up date

Well, it's been a busy time for me, emg testing not good, gotta go back to pcp and get a lot of bloodwork done. New pm doc doesn't think that all my neuropathic pain is being caused by B~12 deficiencies. So back to bloodwork if it's not diabetes then it's a good bet that I have MS. I've been so very dizzy lately, it was extremely bad yesterday that I was crawling so if I fell it wouldn't be a bad fall and I've been crying, sommething has to be causing this. I'm getting multi level bilateral steroid injections on the 14th. Don't ya just hate chasing down a dx, good thing my RA is in remission. If I had diabetes it should've shown up on bloodwork by now...hate having the fasting bloodwork. I guess nothing is ever easy.
Many well wishes to all..hurt everywhere today. And the worse part is I could play with my kitties yesterday. (I do have other things going on that could point thiss towards ms)....

Just needed to vent and sorry about going on and on...

Just was crying as it is all getting to me. Thanks Whitebeard, I'm not curently on steroids and been off mtx (methotrexate) since March. Today the dizziness is better, seems to come and go and just being still I can get dizzy.My eye doctor thinks it's MS, and the doc that did the emg thinks its MS as well. But for now I'll fast over night and get bloodwork done tomorrow, thanks so very much for caring, your always so very nice. Depression is a mean bugger...many well wishes...

Chart,

Thanks for the update too. Sorry you still have it so bad. Diabetes at least is something well known and there are many ways to deal with it. Now MS, if that is a real possible, scares me. Perhaps 10 years ago, before the cancer bouts with me, they were suspicious of that with me, and I had to spend a lot of time with a neurologist investigating MS. They finally had me do a Spinal Tap, and it went wrong (of course, what else with me, lol), and all I will say, is that I would never consent to having another one done, not matter what it meant. If there was a number "20" on the 1-10 pain scale, I would call it a "20". I felt traumatized for a couple of years after that experience. Fortunately for me, MS was eventualy ruled out.

And yes, chasing an dx. down is very frustrating at the best, as even doctor's know something is seriously wrong, and they just can seem to pin it down, thus delaying the appropriate treatments for what really ails you.

Keep in touch, and vent freely, hope it helps gets some of this out of your mind at least. We are still here for you, in the cheering section. And please, even on your worse of days, never, ever give up hope.

David in SC

Have you seen a neurologist? Your local MS Society can provide a list of MS specialists in your area. Did you have a bad EMG test or is it bad that you are going to have to have one. EMG tests won't rule in or rule out MS. EMG tests the functioning of peripheral nervous system.

The usual first test for MS following a neurological exam is an MRI of the brain.

How is your vitamin D blood level? That can cause lots of problems too!

I hope you find some relief real soon! Your symptoms are miserable! Best of luck!

Chart

No wonder you have been in tears, not knowing what's wrong is a horrible situation to be in, especially when the possibilities are so daunting. As many have said there is still a chance it might not be as serious as you think. No matter what the diagnosis, the important part is that treatment can begin and you will know what you are dealing with.

I pray you start to feel a bit better soon, and all the results you are chasing allow you to begin a treatment program.

I will be thinking of you

Jane

Hey Chart, you mentioned the emg was not good, do you mean it was not normal, what did it show? If the drs are tinkering with the idea of MS, then get in with a neurologist that specializes in MS. As Gretchen mentioned, you need an MRI or an MRS, both used when trying to get a dx. Eve for drs that specialize in MS, it is a very difficult disease to diagnose.

A friend of ours has MS and the drs here totally were way off base. She saw so many different specialists, once she she saw a neurologist that specialized in dxing & treating MS, she got her life back. Before that she was shuffled from one specialist to another an everyone had a different thought. I honestly do not know she kept it together because she was pretty much blind at that point.

As far as the diabetes goes I am borderline so I do testing every 3-4 months. I wish I could remember the name of the test. This test tells them what my sugar has been for the past 3 months. This was how they dx'd me and the drs said this test is the most reliable and what the drs are using. You need to get your dr to order this one, he/she will know what the test. My husband is battling diabetic and on insulin & oral meds an he was given the same testing for a dx.

I do hope you will get some second or even third opinions here because some of this stuff you are being told sounds questionable. You need real answers. Take care.....Susie

It's good news that your vitamin D levels are normal. Low D is often associated with MS. MSers often have to supplement vitamin D aggressively. Also, sluggish reflexes are not associated with MS. Quite the opposite occurs. People with MS often have "brisk" reflexes along with innappropriate reflex reactions. An MS specialist will know what to test for and how to spot central nervous system dysfunctions. In my opinion, you have an excellent chance of having MS ruled out.

I hope this information can put you at least somewhat at ease. I hope you get answers soon and can find treatment and relief.

Chart good to hear your PCP will make the referral to a Houston neuro that deals with MS if needed to be checked for MS. At least that is one dr that seems to be going the right direction. It gets real frustrating at times when there is multiple drs involved and each saying something different. You are doing fine here answering our questions. Hey, just take it a day at a time.....Susie