Hi everyone, I’m not too sure if this is the right place to post but I am so scared and have no one to turn to. I’ve not been diagnosed with MS as I am too scared to get tests done but I strongly believe I could have it. My symptoms started when I was around 13. I had this weird brain fog sensation that I still have to this day. It comes and goes but I can only describe it as feeling a bit drunk and numb to surroundings. I’m fully aware of what’s going on around me but it just doesn’t feel real some how. This is the symptom that is hardest to explain and very draining. Next I have random leg and shoulder jerks which are extremely random and I find it hard to stand still when stood up. I also have freezing hands and feet and sometimes my toes and pinky finger go numb, most recently my shin has been a bit tingly. I also have anxiety and there are times when I find it hard to control my face. I know I can’t be diagnosed on here but I have a couple of questions to ask. 1) Does this sound like typical MS 2) Does it sound like Motor Neurone Disease (I’m so scared it’s this) 3) If it was MS, can I still live a normal life (live till 80 and not be some wheelchair bound) 4)What should I do next? any help is appreciated. Thanks! Tegan.
Hi Tegan
You need to unload all this to your GP.
S/he is the one who can refer you onto a specialist if s/he thinks it appropriate.
You need to take control of your anxiety, explain to your GP who may try you on a mild antidepressant, Citalopram is what my GP prescribed. It takes the edge of anxiety without turning you into a zombie.
So what you need to do is:
see your GP
calm the anxiety down (I don’t know if you are familiar with mindfulness.
I attended a course on Mindfulness Meditation which has really helped. You can do it online at Breathworks Mindfulness Meditation.
Stop overthinking it!
Could be something as simple as hormones!
Let us know how you get on because we worry when we read posts like yours.
Avoid stress, don’t give it headroom.
I think that 13 is a bad age for most of us. I was the b**ch from hell overdramatising everything which sounds like what you are doing.
you are 19, so instead of thinking that something is wrong with you, focus on acting your age.
I feel very sorry for teenagers in this covid era.
Be kind to yourself.
Hi Tegan, I agree with everything that Carole has said! Everyones MS symptoms can be slightly different, but the basic ones are the same. Most of yours sound different to mine. You do need to be referred to a specialist, which one depends on your GPS decision. So you do need to stop self diagnosing, as Carole says you need something for stress levels!
I hope you feel a bit better soon, I look forward to hearing about it.
Kimx
Hi Tegan,
Sorry to hear that you are going through a tough time at the moment. As someone who has dealt with anxiety in the past, and is currently experiencing symptoms that could be MS related I can empathise with you.
I agree with the Carole & Kim that you are best speaking to your GP on both fronts, as you shouldn’t have to go through this alone. If anything, being able to unload all the thoughts in your head onto someone else may make you feel better, rather than trying to cope with it all internally, which is not an anxiety sufferers best friend!
And this is by no means a diagnosis, or advice on what you may or may not have, but I have suffered from an anxiety symptom called depersonalization in the past, which sounds similar to what you are describing. For me understanding that it was normal, and that others also suffer from it made it a lot easier to deal with. I used to get it the worst when being in public places, like a super market or shopping centre. Also, to this day I still can’t get my haircut without my head shaking involuntarily, it’s like the more I try and keep still the more my head will shake! Anxiety is a funny thing and can manifest in a number of different ways, which can make it hard to differentiate between an Anxiety symptom and something else, which in turn just adds to the anxiety. Definitely speak to your doctor, but for me a book called ‘At last a Life’, by Paul David completely changed my perception and outlook on Anxiety, and as a result helped me immensely. I would recommend anyone with Anxiety to read it (as well as seeking advice from a doctor).
I hope some of this information helps.
Hello Tegan
I’m sorry you’re faced with these strange feelings and fears. At 19 you should be looking forward to the future, not dreading a potential life changing diagnosis.
In my (utterly unqualified and non-professional) view, it’s most unlikely that you have either MS or MND. But, as Carole, Kimmie and Chris have said, you should see your GP (or have a phone consultation at least) and see if s/he thinks a referral to a neurologist or other specialist is needed.
MS is very unusual at such a young age, particularly as you’ve said your issues began at the age of 13. It is true that MS is different for everyone, and that one persons symptoms can be completely different to the next. Some of your symptoms might appear to be like symptoms which appear in MS, but without a neurological examination, it’s impossible to say whether they are due to neurology let alone MS.
MND is even less likely. The average age for MND is in a persons 60s or 70s. So to be showing symptoms of MND at your age would be very strange.
Both diseases need a neurologist to diagnose. And for that you need a referral from your GP.
Certainly, your anxiety should be addressed and I’m sure your GP will focus on this as much as on a neurological diagnosis. just_chris gave some useful insight into one kind of anxiety. Carole gave some information about mindfulness which can help with stress and anxiety. It definitely seems that worry, fear, stress and anxiety need to be addressed for you to relax, forget about possible neurological illness and start living your life as a 19 year old.
There’s no way anyone could predict whether or not you’ll be able to live a full and healthy life into your 80s regardless of any diagnosis now. Getting the all clear from your GP from neurological conditions would be the first step to feeling confident about this.
Best of luck with your GP. If you are unable to get an appointment at this time, look at your surgery’s website and see if they have an ‘e-consult’ system in operation.
Sue
Dear Tigan, guess I’ll be repeating the other replies, but please…do go see your GP and get the ball rolling with important examinations and tests.
MS is a concern but MND is worse and will frighten the chuff out of anyone.
It all might be something totally different and you’ll think how much you worried for something easy to treat.
Of course you’re bound to worry…but…
Boudsx