I was diagnosed with MS on 2003 which started with numbness in my legs, abdomen and fingers. After a year of Avonex, I stopped taking the medicine and have been symptom free until recently.I had experienced a panic attack and now going thru mental health issues. I experience brain fog, random numbness and tingly on random body parts and recently experience a periodic blurry spot in one eye.
These symptoms could all be anxiety related but it's really hard to tell whether this is MS or not. My recent MRI shows new lesions but no present physical symptoms. I am currently still going to the gym and lifting along with running.
I would like to pursue a holistic approach to healing both MS and anxiety. Recently、it's hard to tell which is causing the symptoms.
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Jenjus
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There's no physical requirement when experiencing a new episode of nerve damage. I'll argue that blurred vision or numbness IS a physical symptom, and if those last for more than a day for me, into the scanner I go. It's usually bad news, a new lesion.
Plenty of people don't take meds and I'm not saying you should or shouldn't. I do think you should be seeing an ophthalmologist at least annually and whenever you have a vision issue, so they can at least monitor your eyeballs. If you change your mind someday about taking a med, I think Mavenclad may be worth asking your neuro about since it is done after 2 years.
Mental health and MS holistic approach only for me would be: exercise, sleep, and fasting/medical keto diet (there's a lot of variations of keto, and the fad version is also helpful for me). You can google those things if interested. I'm currently listening to Chris Palmer's new book on audible, and have enjoyed some of his chats on YouTube (he's a psychiatrist). Meditation is highly recommended for MS or anxiety, and I like the Headspace app for this.
I have to agree with Kdali that your physical problems ARE symptoms of MS. If they're lasting longer than 24 hours, you should contact your neurologist about getting a dose of Solumedrol (steroids). Even without being on any DMT's, this treatment will help.
I'm not on any DMT's myself, so I treat my regular symptoms as they pop up and do whatever it takes to stay calm and relaxed. I have a shiatsu massager that I use several times a week whenever I feel myself tensing up, and I take naps when I get tired. Not having a job, significant other, or children, my time is my own, so I make a point of doing things that make me happy. Much of my former stress was from trying to satisfy other people, and that doesn't work.
I never heard of Avonex before however I hope sincerely that you continue to improve and manage the anxiety so you can have somewhat of a comfortable life. I’m a strong believer in Gods word especially where it assures us that God plans and wants to fix all these medical issues we deal with today. (Rev. 21:3,4). MS has a way of robbing us of all hope sometimes and that’s why I appreciate the positive and sure hope the Bible provides. I would love to share these reminders with you as a way to help you manage all your anxieties. Take care of yourself and best wishes.
Jenjus, we deal with a multitude of symptoms in this MS journey and have to found what works best individually. I would (if I can suggest) you see an Ophthalmologist in regard to your vision. I would discuss your DMT with your Neurologist and discuss concerns/alternative treatment options. Of course, the final say is what you feel is for you. Pray 🙏 you feel better. Keep us updated. Peace and Blessing's. NeeC
Tingling and vision problems are typical of MS, although anxiety can certainly bring those MS symptoms on. I can see how it can be hard to tell which one they're from.I sympathize with the anxiety issues. They can be really horrible. I was also on Avonex for about ten years (followed by two other DMTs) and between the injections and the side effects, it certainly wasn't much fun. I am glad I did it, however. Twenty two years down the road I am really struggling with muscle tightness, pain, anxiety, and difficulty walking. So, while the decision is yours, I personally would not like to imagine where I might be today without treatment.
Hi, so sorry you are going through this, you are doing all the right things. Continuing with the gym and running is huge and good for you. I was diagnosed in 2001 and put on Avonex. I had tremendous depression , just not myself. On Sept 11, 2001 while on Avonex I had another attack. I stopped Avonex and never again went on A DMT. I take Gabapentin and Baclofen to manage. I too go to the gym and run. Although, I cannot go to the gym as often as I would like, butI go at least once a week. The day after the gym, sometimes I'm wiped out, but take a rest.
Your symptoms are typical of MS. If you had been fairly symptom free then the anxiety attack may have triggerd the flair. If it lasts more than 24 hrs then you should call your Dr. Hope you find relief soon.
Welcome to the forum, Jenjus ! Lots of good suggestions given by others in the forum. May I add that you can go to mymsaa.org and find more information about ‘ms’. Keep Smiling and I look forward to hearing more from you.
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