Getting a diagnosis
I have been experiencing cramping, pins and needles and pains for quite some time however every now and again I get an influx of other symptoms that come and stop all of a sudden.
The last time this happened was December where I was very confused, was having trouble speaking but the brain fog was that bad I was getting upset.
I am a 999 operator and was struggling to read numbers (I could see them but they weren't registering in my head)
My CT scan and bloods were both fine.
Does this mean I don't have MS?
I have a telephone appt on Monday.
As much as I am relieved my CT head scan is clear I am frustrated I don't have answers.
Hi,
!
I know waiting on a diagnosis can be pretty challenging. You just want *answers*, right?
In the US, most doctors prefer doing an MRI as opposed to a CT scan to diagnose or rule out MS, but that may not be a big deal in the scheme of things.
Doctors will use a number of tests to make a diagnosis of MS, including an MRI, physical exam and more. Blood work is not usually a priority when checking for MS. So, you may want to ask for further testing. Here's some information on the testing used to diagnose MS (and other conditions) -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/diagnosis/tools-your-doctor-will-use-to-make-a-diagnosis. When MRI results are inconclusive, some doctors will suggest a lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap) to rule out MS. You can read more about the procedure here -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/diagnosis/cerebrospinal-fluid-analysis. You mentioned that your results were fine, but did the doctors mention anything unusual at all in the results?
Also, your doctor may want to rule out other conditions that can share symptoms with MS. You may want to see if any of these conditions may sound like what you are dealing with -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/diagnosis/ruling-out-other-health-conditions. I can't say whether you're dealing with MS or not. But, obviously something is going on within your body and it should be addressed.
How are you feeling today? Experiencing any symptoms?
I would be interested to know what your doctor thinks and you are welcome to come back and update us after your appointment (but only if you feel comfortable doing so).
Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.Hi there, First of all thank you for your reply I really appreciate it.
I have had bloods done already, I'm not sure what type of tests exactly were done/ if it was full blood work but I have been put on folate. I know many of my symptoms could be that but it doesn't explain why I was having vision problems, headaches, issues with speech and thinking and then it just stopped all of a sudden.
I suffer from pins and needles and cramps all the time and get fatigued from time to time but don't we all?
The last "episode" I had was end of December beginning of January and I couldn't even understand simple instructions which I began to find very upsetting.
Weakness in my right hand and cramp in my hands was another "symptom" which was much noticeably worse during this period.
It was the receptionist who relayed my CT being normal but did say my GP wants to speak with me on monday to "see what you think the next steps should be".
Everything I have read online mentioned MRI thats why I was confused why she sent me for a CT.
as of 6th of Jan i have felt so much better and symptoms literally disappered overnight.
i can't remember if they came on all of a sudden like they went or if it taken days
thanks again!
I can only imagine how nerve-wracking this may be for you just waiting to have that phone call to hopefully get you the answers that you are in search of. Erin mentioned so much valuable information that I highly encourage you to look into. In addition to what she has shared, I want to share with you an article that I think you may find helpful as you work through getting the proper diagnosis- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/what-is-it-like-to-not-be-diagnosed. Our contributor, Lisa, writes about the frustrations of waiting but also leaves us with some great recommendations and questions to ask your doctor as you gear up for your phone call. If you are comfortable, we'd love to get an update on how your phone call goes. I hope you get as much information and answers to bring you peace and hopefully, some relief as you go through this process. All the best, Latoya (Team Member) Thank you very much! I absolutely will get back to yous on Monday.
I am of course glad my CT is normal and all my bloods shown are that I have low folate but it is frustrating knowing there aren't any answers. I have anxiety about this happening again, especially doing the job I do. I am dealing with life threatening emergencies and it was almost like I was severely hungover for weeks.
I will check this all out thank you.
Ugh the stress! Working an intense job and feeling how you have felt on the job would send me all the way over! I hope you never have to experience that feeling again. Fingers crossed this is a productive conversation for you tomorrow. We will be waiting patiently to hear from you! You're in our thoughts, Latoya (Team Member) I see that Erin and Latoya have already responded with some helpful information and suggestions, I just wanted to send a little note to let you know that I'm glad you shared your experience. This community is here to support you in any way that we can. Please keep us updated on your progress as you feel comfortable doing so.
Best,
Alene, moderator
