To think I have MS?

[Fear1987]

I’m posting on AIBU for traffic.

I’ve been experiencing some minor issues that have all of a sudden grouped together for me and I am terrified that they are signs that I have MS.

I know I need to speak to a doctor about this but it’s the weekend and I’m panicking. I also know that even if a doctor took it seriously there won’t be any quick answers.

I am trying to find other things that these symptoms point to. Does anyone have experience of these symptoms and it not being a sign of MS? I will happily hear AIBU.

I have had a small section of skin on my cheekbone that feels like it is stinging/burning. This has been coming and going for a year. Doesn’t happen often but very distinct.

A few weeks ago I started tripping over the front of my feet. I haven’t noticed any numbness or issues lifting my foot, the stumble/trip took me completely off guard every time. It was consistent tripping for a couple of days. It’s stopped for a couple of weeks then it’s started happening again but not as consistently.

for the past month I have been getting a sensation like something is crawling under my skin across the top of my back. Very distinct. This isn’t constant but is increasing in frequency.

I am fatigued and forgetful but have previously put this down to being sleep deprived from 3 young kids.

I had similar concerns but some extra symptoms. It started with weird face sensations, had all the tests and it was basically decided that my brain isn't working properly as the signals get a bit confused. It fluctuates a little but has never got worse and its quite possible I will wake up one day and it will all be gone. I spent a lot of time worrying but now I just accept it as part of me and not necessarily something wrong just how I am.

I have a close family member with MS and that wasn’t their initial symptoms. I think it could be a million and one other things so try not to worry.

I thought I had MS. I had a trapped nerve.

I thought I had MS because there were “grumbling symptoms” for a good few years. Last year I had an “unmissable relapse” and got diagnosed - it took nearly 10 years from me raising concerns.

I kept putting it down to being tired/old/fat etc.

My best friend had a lot of symptoms , including one numb foot, that were investigated as possible MS. It turned out to be an underactive thyroid and low B12.
Something like this, or just exhaustion, is much more likely than MS.

I have MS and I've had it for almost 20 years.

The symptoms vary massively from person to person so really no point comparing symptoms or individual experiences. And reading up online will just drive you daft with anxiety- I learned that the hard way! Just listen to your own doctors and neurologist.

What I really want you to hear is this:

Treatments for MS are incredible and have improved amazingly even in the time I've had it. It is now considered a manageable condition. MS can be very mild, especially in women and very manageable.

Since I got it, I have travelled the world, trained and succeeded in a tough profession, had dc. Last night I was dancing till 1am at a party.

MS is NOT a death sentence or condemnation to reduced life. Maybe if you get a diagnosis and fantastic treatment like me that will be a positive!

I've been where you are with the anxiety, symptom spotting and frantic researching. That was the worst part in many ways.

Big love and handhold to you.

That is such a fantastic post and I thank you for it. My family member is starting to reach the age I know things can worsen so I’ve been feeling quite stressed out recently. Your post and similar help soothe me a little when I start to spin out.

I've got MS. I occasionally get the crawly feeling. But you need a blood test to rule out other causes, as it may well be that. If and it's a big If. It's not the end of the world. There is really good treatment available now. To keep
The beast At bay.

Mine was picked up on an MRI that I had as part of a research study. The symptoms I had were so minor I thought they were normal. Really raised its ugly head about 18 moths after diagnosis.

Some really lovely responses here, they brought a tear to my eye. I am glad there is such good treatment now.

Absolutely this. I suffer from low ferritin and struggle awfully when it is at its lowest. B12 deficiencies can also cause neurological symptoms (conversely, as can taking too much).

Still can’t figure out how to respond to individual posts but as a previous poster said, these have been really lovely responses. Thank you. I felt nervous to post online but you have all been so kind in your responses and sharing your experiences with me.

It is very heartening to hear how well people are doing, whether they were diagnosed with MS or something else. I am in awe and I am inspired by your resilience.

It has helped tremendously. The potential stress element has really resonated, the past 12 months have been full on. I have gone out and bought all the vitamins that’s been suggested and I will book a non urgent doctors appointment tomorrow in the hope to get some blood tests.

If I get any answers I will update the thread. Thank you again.

Have the blood tests before you supplement. And glad you are feeling reassured.

Some very balanced answers here. Good luck with speaking to you GP OP.

Hi,
I am currently terrified. I have been experiencing slight pins and needles sensations for the last 8 weeks or so...ever so slight dizziness once or twice but last weekend I had an excruiating headache to the point I thought my head would explode... my vision was odd for 2 days after. I went to the GP and they said it was most likely a sinus infection,... but I am terrified I have MS also... I have a small child and I would like to have another but I am beside myself with worry. Am being referred to Neurologist and for MRI but God knows how long that will take...

Maybe you should start your own post to get more responses. I'm sorry you're going through this. It could well be something else. I've had all those symptoms when stressed. Hope you get answers soon.

As a (slight) reassurance, headaches aren't part of a usual new presentation of MS. You're doing the right thing, though, by getting yourself checked over. Best wishes to you!

I have similar symptoms, had all the tests & scans, was diagnosed with B12 deficiency. My consultant originally said he thought I had MS. Get your B12 & Hb1a tested as diabetes can sometimes cause the same symptoms. If it is B12 deficiency you will get 6 injections over 2 weeks & then one every 12 weeks, it isn't enough, I buy my own B12 vials & self inject every other day. You need to take at least 5mg of folic acid, Vitamin B complex, magnesium & vitamin K to help your body absorb the B12. Your GP may try to fob you off with oral B12 tablets, they don't work, you need the injections. PM me if you need to know anything.

My symptoms started as pain in my feet, as I have arthritis I just thought it was that, then my feet went numb, the numbness travelled up my legs in to my thighs, I also had numb lips & fingertips. I have some odd symptoms like dry eyes & mouth, one eyelid that drops when I'm tired, cracks in the corners of my mouth, a sore Tongue which at it's worst lost nearly all of my taste buds. I had MRI scans which showed plaques on my brain but they weren't connected with MS. I have problems with my bladder control, I often wet myself. I'm nearly 4 years in now & use crutches for short distances & a wheelchair if I need to go any further, even though I inject I have had no improvement. My nerve conduction studies showed severe damage in my legs which is unlikely to get better.