Did any of you have multiple infections prior to your diagnosis?
This is a very niche and loaded question. My neurologist seems like he doesn't have much faith in what I report. I can't say I blame him, my appointment was during a very foggy cog fog and I didn't have any notes yet. But I'm working on compiling everything I can think of prior to my next appointment in just over a week. And writing it all down this time.
I know that for autoimmune disease in general, some of the factors that increase risk are previous infections, reactions to antibiotics, childhood trauma, and chronic inflammation.
I personally experienced all of the above, with reactions to both penicillin and erythromycin. I had strep throat 3-4 times a year from the age of 5 to 14. My childhood was wraught with trauma. And my symptoms really started just after a double infection (strep and ear) and a really bad reaction to erythromycin.
So the science brain in me is curious if anyone else has noticed a correlation with their own disease?
I know I hit all of the risk factors, and my symptoms are definitely most likely MS, but trying to speak with the doctor I find myself back in my childhood trauma character of saying that everything is okay. I have to break that, I know.
I'm happy for any and all input, your personal stories if you want to share. Thank you in advance, and much love. 💜💜
I saw your question a couple of days ago, but I wanted to think on my response a bit,
, so apologies for the delay in responding.
I think many neurologists will put some stock in the theory that events your body can perceive as trauma can trigger that first MS attack. There have been many anecdotal stories of individuals experiencing their first onset of MS after many things -- car accidents, vaccinations, prolonged stress, an illness, infections, etc. I am not 100% sure about how much scientific research has been put into this information, though.
So, there's a school of thought that many folks many be predispositioned to developing autoimmune conditions (like MS) and events can 'trigger' that predisposition into action. Which, makes a certain amount of sense sine autoimmune conditions are, basically, the body's immune system overreacting. So, the body perceives a trauma and comes in, gun's a'blazin' and then the immune system stays in high gear for, well, forever. Here's some information on the possible causes of MS -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/causes. Some doctors are hesitant to say that stress and emotional trauma may trigger MS, but I think that's because it's hard to back that theory up with hard data at the moment.
I hope your upcoming appointment is fruitful and that your doctor seems more responsive to your concerns and thoughts on your MS.
I am glad you brought this topic up and I do hope you get more feedback from other community members.
Keep us posted on your appointment, if you would like to! Good luck!
Best, Erin, Team Member.thank you for your very thoughtful response!
And in re-reading my original post, I left out the most basic and important information. That I have been experiencing a constellation of neurological symptoms starting in 2008 and progressing to today. It started small and when I ignored the signs for years went big. Really big. The symptoms are what my neurologist is really not hearing.
Again, I give him grace for round one because I was not prepared.
I was pre-med in a research track in college, and I turn to science to explain the inexplicable.
I would love for more people to chime in, science or no. I'm preparing for an appointment that I will speak and not be heard, so I am trying to focus on every angle to actually gain an audience and have what I am experiencing acknowledged.
Much love, and thank you for your feedback! 💜💜
