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Posted 2/1/2017 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi. I'm brand new to this forum. I do not have an MS diagnosis as of yet, but I can't for the life of me, think of anything else I could have other than MS. On July the 3rd, 2011, I had a sudden, scary episode of dizziness, followed by days of fatigue, tingling in my legs and face, mostly on my right side, light sensitivity and balance issues. My family doctor proclaimed it a "neurological virus" and said it was probably nothing to be too concerned about. She did order me a cranial MRI, which came back negative for lesions or other disorders. My symptoms did get a little better over several months, but they never subsided entirely, so I insisted upon seeing a neurologist, who listened to my story, poked around on me with a pin a bit, had me do some agility exercises and told me there was nothing wrong with me and sent me on my way. Since that time, (about 4 years) I have experienced mild to moderate vision, sensory and fatigue issues on a daily basis. Recently, I have developed a background hum/whine in my ears, tingling and mild numbness in my right hip, leg and foot that comes and goes, and heaviness in my upper arms. My family doctor has ordered another MRI that is in the process of being scheduled. I hope I have not been too long winded, but I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions regarding my condition. I sometimes feel overwhelmed and depressed because of my condition. I know SOMETHING is wrong with me and I want to find out what it is so I can fight it. I am only 52, and I have a lot of life ahead of me. I just want to feel normal again.



I have given your post a heading so more people will see it.

Post Edited By Moderator (straydog) : 2/2/2017 7:00:59 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/1/2017 1:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Meagan's Dad and welcome to HW.

Clear MRIs and a normal Neurological exam/evaluation makes MS unlikely and why the Neurologist couldn't find anything Neurologically wrong. Those with MS will not have completely normal Neurological exam/evaluation. Your family Dr. can do a Neurological exam, if that exam is normal and if your newest MRI comes back normal then your symptoms are more than likely due to something other than MS.

There is no symptom exclusive to MS, many other conditions, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, some medications and mental health problems can cause symptoms similar to those seen in MS. I do hope you upcoming MRI puts your mind at ease about having MS.
Posted 2/1/2017 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Snoopy. I am certain something is wrong. I am just not "me" anymore. My testosterone levels are the lowest my doctor has ever seen for a man my age, and they went from normal to non-existent right after my first scary episode in 2011. My doctor put me on testosterone cream for a few months, but took me off because of an enlarged prostate and a strong family history of prostate cancer. The neurological symptoms never completely go away, and increase in intensity when I am the least bit tired or stressed, and they frighten the life out of me! I know I'm not crazy or imagining things. This is real and I just want to understand what is happening to me so I can fight back! Your post was reassuring regarding my likely not having MS, but I've got to find out what the heck is going on even if it bankrupts me! I cannot and will not continue to live in the dark about my condition!
Posted 2/2/2017 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Megan's Dad & welcome to Healing Well. The low T level will cause fatigue & the lower the T level is, the more fatigue. However, I do understand the reason your dr stopped treatment for that.

As for the vision situation I would see an ophthalmologist for an evaluation to make sure something isn't going on there. Do not waste your time on an optometrist, they are fine for a vision test but the other specializes in diseases of the eye. I am by no means indicating you have an eye disease at all.

Next, I would also ask to be referred to ear specialist to be evaluated for the issues you have going on to see if there is anything going on there. Issues with ears can cause balance issues too.

With so many different symptoms going on at the same time your dr will not address them all at once. It will be a process of elimination. With that being said keep with your dr on addressing each thing & it may take a few appts to get them addressed. In other words, in todays environment often we have to advocate for medical care & thats ok.

The above symptoms you describe, I am thinking like Snoopy, this is not MS. There are so many things out there that mimic so many different conditions that it can be overwhelming & instill pure fear in a person. One of the phrases I use a lot, is Dr. Google is never right so maybe stop looking symptoms up it will only stress you more.

Keep us posted on what you find out. Take care.
Posted 2/3/2017 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the advice, straydog. It seems like a sensible plan of attack. I appreciate both you and Snoopy taking the time to reply. I go for my cranial MRI tomorrow (Friday, Feb. 3rd). I am determined to get my issues figured out. Almost 5 years is way to long to live day to day hoping you will get better, only to continue to have symptoms that keep you living in fear and uncertainty. I will share any news that may shed light on what is going on with me. Thanks again!
Posted 2/8/2017 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
Got results of my MRI today. All was normal. I am following up with my GP in 6 days. I still have the hissing/whining in my ears and intermittent tingling in my scalp, hip and foot, mostly on my right side, along with fatigue and vertigo. I do plan to ask for a referral to a good ear specialist. I saw an ENT doctor about 3 years ago that diagnosed me with sleep apnea, and I have been using a cpap since then. I also had an ENG test about 3 years ago and passed the caloric part, but failed the visual acuity part, but neither the ENT or my family doctor thought that was any big deal. I really appreciate the kind words and advice I have gotten on this page, and I am not going to give up until I get to the bottom of this and start feeling like myself again.
Posted 2/8/2017 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the update. I'm glad MS was ruled out. Hang in there and keep up the good fight in looking for answers.
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