Scared...

Hello I’m 23. I’m in the process of going through tests to discover what is wrong. It started four years ago, woke up with numbness, pins n needles, mainly down the right side of my body. Didn’t think much of it at the time, went to my GP, had bloods, came back clear. From what I remember it lasted for about 10 days. Two years later, same again, went to GP, had bloods, came back clear. At this point a friend mentioned MS. I went back to my GP but nothing more was really done. I felt like I wasn’t taken seriously enough. The most recent ‘episode’ was completely different, much worse. I woke up pins and needles, numbness, unsteady on my feet. Electric shock like feeling when I bent my neck down, weakness down right side and complete loss of co-ordination. I seemed to get worse as days went on, by day 3 I went to my local a&e department. I was finally taken seriously. Although nothing was done that day I was told I would be put on the list for an MRI. The majority of my symptoms lasted 6 weeks, with slight numbness lasting a further 4 weeks. I waited 3 months for MRI. Got called back a week later for it to be re-done. Then this week got called in for an appointment. Was told they were not happy with my MRI as ‘white marks’ we’re found on the brain. I then had a lumber puncture (headaches are crippling me now). I’ve been told it may be a few weeks from now for results. I’m worried, it all seems to be leading to MS or am I just being paranoid and over thinking?

Sounds like me a bit, stuck in limbo, try and stay calm as stress don’t help no one, hope it all works out for u xx

Hello anon Your not being paranoid…just worried, which is normal. It’s about just trying to stay calm and distracted, until you get the results. Caffeine drinks can help post lumbar puncture headaches and resting. Good luck with results x

Hi Anon

It’s really hard to remain calm when you have all this going on. Obviously there’s been something not right for a few years, so if you are diagnosed with MS at least you can start doing something about it. There are lots of amazing drugs nowadays and many people live pretty normal lives (albeit with good and bad days).

Despite all the horror stories you read in the papers (the papers are not interested in good news stories) MS is not a life-threatening disease and most people with MS live into their 80’s. If you are diagnosed, you are still very young and there is a really good chance that new drugs that they are bringing out in the next few years will be even more effective than our current DMDs.

Try to keep busy if you can. Also exercise really helps with any numbness and muscle weakness. Also try to talk to someone about your worries (your mum, a friend, sister, etc)

Good luck with your results

Tia

Thank you for your replies, I only joined this forum this weekend, but reading everyone’s stories and discussions have really helped, hopefully I’ll have answers soon. Abbie x