acm1218 said...
I've been experiencing some symptoms that have me (I think) legitimately worried.
I've had some memory loss problems. I can't remember certain words/names. This does not happen very often, but occasionally enough that I'm embarrassed and worried. Researching this lead me to find information on MS. I often trip over my toes and have in the past been told I'm walking with a gait (of this I was completely unaware). I also occasionally experience a strange tingling right around my shoulder blades, it almost feels like there's something there I need to wipe off. A few times a week, my thighs will spasm quickly and uncontrolably. This is not painful but I can feel it. One of the weirdest symptoms I've ever had was when the area of my hand between my index finger and thumb felt like it was buzzing/vibrating...my roommate could actually feel it vibrating. I've been dizzy and fatigued, as well. I guess all of these things can be explained some other way, but I don't know if they all come together and point to MS. I'm really scared and any opinions you can give me would be SO appreciated.
I'm sorry you're having problems, and are scared. Nothing you describe really "jump out" at me that cry "MS!!", though. I think what often happens is something seems to go wrong with our bodies, we focus on that, and all of a sudden, every little thing starts to be magnified and we start to think "I've got something really awful going on!"
When is the last time you've gotten a physical, or seen a doctor for an annual check-up? That certainly would be the time to tell him/her about these issues, and see what he says. The "tripping over the toes" and "gait" issues might need more attention, but you should know that
everyone walks with a gait! That means "walk, or movement". What is it about your gait that brings attention to it? Do you swing your legs or swing a leg? lean to one side? And when you trip, is it always because you trip on one foot, like that foot seems to "drag behind" when you walk?
I suggest you schedule yourself for a physical exam. But don't go into the doctor's office declaring, "I have these symptoms; I've researched them on the internet and am sure (or pretty sure) I have MS!!" because you'll likely be dismissed as an hysterical young person and your symptoms dismissed.
Rather, go in and calmly state that you're there for a physical, that you have some problems that concern you, and want to ask about them, particularly the walking and tripping, and then some sensory stuff like the tingling and buzzing in your hand...and let him go from there.
Good luck with your visit! Let us know how it goes.