Hi all
Not sure what I am hoping to gain by writing in here but my story so far…
Last November I had numbness in my left hand. Lasted one month roughly then went. GP initially suspected carpal tunnel but as it cleared up, i thought nothing more of it.
On the 16th february, i came home from work with pins and needles in both feet. Across one week, the numbness had spread up both legs and across my waist. As it relieved from my legs it continued across my chest and into both hands. I still have bilateral numbness in both hands and dulled sensations across the area you would wear a bra.
The GPs had me referred really quickly to neurology as at the time, i was having difficulty walking. On Monday I had an MRI with contrast. This morning my neurologist called me to tell me i have MS. She said she hated having to ring but her next outpatients appointment was June and she is urgently referring me to an MS clinic. She also suggested that they may see me quickly to get me on a course of steroids although she said that as my symptoms started in February, they might not do that.
She said her diagnosis is due to multiple old lesions on my spinal cord and in my brain. Plus 4 active lesions now in areas that match my symptoms. She said i had 3 on the spinal cord and 1 on the brain that lit up in the contrast MRI.
I must admit I wasnt expecting such a quick diagnosis. And part of me is hoping that it is too soon to have such a diagnosis… is it possible she is wrong?
I am slightly devastated and scared. I dont know what to expect until I see the clinic that will take over my longer term healthcare plan.
Hi there, sorry to hear your story. I remember it being such a shock when I was diagnosed back in 2008. From what you’ve described it does sound very likely that you have MS unfortunately. I guess it will take time for you to process the news and that’s completely normal. The good news is that you now have an explanation for your symptoms. When I think back to before my diagnosis I can see that some of the things that happened to me weren’t exactly normal so the diagnosis made it all make sense and in a weird way it was a comfort as it explained so much. There are many good drugs nowadays that can help with MS to slow down the progress. Drugs are relatively new to me despite being diagnosed in 2008 as you weren’t offered them back then unless relapses occurred more frequently. Do your research and it may be a case of trial and error as what works for one person may not work for another. Being diagnosed with any illness is tough. My main advice would be to get on with your life as normally as you can and enjoy every moment. Don’t let MS consume you. I honestly think mental attitude plays an enormous part in how you view the future. You may need to make some life adjustments sure, but no-one really knows what the future holds, MS or not. Put yourself first, be kind to yourself, look after your health, say no to people and things if you don’t feel like it and do the things you enjoy! Ask for help too when you need it. In the old days I never used to tell anyone I had MS, but now I do. You may find other people around you in the same boat, but who you never would have guessed had anything wrong with them. Good luck with everything x
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Thank you for your lovely words. I have done some reading today and can appreciate how fortunate I am to potentially have access to treatments that many people diagnosed previously might not have had.
A lot to take in and digest but I will carry on. I hope you’re doing well? X
Hi 
Can I just jump on here and 2nd what @JuliaR said.
Diagnosis is a shock & a lot to process but once you get your head round it and start finding ways to deal with it (lots of help on here) it does get easier.
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