Hello all, I honestly don’t know if I have MS or it is just severe stress/anxiety depression. For the past 5 months I have had blurry vision in my left eye. For the same amount of time I keep getting random pain in the right side of my neck. Since around October of last year I have had bad pain in both my elbows but more so the right elbow. In the past three weeks I have really bad pain in the back of both heels. The pain actually stops me walking, however at other times there is no pain. Today I was walking my dogs and I started getting really sharp pricking pain in both forearms - hands- back of the neck and back of my head. I get very upset at nothing and I just feel the need to cry. I have checked the NHS website as I seem to have some of the symptoms of MS. Any advice greatly appreciated
New member : Hello all, I honestly don’t... - My MSAA Community
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I'm sorry for all these symptoms. We understand that they are scary. You really need to get to a doctor, at least your primary care doctor, if not a neurologist, as soon as you can. Until you get an accurate diagnosis, you can't begin treatment. The symptoms of MS can also look like many other problems, so you'll need some tests to determine what is causing yours.
We all understand the fears you must be feeling right now, but remember that you can't be sure right now what is causing this. Just getting an accurate diagnosis can be very empowering. But also remember that my MS is not your MS. Every case is different, even with all the similarities. So when you read worst case scenarios, they may not be at all what you'd experience, even if it is MS.
We are here for you while you begin the diagnosis process. So come whenever you need to to ask questions or vent off some steam. MSAA has wonderful resources to help, too.
Great advise!
As has already been said, we are careful to remind everyone that MS can present differently in each person. The only way to know is through a neurologist who specializes in MS. They should do a complete MRI, meaning brain, neck and spine looking for lesions and a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap. That can show if any MS cells are present in spinal fluid. After years of misdiagnoses, the right doctor had my answer in 24 hours. Please let us know. Kelly
Make an appointment with a neurologist. If you need a referral, see a primary care doctor first. Be prepared to advocate for yourself and be persistent. For many of us here, the road to diagnosis has been long (and occasionally bumpy). Stay strong! I wish you well.
And the MR?
Well I hope it's not. Yes you do have an issue of some kind but internet diagnosis is not the way to figure out what your problem is.
Keep a list of your issues and get into see your primary care doctor and get his reccomendation what to do next.
MS can be identified by a MRI and spinal tap, or try a steroid to see if the symptoms get better for awhile since that works for MS I understand. These need a Dr.'s (Neurologist) analysis.
I agree with all the above and want to add.... Write all your symptoms and questions before you see the doctor! There is nothing worse than walking out the door and realize you forgot something!!
Best of luck and let us know how you are!
Definitely find a neurologist who specialises in MS and write down all your symptoms