Scared I have MS

[stoppingbywoods]

First of all, I posted about this a couple of weeks ago and things have changed since then.

Woke up one morning four weeks ago with numbness all over my left leg between the knee and ankle. No back pain. I saw a neurologist a week ago who said he thought this would probably settle down as my medical exam was basically normal - but he couldn't rule out something more serious. He suggested that an MRI scan would probably be reassuring. They cost £1000 though - a lot of money to us. I'm also afraid of what it might show.

Over the last few days, the pins and needles have spread into my toes and up the thigh. I also feel as if my toes are hot and curled up, but they're not.

A young relative died recently of an illness similar to MS and I'm so frightened. Will someone please tell me what I should do? I can't share this with family members.

(Nancy75 - if you're reading this - I tried to PM you but it wouldn't let me for some reason - sorry and thank you for your message).

I understand your concerns stopping and I'm someone else who was convinced I had MS over 20 years ago. I think it's one of those things that many people thing they have. But until you know you are going to worry. I'm just shocked that you are expected to pay £1000 for a private MRI. NHS is meant to be free at the point of need (not for much longer admittedly) My GP sent me for an MRI as I had (for want of a better phrase) a "numb bum" - she referred me after 1 visit and the appointment came through about 3 weeks later.

I think you should insist that your GP refers you for an MRI.

do you know which bit of you you need the mri of?

Thanks red that is HUGELY comforting actually!

I'm glad you agree nananina and helpful to know you've been through similar. £1000 for an MRI does seem like a lot.

mrstriggs I need an MRI of the head, neck and back apparently.

Are you in the UK? Because if the GP thinks you need an MRI then you shouldn't need to pay privately.

Ask the GP why you need to pay if he says that's what you need.

Has your doctor done full blood tests? Vitamin b12 deficiency can mimic the symptoms of MS (amongst other things). It causes numbness, weakness and pins and needles in limbs. Worth checking out just in case.

Thank you Draylon - are you a medic as you seem very knowledgeable. Agree with SmashingTurnips my DIL had B12 deficiency and had all those symptoms. Her father had it for so long before he saw the GP he actually fell over in the street and now the nerves in his foot have been affected.

Draylon that does make sense.

However there may be ways of cutting the waiting down in that case. My dm was asked if she would travel and said she would and got an appointment in 3 months despite being fairly non-urgent (back pain).
Apparently some teaching hospitals will ask for people for research on-they'll do the MRI and give the scans over to your consultant and keep the ones they did on you for research.

Thanks for the replies. My GP kindly made an 'urgent' referral and I've now been told it's going to be 6-8 weeks.

However, I've had a chance to see the specialist pelvic physiotherapist who I visit every few months in connection with SPD. She found the muscles on the left side of the pelvis were very, very seized up and was adamant that this mechanical problem is probably the cause of the numbness, especially as it's all on the same side. I feel 90% reassured which is a huge improvement!

Draylon Had heard that early treatment for MS is important.

smashing Yes thanks, they tested for B12 deficiency.

Thank you all again.