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Seeking a diagnosis

Hi all,
I know most people on here already have their diagnosis of MS, but reading through many boards I also know that no one's journey toward answers has been a straight shot. I am 37 and have spent the past at least 12 years struggling with strangeness. I had some symptoms as early as 17 years old and have been tested for lupus, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and all sorts of deficiencies on more than one occasion.

I've spent this past year going to my rule out doctors -- allergist to check for food allergies/sensitivities and rheumatologist to rule out rheumatoid arthritis and related diseases.

All of my symptoms over the years have seemed just explainable enough in isolation at the time (numb face, can't swallow -- you're having a panic attack; leg pain, can't walk -- you have sciatica, etc.). But when you put them all together, it is just a puzzle of craziness.
I've been diagnosed with anxiety, exercise induced anaphylaxis (because I sometimes randomly have extreme itching of my hands and feet, swelling of my face, difficulty swallowing, coughing/sneezing when exercising), and had spinal surgery last year for a herniated disc in my cervical spine that was causing extreme pain, numbness, and loss of strength on my right side.

My main symptoms are
Tingling and sensation in hands and feet
Feeling of electric jolts in my fingertips when I tap them
Fatigue
Buzzing in my feet
Sensation like fizzling fireworks in my upper back/shoulder blade
Headaches
Extreme itchiness in hands and feet (outside of exercise now too)
Face numbness and the sensation that I can't swallow or breathe well
Nerve pain in the lower back, legs, and groin area
Some vision weirdness, not so much with double vision but more like kaleidoscopes of colors at night or when I first wake up, where the room almost looks/feels like it is shrinking and expanding.

There are others, but those are the ones that occur most frequently. I've had two isolated instances of such extreme leg pain that it affected my gait. On one instance that I could not walk independently for almost 12 hours as my legs felt like they had no bones in them and they kept giving out when I tried to walk.

I go tomorrow to my PCP to ask for a referral to a specializing neurologist. I am hoping she gives it to me.

Wishing everyone well!

  1. Hi @Dainty33! I really hope you get that referral. I know you have been tested for many other health conditions, but I would like to share with you this article about health conditions that mimic MS just in case there is something your doctor has not ruled out. https://multiplesclerosis.net/diagnosis/ruling-out-other-health-conditions. You will find many people here who have had long roads to diagnosis. I hope you get some answers soon and get the treatment you deserve. Best of all wishes! - Lori (Team Member)

    1. Thank you! That article is helpful. I often have vitamin B and D deficiencies but believe that is under control now. I will def make a list before going to the doctor. Appreciate it!

    2. You are very welcome, @dainty33. I just hope you finally get some answers. Please know we are here for you whenever you need support or a safe place to vent. Gentle hugs! - Lori (Team Member)

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