New, expecting a diagnosis next week, questions

Hi all

I've just found this forum and am wondering if anyone can offer any advice. I am due for an MRI next week to investigate some symptoms consistent with MS: tingling, numbness, pain, vision deterioriation, atrophy in both legs (but more severe in one), ms 'hug', remissions and flare-ups, severity linked to heat, weakness, fasciculations, hyperreflexia, concentration difficulties, walking difficulties, and fatigue. (ALS was another concern of mine although symptoms seem more consistent with MS).

I've had some of these symptoms 'confirmed' by specialists - ie reflex tests, atrophy, clinical weakness, etc, hence the referral for an MRI. However, I do suffer from hypochondriasis and because of this, medical staff investigate symptoms and refer for tests where necessary, but opinions on possible diagnoses are not given. They miss out "well it looks like xxxxx so we'll test" and go straight to "let's test and get a diagnosis". But we all know MS is a strong possibility.

If I'm honest I think I have had symptoms for years, perhaps as long as a decade. I'm aware of my own hypochondriasis and as such try to overcompensate by NOT running to the doctor the moment I experience something. But it's fair to say I've had tingling in my legs for many years and it comes and goes, worse in summer. I had MS in the back of my mind for a while, even mentioned it to my husband years ago, but he laughed and we dismissed it as hypochondriasis 'it's probably anxiety' and didn't seek help because I was concerned about a 'cried wolf' situation as I've had other issues (diagnosed skin cancers) seeing me at the doctor a lot. Anyway, it's only over the past year or so things have become worse and definitely 'real'. So I think my 'type', if I have it, might have changed from one with flare-ups and remissions to one that is progressively getting worse.

Has anybody else been in that situation where a diagnosis was confirmed so long after initial symptoms? I just don't know whether to tell them that I think I've had it for years - they can have no way of knowing and what happens if I'm wrong? How does the 'type' change treatment, (if at all, given that it's clear what I have is progressing right now). I've looked at little charts on line but then get too anxious and tell myself to wait until I am diagnosed by a professional. How common is it to have symptoms that come and go for years and then all of a sudden get a rapid progession that lasts for months?

If you've read this far, thank you. I have another question: If I do get a diagnosis of MS, what does everyone consider the most important question to ask medical staff after getting the diagnosis? I have three in mind. Mostly, I want to know what the chances are my kids will get MS. Question 2, how long I can expect to be able to continue to walk my dogs for - I can no longer run with them and walking is tough. I doubt they can answer? Third, I'll ask if they can give me any medication to stop the symptoms at night so I can finally sleep. I'm shattered.

What else should I ask?

Many many thanks in advance.

Thank-you so much for the reply Snoopy, I do appreciate the time.

Yes, my understanding is that if I do have MS they wont be able to tell me much about the progression because it varies so much. (Perhaps I should refrain from asking when I'll no longer be able to walk, and cross that bridge when I get to it). Interesting about the exercise, I must remember to get a referral to a good physical therapist. I'm guessing if I am diagnosed they will have support staff and all sorts of information; just want to make sure nothing gets missed with taking it all in.

Thanks again and all the best.

There are other ways of treating MS. You must decide how to go. Dr. Swank and Dr. Wahls have diets designed to treat MS.

Post Edited (eat2bwell) : 2/24/2017 10:00:57 AM (GMT-7)