Hello,
I’ve been experiencing increasing symptoms recently and my GP has referred me to Neurology. The average waiting time for an initial appointment in my local NHS trust is around 27 weeks.
I’m having a really difficult time at work at the moment and I’m looking to leave and find a new job ASAP so the stress of this probably isn’t helping.
I have altered sensation and tingling in my left hand, mostly in the middle, ring and little finger. I have intermittent pain and aching in my hand, wrist and arm. I sometimes get burning in my arm.
I’m struggling to carry anything with weight in that hand, if I do my fingers lock up and I’m unable to manipulate my hand or fingers to put the object down.
I’ve also been getting cramp/spasms in top of my left foot which feels impossible to get rid of until it goes away on its own.
I’m also finding my muscles will feel tight and sore without me doing anything.
I’ve had a full range of blood tests which came back clear.
My partner has also noticed I’m sometimes unsteady when walking and I’ve noticed this when I’m running on a treadmill at the gym. I’m also having huge difficulties with my cognition. It’s been put down to my ADHD and trying medication however I don’t respond to any of the medications and it’s been worse since the beginning of the year.
My Dad has MS although I’m not sure which type as I haven’t had contact with him for some time.
I appreciate the diagnosis can take some time and it could be a number of things other than MS. Numerous visits to the GP over the years hasn’t provided any answers.
I had severe Covid in 2021 which left me very unwell for a long time, I’m female and 37 which adds to the suspicions.
I wanted to ask if there’s any support or anything I can do to help myself while I’m waiting for investigations?
I struggle as it is with ADHD and Autism.
I can’t afford sick leave at work and I feel like I’m on thin ice as I struggle so much with brain fog and poor memory.
Any help is appreciated 
Hi Forrester. The MS Trust website has some stuff on how to help yourself while waiting for a diagnosis. In short a) if you smoke then stop b) stay active , exercise but , as ever, don’t overdo it c) relax mind and body - try meditation and/ or mindfulness d) develop a healthy diet, strip out so called junk foods, increase fruit and veg especially those rich in antioxidants and anti inflammatories . All the above are good things to do in themselves and especially good for those with MS. In general I follow the guidelines and recommendations described in the ‘Overcoming MS’ website which also has a lot of info on MS . It’s developed and managed by an Australian Professor of Medicine and his team ( he has MS himself).
Personally I think there is value and merit in the recommendations including using meditation / mindfulness to calm mind and body and lower stress/ anxiety which is pretty bad for MS . Also decreasing intake of saturated fats and increasing intake of ‘brain friendly/supporting’ unsaturated fats. Plus taking Vit D supplements.
The website ( and a book) is a good set of resources and is written with positive recommendations and with an overall positive tone and message . Most if not all of his ideas are now reflected in e.g NHS guidance .
My best wishes to you and my sympathies- I remember that period of being ‘in limbo’
Thank you for the advice.
I’m already starting to change my diet as blood tests picked up that I had borderline high cholesterol so that will hopefully make a difference.
The symptoms I’m having are forcing me to slow down and I have to think about what I’m doing. I’m going to priorities reducing stress which means a change of job (necessary stress!)
I used to be an Occupational Therapy Assistant so I’m trying to tap into that mindset and see what I can adapt. I’ve got a pop socket for my phone so I don’t have to grip it with my fingers. I’ve also invested in a Ninja food chopper which will make preparing veg for dinner so much easier because I’m struggling to hold things with my hand.
I definitely have a look at that website, thank you.
I guess I can only manage the symptoms and keep track of them. I’m hoping it’s just a badly trapped nerve but I guess as time goes on the symptoms for MS more.
It certainly feels like being in limbo but hopefully it won’t be too long before things start moving forwards.
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Have you seen your GP about relief for the symptoms, while you wait for a diagnosis? There are medications for nerve pain. I was on amitriptyline for a while - it can make you sleepy but then, you can take it in the evening. There are other options. You don’t need an MS diagnosis to get pain relief.