Getting Diagnosed
For years now I've experienced so many strange symptoms and no diagnosis! I'm so frustrated and tired of living with uncertainty. I recently had an MRI with and without contrast of cervical spine and brain with no lesions. (Will mention in the past neurologist gave a diagnosis of Occipital Neuralgia) Scans continue to look normal although symptoms continue to come and go. Sometimes they're worse then others but lately very bothersome. I'm 47 now and it's been almost a decade I've been searching for answers to things like: numbness, tingles, electrical zaps feelings, jerking,buzzing, extreme brain fog, intense headaches, extreme fatigue, insomnia, night sweats, bowel and bladder problems along with jabbing trouble finding words, calling things the wrong names, stuttering and tripping over my words. It is very difficult to get out of bed in the morning. I tire easily and can be very shaky at times. I have been keeping a list for years now and keep adding more symptoms to the list. Still no answer. Nothing off with blood work except consistently high white call count for over 4 years. Obviously SOMETHING is going on... tired of being dismissed as a hypochondriac!! Any words of advice?? Thank you. Dawn
Hi,
!
I am so sorry you are going without a diagnosis after many years. You mentioned bloodwork and MRIs, but have you had other tests done? Have your doctors offered any kind of possible diagnosis for you?
As you said, something is obviously going on within your body and it deserves to be addressed and treated!
I would be curious to see what your doctors think might be causing your issues. There are a number of conditions that can share symptoms with MS and you can read a bit about them here -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/diagnosis/ruling-out-other-health-conditions. Have your doctors ever mentioned the conditions mentioned in the link?
You're definitely NOT a hypochondriac and you deserve a proper diagnosis!
Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.Hello dear Dawn, Please try and listen to your Gut! I was diagnosed way too late in the game! I have lost so many abilities by not seeking more help! I went to multiple doctors and everything was chopped up as attitude, like asleep, and lifestyle changes. This was not the case. Please get help before it’s too late!
thanks for sharing your encouragement here. It is unfortunately how long the road can be to an accurate diagnosis, but it is so important to stay the course and be a strong advocate for yourself. Thanks for sharing this reminder. We're sending you lots of support and encouragement your way too!
Best
Alene, Moderatorthank y you for the reply. I often get told it's just my anxiety.
Hi Dawn.Im so sorry that you are having trouble getting some kind answer. Did any doctor give you a spinal tap to see what the fluid in the brain looks like?I was having a similar problem with a diagnosis but my lumbar puncture (spinal tap)had found out I did in fact have MS .I was going thru a number of test and nothing showed I had MS until I got the spinal tap.There was something in my brain fluid that showed I had MS.Im sending this with love and an open door for conversation with me if U need to get some steam off.It is horrible that U have not been diagnosed with anything.You certainly have the symptoms of MS .I wish U well in your search for a diagnosis. One question I have for You.Do U see anyone for your mental health thru all of this?I hope you are because MS definitely brings on depression and without a diagnosis at this time for you can be a real downer and hope U are at least seeing a psychiatrist to help You through this awful situation. I really hope U get some answers .Hang in there and know U are not alone with this and sending lots of love Your way.❤️
thank you very much. I am not currently seeing someone for mental health. I do struggle with anxiety and have seen someone in the past. Definitely would not hurt.
