Could it be MS?
Hi all, I'm new here but am hoping I can get some input from those who have secured a diagnosis.
Over the last 5-6 years, I've been having increasingly troubling symptoms that have only seemed to get worse. In researching these issues online, I'm repeatedly brought back to MS. I haven't been able to get anywhere with my primary doctor though, sadly.
About 6 years ago I got a cold and came out the other side with hearing loss. This was the first issue as nobody could really tell me why I'd lost hearing. I did have a brain MRI done, but it didn't show anything abnormal. Since that incident, I've had horrible migraines, balance issues, strength issues, and horrible muscle cramps / spasms. The muscle spasms happen mainly in my calves, arms, and around my abdomen. When I get a spasm in my legs, it forces my foot down into a tiptoe type stance. The only way I can get my foot flattened out again is if I stand on it with all my weight. I have zero control over the muscles in my leg when it's happening. I'm also unable to do much about the abdominal cramp. I just have to wait it out or try to twist into a more comfortable position. When I mentioned these spasms to my doctor, I was given muscle relaxers. Even when taking 2 at a time, the leg spasms don't go away. When I mentioned this to my doctor, she just said that she didn't know what else it could be.
I've recently had a brain CT, but that was clear. Blood work was clear too.
It's been very frustrating as I find it difficult to hold down a steady job. I inevitably end up with a migraine for days and suffer the consequences of missing too much work. I feel stuck in this purgatory where I know something has to be wrong, but I just can't get any answers.
Do these symptoms sound like MS to you guys? If so, what should I do next to try and get a diagnosis? I'm fairly decent at advocating for myself, but I don't want to just throw this idea out to my doctor without some more evidence to back up my suspicion.
Thank you all so much for taking the time to read.
Hi
. Your frustration is understandable. There is clearly something going on, but you doctor is simply treating the symptoms. It is always possible that you have MS and that the lesions are either too small to see or are on your spine or optic nerve. Here is an article about the diagnostic process for MS that might interest you: https://multiplesclerosis.net/diagnosis. There are also several health conditions that mimic MS and should be ruled out. Here is an article that lists them: https://multiplesclerosis.net/diagnosis/ruling-out-other-health-conditions. Have you asked your doctor for a referral to a neurologist? If not, I would start there. If your doctor declines and has no further suggestions, you might want to find a new primary care doctor. If you finally do get that referral, I suggest finding an MS specialist. The National MS Society has a tool that can help you find one in your area. Here is a link: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Resources-Support/Find-Doctors-Resources. I hope this helps and that you get answers and relief soon. Thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)
