationships?
The missing things sounds like your depth perception is out - this can happen when our eyes don’t work together properly. I suggest you see an optician as a first step. Depending on what they say, it might be sensible to also see an ophthalmologist. Fixing the problem could be as simple as getting glasses. As far as relationships go, yes, MS can affect them - just like any change in circumstances, BUT many of us are very happily married / in long-term relationships. Please don’t let what other people think stop you from enjoying yourself. It’s not like you’re doing any of it on purpose! And the same goes for your symptoms - there is no reason that they should stop you from enjoying yourself. What is it that you are anxious of? Going put and having a good time isn’t going to make anything worse. Do listen to your body an cut back the stuff that isn’t helpful (eg too much alcohol and missing steps probably don’t go together terribly well!), but don’t put your life on hold out of fear! Karen x
Thanks Karen, that’s really helpful. I think the anxiety just started when I didn’t know what was going on, I didn’t even know what MS was and I just started with all these mental symptoms.
You’re so right though, I need to stop worrying and over thinking things. Que sera, sera!
