Hi im new to the forum and was looking for some information as im really worried and scared. My Dr has made a referral to a neurologist as he and my physiotherapist think i have MS.
Im a 34 year old mum of 4, 3 girls and a boy. Im also very active, i like to camp, hike etc but for the last 6 months i have been struggling just to pull myself out bed in the morning. All my symptoms are below (the ones i can remember at least, my memory isn’t too reliable these days) im scared that a diagnosis of MS could mean living like this forever and never being able to all the activities i enjoy doing ever again.
it would be helpful to hear from other who have gone through the process and maybe help me find light ahead because right now i feel so frustrated and scared.
i have weakness in my legs, i drop things a lot, i have very little sensation in my right leg, my reflexes are so weak i end with bruises whenever any one tries to test them, i have a positive babinski sign in my right foot, severe pain in my back and hips, pins and needles in my hands and legs that comes and goes, my eyesight is deteriorating (i now have a tint in my glasses as i cant handle the light) my eyes get red, sore and inflamed when i get stressed out, i mix up words, forget simple words, have moments where I completely forget what im doing or what im saying, i have extreme fatigue and of course there is the times when my legs just decide they don’t want to move or hold my body up so i end up on a heap on the floor. i have had 2 visits to a&e in passed 6 weeks, first time my legs gave while i was walking upstairs, i ended up falling back down them and damaging ligaments in my knee. 2 nd time i fell walking out my bedroom and now have a fractured wrist. I also have issues with my bladder ( i regularly have days sometimes weeks where i feel like i need to pee constantly even when i know my bladder isn’t full)
hi missymum
it would be helpful to be referred to occupational therapy - these people help make sure your house is safe for you and will install grab rails in your bath/shower and other such aids.
physiotherapy will help you to keep control of your legs.
the bowel and bladder foundation are brilliant. there are meds for bladder control so don’t grin and bear it. you can self refer to this.
my ms nurse referred to me to all these services when i was diagnosed.
because you are not yet diagnosed, try asking your gp to refer you.
learn how to pace yourself.
in my experience if i do something big, the trade off is feeling zonked for the next few days.
try not to worry too much. it does no good at all and just makes you miserable.
get plenty of cuddles with your kids - the best therapy ever!
good luck
carole x
Hi Carole
thank you for this advice, its comforting to know there is help for all these crazy symptoms. To be truthful i was begining to think i was going insane until my physio began going through all the symptoms with me and explaining that i needed to see my doctor because it wasnt a trapped nerve causing all these symptoms so he called my doctor and sent me to see him as well.
Anyway Thank you
karin
Hi Missy mum. I am also waiting for a diagnosis for MS, and seeing the specialist next month. I’m a mother of 2 and I’m also 34 and trying to get fitter so I can carry on doing things with my munchkins. I was diagnosed with Shingles twice until I had a positive mri scan showing small lesions on my brain and on my spine. At first, I put The tiredness down to having to having my youngest as she’s not a great sleeper and hasn’t been for the last Years. I started off with pain and numbness down my right side which switched to my left 2 years later. I was left With numbness down my left side which has seemed to spread to my right now. All I can say is stay positive and from What I’ve read there’s alot that can help with ms nowdays. Looks like we are starting our battle at the same time. Take care xxx
Putting a name or a label on your condition is not going to change it one little bit.
Any good neurologist is going to try to eliminate MS, or, indeed, any other neurological problems.
If it turns out to be something else - say a vitamin deficiency - this may be curable, so the quicker they find it the better.
A Babinski sign does suggest some spinal problem, but does NOT mean that you have lesions in the brain.
The only advice I can give is to do what you can, while you can still do it.
And, if you drive, get a car with automatic gears. You may need hand controls at some point, and it is best to be prepared.
Geoff
Thank you Chezy and Geoff for taking the time to answer.
Now i have had some time i have gone i to research mode as you say Geoff it could end up being something else. My husband had already suggested we look at automatic cars as I have struggled with the manual for a while, not easy to change gear when half your hand is in pins and needles.
Chezy i hope you get your answer quickly and that you have support. I finally spoke to my husband and family about my worries and about whats going on and they have been amazing.
thank you for your support
Karin