Hello, new to this site and only recently diagnosed (confirmed) with MS. Not sure where to post this query, but here goes.
i have been doing more physical work over the Xmas period than I usually do. Normally I just sit at a desk, but over the last week I’ve been helping my husband dig out a pond and using a dumper truck (without a clutch) to move soil as well as hauling logs for the fire. So generally more tiring and physical and probably stressful driving the dumper with no clutch! As well as enjoying the festive period.
For the last couple of days I have had periods of extremely painful ‘cramps’ with spasms on the outside edge of my left foot going up through my calf up to my knee. Making it difficult to walk, Mostly at night, also causing bladder problems, I had to go to the loo several times and couldn’t hold it at one time. I’ve notice that my legs generally ache, but I’ve had a bad headache for days now and aching of my neck.
although I have a seen a specialist, I am still awaiting my first appointment with the MS team (nurse?) with the first available appointment in May!
Can anyone advise if these symptoms are most likely the MS or should I ask my doctor to check for gout? I’m very confused, and desperate not to put every problem down to MS.
Thank you to anyone for taking the time to read and respond.
You’re doing work your body is not used to so ‘yes’ your MS; if that is a correct diagnosis; is going to react.
Why I say ‘if that is a correct diagnosis’ is the constant headache is not really familiar. Yes MS does cause headaches but they can be far worse and constant with a complaint called Hughes Syndrome or Sticky Blood. See http://aps-support.org.uk/ Don’t think I’m saying all your experts diagnosis is wrong it’s only a possibility and just for a blood tests for APS antibodies you could be on a correct simple drug that can reduce your symptoms or more.
Thank you for responding. The headache and neck ache is just that, an ache or pressure I suppose, perhaps rather than headache. I shall mention to doctor though, thanks.
It’s certainly a good thing to keep in mind that not everything is MS related. And of course if you’ve been doing more manual work this week, then you’d maybe expect aches and pains.
Waiting till May for an appointment with an MS nurse seems a bit much though. Does this mean you’ve not had any conversations with your neurologist or nurse about symptom management and disease modifying drugs? I assume you’ve been diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS, in which case the general recommendation is to start a DMD as soon as possible to help ward off any relapses. Unless of course, you’ve had the conversation and have decided to hold off on a DMD for now.
If you’re having spasms then as Carole suggested, magnesium can help or you could try a drug such as baclofen in a low dose because it can cause weakness.
If you’ve started having trouble with your bladder, don’t forget it could be a UTI which is making you not quite make it to the loo. Or is the trouble with your bladder simply that your walking is slow? Again as Carole said, self refer to the bowel and bladder service for a continence nurse who can come and check your bladder out. An ultra sound scan of your bladder can show if you are retaining too much residual urine.
It does sound like maybe you should see your GP in the short term about your headaches, and if you do think it’s possible, you can get them to check a urine specimen for infection, just in case. If the spasms in your leg continue past a few days, you could ask the GP for a drug to calm them down.
Meanwhile, I’d get the contact details of your MS nurse and see if you can move your appointment forward from May.