New member

Hello everyone, I have just learned that on the day after my 59th birthday Nov. 24 that I have MS. DR. first thought I had a stroke but after 3 MRI they say it is MS.  Have like needle and pins in my right arm and hand and was having trouble walking the first week but that seems to have gone away.the hand seem to be getting worse.  I can't get into to see my neurologist till Dec. 11 ,can't wait this hand numbness is driving me crazy.  Do you think waiting this long to see the doctor is going to harm me in any way?  Tell you the truth before this I knew nothing about MS, so any help will be great. thank you

Hi Jerrehow,

Welcome to the board.  I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  I too, was misdiagnosed with a stroke.  Rhonda is correct.  Your numbness will either get better over time or you will get used to it, but it won't be "fixed" at that appointment.  The good news: there is almost never an emergency with MS.  By the time you are feeling the symptoms.....the damage has been done.  Don't worry about your appointment being a few days away.  It is plenty soon enough. 

Please feel free to post often and let us know how you are doing.

Most people with MS find some relief from the IV steroid, solumedrol.  It is very hight dose (1,000 - 1,200 mg per infusion ).  I have not heard much relief from oral steroids though.  Hang in there, you will feel better.  This flares and then remits.  You are obviously in a flare.  Get as much rest as possible and take very good care of yourself.  Eat really healthy and drink lots of water and rest.  You will give your body the best change at resting and cooling that flare. 

Good luck and keep us posted.

Welcome

Glad to see your on the forum so early in your journey.  Keeping seeking answers, keep looking, and most of all

Don't pity yourself.

Robert

Post Edited By Moderator (rhondab) : 1/6/2009 12:50:33 PM (GMT-7)

Jerrehow,
Welcome my friend. You have found such a good group who understands what you will be going through in the months ahead. I was diagnosed in June, 2006 with Relapsing/Remitting MS. It was all new to me then too. I read as much as I could on it and I still read up on it. There is so much one can learn about MS. In May, 2007 my Neuro re-diagnosed me with Primary Progressive MS and started me on CellCept Pills. In January of 2008 he took me off of them and sent me to Chicago to see Dr. Stefosky where he gave me 7 Treatments of Cytoxin, which I thought helped a lot. Well, it was only short-term and after 3 months with no treatments, I was started on Tysabri. I got 5 of those Treatments when my Neuro took me off of them in September, 2008. I am still waiting to begin my next treatment which will probably be Cytoxin again. Cytoxin is such a dangerous treatment that my Current Neuro here in Idaho Falls won't deal with it so he will be sending me to someone local who does. I am just waiting for the Treatment directions from Dr. Stefosky. It's a long road that we have ahead of us. You will just have to try and be patient and always, always, lean on the people who know what you are going through for support! Good luck my friend and God Bless. By the way, I have had numbness in my right hand for more than 4 years and I still am able to use it, just not at full strength!