Terrified I have MS

[mrstobe123]

Last month I started experiencing burning sensations in my thighs which I thought could be down to chaffing etc but no rash. As it didn't settle down I went to the doctors who didn't seem too concerned but sent me for blood tests which all came back normal and prescribed me antiviral tablets in case it was the start of shingles however it has been nearly 4 weeks now and the sensations are still here and I am now experiencing it in my arms too constantly along with occasional aches and pains, tingling, twitching, tired muscles, pain in fingers and wrists.
I went back to the doctors who said they have no idea what is causing this and referred me to neurology and after googling (which I know you shouldn't) I have convinced myself I have MS.
I do suffer with anxiety which doesn't help but I am so worked up I can't think about anything else.
Does this sound like MS or just anxiety playing tricks on me, it seems the more symptoms I read about the more I think I'm experiencing, I can't tell what's happening anymore. All my senses are extremely heightened atm I feel every little thing and then focus on it for hours. From the moment I wake up I think can I still feel the sensations then for the rest of the day I can't think about anything else. Its ruining my life.
I think I'm just looking for advice and a handhold really.
Any similar experiences would be really appreciated.

MS can present in so many different and unusual ways so while I definitely wouldn't say it was impossible, generally if things come and go and affect all four limbs I would say that is unlikely to be MS. Do you find your symptoms get significantly worse with temperature changes, like a hot shower or exercise? That's one of the things they used to look out for before modern technology like MRIs.

The annoying thing about MS symptoms is that there are so many possible ones and they're so vague that you inevitably start noticing or thinking you notice more of them once you get it in your head. I'd try and distract myself with other things while you wait for your appointment (easier said than done I know!).

Also, just because you said you didn't know much about the disease, I feel I should probably point out that these days with modern medicine the prognosis for MS is much better than you might be imagining. It's not an absolute worst case scenario once you get your head around it.

@ammpersand I’ve noticed that it gets more intense in the cold weather and some exercise classes but I can’t work out if that’s just the usual Pilates burn! Yes I think that’s what’s happening to me, the more I read about the symptoms of MS the more I think I’m experiencing and I can’t work out if it’s actually happening or if my brain is playing tricks on me but I definitely need to stop playing them so much attention.

Thank you for your help, as I said I don’t know much about the disease and the internet seems to just tell you worse case which really doesn’t help. Even if this is MS I think I’ll be more calm knowing what is causing these symptoms then driving myself crazy trying to work it out!

@mrstobe123 How are you now? Did you get to the bottom of your symptoms?

@mrstobe123 Hello. How are you? I'm just wondering if you ever got to the bottom of your symptoms?

@Lollyl88 Sorry just seen this! MS was ruled out following an MRI but other things did come up so that is under investigation now - still no clue what is causing the symptoms but they have subsided slightly. Thanks for asking x