Hi,
Sorry for the long post trying of offer as much info upfront as possible. I am a 45 yr old male married with 3 kids, self employed and I am worried that I may have MS or some other Neurological problem, been to the Docs possibly only 3 times in my life before this occurred:
My symptoms started approximately a year ago completely out of the blue when the middle fingers of both hands went numb. I did consult my GP as it persisted for many week and then eventually after about 6-8 weeks it gradually went away. During the past 10 months or so after this occurred, I have been feeling increasingly tired with stiff aching joints and limbs, prompting me to visit my GP again in February 2012. I have now had bloods taken on 2 occasions and although there were a few issues no major concerns except very low Vit D. Since March I have been taking a high dose of Vit D supplement initially 10,000 IU / Day for 1 month then reducing to 5,000 IU / day after 1 month which I am still taking. I am also taking a single multi-vitamin.
Main Symptoms:
Tight Throat (Constant) feels strange like a slight obstruction but no choking and can eat / drink nornally.
Pins and Needles (initially constant for first 2 weeks then turned intermittent still the same after 5 weeks)
Numb Arms (after pins and needles turned intermittent my arms felt numb but this subsided after a few days now just intermittent tingly pins and needles)
Numbness in Left side of face from cheek to Jaw.
Weak bladder control, not complete loss of control or incontinent just weak flow.
I have explained all of this to my GP but he has offered no idea as to what could be wrong. I have been referred to my local Hospital where I had a full physical Neurological exam and a nerve conduction test, the result of that seems to be (verbal at the time not had official Dx) that I have Carpel Tunnel (this would not explain the intermittent pins and needles and twitches in my legs and feet that started to occur the same time as my arms?) Been told it will be 2 to 3 weeks before a follow up with Neuro so sitting in Limbo at present.
Symptoms to Date as they occured:
During 2011:
Numbness in both middle fingers, started feeling progressively tired with muscle and joint pain.
February 2012:
Appointment with GP for blood test results:
(ALT/SGPT slightly above range, Serum Bilirubin slightly above range, Plasma Viscosity slightly above range, Serum urate slightly levels above range, Low Vit D)
(2nd Blood test 1 month showed later these were improving).
3rd March 2012:
On doctors advice started taking 10000IU Vit D3.
10th March:
Feeling a little better more energy not as many joint pains.
18th March:
Virus (Flu / cold) type symptoms, started feeling irritable, dizzy, and forgetful, depressed, found it difficult to function properly in job. Poor concentration and ability to think and function clearly, nausea, loss of appetite, throat very tight uncomfortable swallowing. (Put this down to stress / anxiety but 4 weeks on still have tight throat when swallowing occasional pins and needles and tightness in arms).
22nd March:
Virus symptoms cleared but developed constant pins and needles in hands and feet.
31st March
Slight feeling of numbness in left side of face from cheek to jaw, pins and needles and slight numbness in hands, arms, feet and legs. Intermittent twitching in fingers and arms and some leg muscles, which disappear after very short time then return randomly. Difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite and nausea, constant tightness in throat felt mainly when swallowing, Irregular bowel movements, loose light coloured stools bouts of mucous diarrhoea. Spells of feeling “not quite with it”.
12th April
Pins and needles with intermittent slight burning sensation with numbness in hands and arms. Intermittent twitching of random muscles in hands and legs. Intermittent feeling of slight loss of sensation in left side of face from cheek to jaw.
17th April
Pins and Needles have got slightly better not there constantly anymore but still come and go daily. All other symptoms persist.
22nd April
Pins and Needles in Arms Hands Legs and Feet still slightly better (not there as often), numbness has generally improved twitching in arms / hands legs still persists but is random and infrequent still a “several times a day” ocurrance. Still have slight tight obstruction feeling in throat all the time and has never subsided during the past 6 weeks or so.
Other:
Bladder function seems slightly impaired, urine generally trickles out rather then being able to force it out (have had prostate exam which was fine).
Irregular and inconsistent bowel movements mostly watery with mucous or runny.
Rapid weight loss (1st 4lbs in 6 weeks).
Suffering from Acid reflux for many years, Hiatus hernia
Joints are weak and crack when inactive then move.
Medications
Lansoprazole for Acid reflux / Hiatus Hernia (stopped taking 3 weeks ago), Ranitidine (still very rarely take when required), Vitamin D 5000IU / Day, Multi Vitamin 1 / day.
I don’t know where to turn, I know some of the symptoms are probably stress and anxiety but the throat is there constantly and Pins and Needles have been around for a while now (over a month) and the feeling of numbness has been scary on occasions but has never prevented me from walking normally or using my arms.
Any advice would be very much appreciated, I am considering paying for a private MRI, have made enquiries the once being offered locally is a GE T1.5 scanner would this be of any use? Cost is around £800 for Brain and Full Spine with contrast. Worried for my future and for that of my Wife and 3 kids as I main earner self employed so need to remain well and active
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