Hi. I’m new to the site and this is my first post. I went to my go 2 weeks ago after having some strange symptoms for the previous 4 weeks or so. I explained I had been having pins and needles sensations in both legs and feet, and they felt very weak and heavy. Electric shock sensation to my right upper thigh, hip and groin which is very unpleasant. Also very fatigued by lunchtime each day despite sleeping well. She did some checks on my legs and ruled out anything vascular. She commented that some of my reflexes were over responsive and non symmetrical. She contacted the neuro at my local hospital to ask for advice and I now have a neurology appointment but waiting time is 10 weeks.
In the 2 weeks since seeing my go I am also now experiencing dizziness, and a general feeling of being off balance, like my tracking is out. This isn’t all the time but comes and goes. The pins and needles also go down the right side of my face, upper chest and arm now. I’m definitely more clumsy than usual and will occasionally walk into door frames. Brain fog is awful, but I have had an under active thyroid for over 11 years so am kind of used to that!
Like most, googling my symptoms brought me here to this site and reading leads me to wonder whether I have had symptoms before over the years. I went to opticians approx 5 years ago with a persistent painful ache behind my right eye. They didn’t pick anything up specifically but I have had stronger prescription glasses every 12 months since with my eyes becoming poorer each year. I have 3 aunts with ms so have a little knowledge of the condition but whether it fits with my symptoms I won’t know until I have some tests, and that leads me to my question lol
Ive been reading posts for the last few days and many seem to have mri’s prior to seeing a neurologist, I have no appointment for any specific tests or examinations as yet just the one to see a neuro, is this normal?
What happens if by the time I see the neuro my symptoms have gone? Will tests show the same results or will I just be sent away with no tests and a wait and see what happens outcome?
I think it depends on the doctor and how “urgent” it is deemed to find out the problem.
I too have many symptoms like yours, vertigo, fatigue, hyper reflexes, babinski, roberg, and more.
my GP has mentioned MS in my referral letter, No MRI ordered either. In fact was told the neurologist personally looks over the referrals, then gives you an appointment based on that. Having mentioned MS as a possibility I kind of thought I would be seen sooner than 13.5 weeks, but that’s just how it goes.
I think they like to make us go crazy, and start obsessing over every little change we notice.
Best of luck with your neuro appt when it finally comes around. let us know how you get on.
and I forgot to mention. maybe if they are expecting to make a diagnosis, perhaps they give you a later appointment date so they can get a better picture of your symptoms, how often they come and go for the “separated in time and space” business required to make a dx supported by history and MRI.
somebody feel free to correct me on this. I am no expert. as trying not to read too much into MS in case it turns out to be nothing.
After almost falling twice yesterday evening my husband said I need to call and get the appointment pushed forward, and I said to him I don’t think they would as like you say, it’s not ‘urgent’.
i have no idea what my gp put in her correspondence. She told me there was definitely a nerve issue, but didn’t know whether that was in terms of a trapped nerve or neurological so said she would outline her findings to the neurologist and let them decide. They decided they want to see me.
I can’t imagine what some on here have gone through waiting years to know what’s wrong with them because already for me every little twinge or new sensation is now a sinister response to an even more sinister and unknown cause.
Your suggestion that they leave time in order for potential symptoms to be separated into clear relapses would possibly be quite useful and sensible. However, I suspect it is nothing so reasonable. I reckon your original thought about ‘how urgent’ the problem is deemed to be may be nearer the mark. But even that may be too sensible for the modern NHS. More likely that’s just the normal length of time.
Having said that, if you have really dreadful symptoms like for instance, your legs completely failing you, incredibly painful head / eye pain that doesn’t go away with over the counter painkillers and stays with you for days (maybe less time depending on seriousness), symptoms resembling a stroke (Face, Arms, Speech see Stroke - NHS) or anything else that appears very serious and makes you want immediate help, then go to A&E.
It’s horrible having the spectre of MS hanging over you, and yet if if is to be a diagnosis of MS, you want to get on with it asap. Something you could try, either of you, is phoning the neurologists secretary (or just phone the hospital and ask for the neurology admin team / look up the name of one of your hospitals consultant neurologist and ask for their secretary) and ask if your appointment could be brought forward.
Some people get a referral from their GP to a private neurologist and pay for their initial consultation, then transfer back to the NHS. It’s worth a try if you can afford it.
Otherwise, if it is MS, it is most likely to be relapsing remitting, therefore whatever symptoms you are currently experiencing will remit. That means they will either completely or partially get better on their own.
I suggest starting to keep a health diary. Write down how you feel, what your symptoms are like day by day. It’s useful to take to your neurology appointment, but it’s also useful for you, to look back at later and see whether your symptoms are in fact improving.