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Could this be Multiple Sclerosis?

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Multiple Sclerosis
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Posted 11/22/2012 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi guys,

I am an 18 year old male, and in around the past 6 months I noticed a strange change in my body, and that was muscle weakness. I knew the muscle weakness I was feeling wasn't normal for me.

Generally, I felt fatigue in my LEGS walking uphill and walking upstairs. At first my GP said I strained my legs and prescribed me with neurofen, then after a very long time I felt no improvement and I knew something really wasn't right. So I went back to my GP and he said it might be a vitamin d deficiency. He sent me for a blood test, and then my vitamin d level came back at around 33. Somewhere in the mid 30's anyway. So this isn't particularly high, but not majorly low, and I wasn't convinced that my level was low enough to feel symptoms (since above 30 is considered normal).

I took my GP's word for it, and for months felt no improvement. It is only in around the past few weeks I have felt significantly less fatigue in my legs, but they are still slightly weak. Now I am not sure if my leg weakness is slightly psychological, because I may be thinking about it all too much when I climb stairs, but now I am just scared it is an MS relapse, because I am now convinced I have MS. Also I am not sure if it is because it is winter now that my symptoms calmed down, as MS patients report harsher symptoms in the summer. I seem to also be slightly worse after a hot shower, which once again, links to heat sensitivity, which leads me back to my MS fears.

It is horrible to be a young, fit, 18 year old male, and then I feel like I have the leg strength of a 60 year old. Is it possible that my vitamin d level could've caused me so much problems? Or does it sound more like MS?

If neither, what other things could be causing this? I am not sure if my doctor just thinks that I am making these symptoms up, or he is just always thinking the best case scenario.

I just need a confirmation of what is wrong.
Posted 11/22/2012 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
Also, may I please add, muscle weakness is the only symptom I suffer from at present.
Posted 11/24/2012 11:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hello, anyone? I have had 50 views now and no response, and I really do need a response.
Posted 11/24/2012 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi James,

I'm sorry you didn't get a response. It could be that you asked for confirmation as to what's going on. We can't possibly know that! By the medication you were prescribed, it appears you live in the UK or possibly in Australia. This complicates things. You probably live where there is a national health care system. MS is extremely expensive. It is incurable and progressive. The meds only attempt to slow things down. Getting a national health care system to diagnose MS can be very difficult. A diagnosis, especially in someone so ypung, means many years of expensive drug treatment.

That being said, since you suspect MS, you will need a brain MRI, a lumbar puncture, evoked potentials, and a thorough exam by an MS experienced neurologist. It can take years to get a diagnosis. Meanwhile, do take a vitamin D3 supplement. I take 4,000 IU each day. I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, please ask.
Posted 11/24/2012 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for your reply Gretchen.

I have already been subscribed with vitamin D3, and have been taking them for the past 6 months now. Symptoms have really improved in the past few weeks, but I am still unsure if I think this is a confirmation that my vitamin d level was the problem.

Because I am so young, I doubt my doctor would want to scare me, and even if he suspected MS or any other autoimmune disease, he may not even want to get me a referral.

I understand that no one here can know what is 'going on' but at the same time, I was wondering if people think this sounds like MS or not was the main thing.

This is so disheartening right now, since I am in the process of going to Uni next year and should be excited, and now I have MS at the back of my mind :(

My doctor said my blood test showed 'nothing else could be causing your Muscle Weakness' but autoimmune diseases wouldn't show in a blood test would it? Unless is there something that is associated with MS or other diseases in a blood test?
Posted 11/24/2012 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
I can't even hazard a guess as to what's going on with you. MS has extremely varied symptoms. It is different for each person who has it. It depends upon what part of the brain or spinal cord is being damaged. It also progresses at different rates for each patient.

There is no blood test for MS. There is no single definitive test for MS. It is a diagnosis of exclusion. All other health issues have to be ruled out. Then you have to have a history of flares or attacks separated by time. You also need to have a history of brain and or spinal lesions also separated by time. You can get temporary brain lesions from a bad infection. Those would not be separated by time. Those would probably go away over time.

It's a shame that your doctor won't pursue your muscle weakness. I hope the best for you.
Posted 11/24/2012 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
Once again, thank you so much for your reply. I really appreciate it.

I am just unsure whether for now I should just 'rule my symptoms off' as a cause of a low vitamin d level, or I should be concerned.

Maybe I should get a second medical opinion.
Posted 11/25/2012 3:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

A second medical opinion is the best idea. And I would tell your doctor, despite your age, that you suspect MS. All they can say is "that's ridiculous", or "that's crazy". Would be better to hear that response than let it go unknown. Like previous posts, we have no way of knowing. From my own experience, and what I've read, MS is usually pretty "well known" when it first rears it's ugly head. If the D3 is working, then keep that up! Again, talk to your doctors, they are the only ones who will be able to confirm or deny your thoughts about this disease. Best of luck to you. And keep us updated, I am curious of the outcome :-)
Posted Yesterday 8:10 PM (GMT 0)
Ok I have seen my GP, and he virtually laughed in my face when I mentioned the possibility of MS.

He also was a little annoyed at me, and told me in the future not to put symptoms into google, because you just end up scaring yourself.

As for now, I will be concluding my symptoms as a cause of vitamin d deficiency, but if I experience them again, then I will definitely need to look deeper into the problem.
Posted Yesterday 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
James,

Best of luck to you. You are always welcome to ask questions. Come back and let us know how you are from time to time.
Posted 12/5/2012 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,
I also had a strong suspicion that I had MS as I ticked all the boxes except active lesions and optic neuritis and foot drop. To be honest I won't be surprised if I have a relapse and firm diagnosis at some stage.
My well-respected and trusted Dr figured I was a bit neurotic and had referred me to a psych but luckily another great doc who has an interest in cardiac problems followed his suspicions and discovered I have something called POTS - Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. The initial symptoms are remarkably similar to MS and there is also evidence of cross-over between POTS sufferers and those with MS or CFS. I am recently diagnosed with POTS and want to help potential sufferers by raising awareness. Diagnosis is remarkably simple -just a Tilt Table Test. See DINET.org and view the video CHANGES for more info. If you find this informational video helps, please spread the word and help others. Best of luck to you in the future. I know that you may be feeling isolated and self-doubting right now, but trust your instincts as no matter the cause, something is wrong and there is no shame in persevering and seeking to feel better.
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