Speaking of numbness ...

[Daring_Greatly]

First I just want to say thank you to everyone here, having only been diagnosed since March of this year, the entire MS situation has been overwhelming at times. Although I have good support around me, no one can truly understand what I'm going through. But I know everyone in this group understands, even though our stories may be different.

So ... I have been experiencing numbness, tingling, weakness & a burning sensation in my legs. It seems to only be progressing, more so in my left leg than my right. Last weekend I was at an event in which I was sitting & standing off/on for 2.5hrs. At the end of the event, I could barely walk. My knees would not bend. I could walk, stiff legged but with noticeable difficulty. It took approx 20 min of walking before my legs returned to my "normal.'

Then tonight, I was outside talking with the neighbours. I was standing for 20 min or so & my left leg went completely numb from my knee to a couple inches below my waist. It gradually dissipated over the next hour.

I don't understand what is happening ... my obvious fear is that I am beginning to lose my leg (for lack of a better explanation).

Has anyone experienced this? Is that what is happening?

I realize no one is a Dr and I will speak with my neurologist about it next month I just am wondering if anyone can speak from experience.

Thank you again for your support!

Carrie

[Iona60]

Hi Daring_Greatly . Have you been out in the heat when you experienced the numbness? You may be having pseudo- exacerbations. They can be caused by getting too hot. They usually go away after you cool off. If they last more than 24 hours, and especially if they seem to worsen, then call your neuro, because then it could be a real exacerbation, also called a relapse or a flare. Many neuros will then put you on steroids to calm your system back down.

What you are describing sounds normal for someone with MS.

[Daring_Greatly in reply to Iona60]

Hi Iona60

The first event I was at an indoor concert, so no heat. The second event I was standing outside & it was warm out.

But laying in bed last night, it happened again. It's not completely back to normal but is better.

Do you recommend I call the neurologist to ask?

Thank you,

Carrie

[Iona60 in reply to Daring_Greatly]

Carrie, as sallyscharff said below, it could also be spasticity. I get this every night in bed, if I don't take baclofen. My neuro says to call if I have a new symptom that lasts (continuously) longer than 24 hours.

[Royjr]

I agree with Iona60. Keep us informed of your situation.

[Daring_Greatly in reply to Royjr]

Thank you Royjr ...I will.

[Doubled51]

I was diagnosed in April so I'm new to what is and isn't ms related. I have just the opposite. When I stand for a few minutes my knees get weak and start giving away with me. And after short period of exertion my back gets weak and I get bent over and can't stand up straight. This disease is so strange and diverse you never know what to expect next. Good luck and God bless.

Donnie.

[WAshingtongirl]

Are you on gabapentin, Daring_Greatly ? I'm on it for my sensory symptoms and various spasms. It helps control (not completely alleviate) all of those crazy symptoms. What you describe sounds similar to some of my symptoms. It's always best to check with your doctor, though. Not everything we have is MS-related. New symptoms and sometimes even the recurrence of old ones can be frightening, Carrie. Do you see your doctor soon? Be sure to log all of this and share it with him the next time you see him. 💕

[Juleigh21]

Daring_Greatly What you're describing sure sounds like MS to me. I agree with Iona60 especially about the heat. My legs stiffen and spasm and feel very heavy when I'm hot. My first year after being diagnosed was the toughest until I was put on the right DMT. Are you taking a DMT? There is a walking drug for MS that helps some people. Don't despair! There's a lot of help out there. If your symptoms continue and you're not over heated a call to your neuro is probably a good idea. Good luck!

[sallyscharff]

Hi Carrie,

I'm Sally and I've had MS for almost 30 years. The stiffness in your legs sounds like spasticity. Are you on Baclofen?

[BigMar7]

I totally agree with Tutu. I also am on Gabapentin and sometimes my legs feel like wood. But it goes away. I think it could be the heat that is worse for me this year. But I am happy you found our group. Welcome and keep us posted.