Hi Gretchen1,
Gretchen1 said...
When I was diagnosed, I had just one symptom. Over the years, as my MS has progressed, I’ve added to my symptom list. Each time a had a flare, I’d get end up with another symptom or issue to manage. That is more typical than starting with a whole host of problems.
It is definitely possible to have a multitude of symptoms before any knowledge or diagnosis of MS. This was my case. I was mowing the lawn and suddenly had bilateral leg weakness, could barely walk, and become very tired. I went in the house and slept the rest of the day and night. Woke up the next morning, felt fine and went out to finish mowing. The same symptoms came back quite quick, did not improve and new symptoms kept coming
I saw my PCP who examined me, left the room, and came back with a referral to a Neurologist. From start to finish (PCP - Neurologist - testing - diagnosis) took 3 months. I had all of my symptoms during the entire process, those symptoms included:
~ Bilateral leg weakness
~ Bilateral hand tremors
~ Numb from the waist down including the girlie parts
~ Extreme fatigue
~ Loss of the majority of my mobility
~ Pins and needles in legs
~ Vibration/buzzing waist down
~ L'hermittes sign
~ Extreme pain
When I was diagnosed I learned I had been in a severe exacerbation. I was 23 years old. Did I have symptoms before this exacerbation? Yes, but it's very easy to ignore or brush off odd things we may experience, especially when you are a child, which is when I had symptoms of MS.