Suffering with MS symptoms but undiagnosed...

New diagnosis and before diagnosis
1

Hi everyone…

I have been suffering with what I would say are clear MS symptoms for many years. I’m just about to turn 30 and I’ve had symptoms since I was a teenager. Since then I’ve suffered with fatigue/lethargy/general tiredness, constant migraines, blurred vision/aching eyes (although when my eyes are focused my sight is good), ear pain/itching with poor hearing, allergies such as rhinitis and eczema, severe IBS symptoms, sexual problems, and I often feel weak and shaky. Then there’s the mental side. I’ve suffered with depression and anxiety since a teenager too which hasn’t gone away. This also includes my extremely bad memory and severe inability to concentrate.

I’ve been strong and managed all the above symptoms myself by being self aware and my own coping mechanisms. However, the above symptoms combined have affected my lifestyle and also my career. I’ve quit jobs over and over because I cannot function properly. I’ve also lost so many friends, as well as partners.

I have reported almost all of the above individually over the years to my GP, but they are all ongoing issues that seem unsuccessfully treated or ignored. For example, I still suffer with allergies no matter what medication I try or trigger symptoms I look for, I’ve also been on waiting lists for years and years on end to speak to someone about my depression/anxiety, I’ve reported the sexual symptoms and thankfully referred to a psychosexual therapist, although that hasn’t been successful, I’ve tried migraine medication which doesn’t work, and I pretty much get laughed at by my GP when I complain about my severe fatigue.

It’s only recently that I’ve discovered ailments such as MS, and attempting to figure out why all of the above are ongoing. I would really appreciate being examined for MS as I appear to have the symptoms, but I’m afraid of being ignored or laughed at by my GP. I have briefly mentioned it years ago but it was completely dismissed by my GP.

I was hoping to chat to others with MS to discuss whether my symptoms would suggest MS and to receive an examination, and I was wondering if anyone could help with how to approach my doctor or if there is help elsewhere.

Be great to hear everyone’s responses and discuss this, thanks!

2

Hi Pixelboy

What your GP might refer to as your ‘non specific’ symptoms (though they feel specific enough to you I’m sure) could be due to so many different things, one of which could be MS.

I’m afraid there are no quick answers with much of this, it’s a case of watching and waiting (you may have seen about the BBC reporter being diagnosed yesterday after suffering for 25 years with unexplained symptoms). In terms of coping, I have personally found dwelling on symptoms only serves to make them worse (e.g. if I think about my tremors, I tremor more). I’ve found reading up on dealing with anxiety/worry, using relaxation tapes and having CBT helpful in coping with uncertainty - these things would also be helpful if you eventually end up with any diagnosis.

Saying all this, I do think you need to be persistent with your concerns to your GP. I would go back, ask for help, but also ask for further investigations/bloods. Again, voice your concerns about MS - maybe take a family member with you.

Good luck!

Jane