Dr says i need mri scan to "rule out" ms. Feeling scared!

[montymoo]

The title says it all really. I have seen GP a few times recently with a variety of issues going on mostly to do with head and vision. Having looked on google ms kept coming up as a likely option but I just dismissed it thinking i was being a hypochondriac. However Dr came up with the same conclusion. Now feeling very anxious and can't sleep with all the "what if's" going on in my head

Sorry you are in this boat Montymoo. I'm afraid I don't have experience of this situiation, but wanted to send virtual support as I have been through getting a cancer diagnosis in the last 6 months, then suregry and now chemotherapy.

So all I can offer by way of support is the advise a friend gave me, which is easier said than done, but honestly helps. And that is simply to take one step at a time and not to panic. Even if you get a diagnosis of MS or something else serious, you'll find there is lots of help and a lot can be done. So try to train yourself not to think worst case scenarios.

I found that in the first 2-3 weeks after my diagnosis my mind was just whirling round all sorts of dreadful scenarios. But you can't carry on like that so its better to think positive and in the moment, and take heart that people do cope very well with what seems at first a truly awful situation.

I hope this is a little help. I know its hard. Treat yourself as you would a best friend.
Best wishes and courage.

I had this last year. I had various nerve problems, pins & needles, pain in eye (but no vision loss), fatigue etc etc.

I had a neuro referral & MRI of brain & spine. They then "lost" the brain one, so had it repeated - when the technician could see original on computer when I arrived!

Anyway, scans were clear
I took Pregabalin which helped with the pains a lot, and stopped taking that in Feb this year. Still get the odd nerve symptom, but all manageable. I think it has been put dowm to a "Functional" problem. Whatever, I am getting on with stuff now & will worry if I "relapse" again in a big way.

Hope you get some answers soon. There are LOADS of people out there with undiagnosed nerve issues, which doesn't help when you feel low but at least are not progressive.

Thanks for your replies. I am sorry about your situation Sandripples, that must be tough for you. Your friend's advice makes sense and echoes what the Dr told me, however like you say it is easier said than done!
Sorry you have been feeling poorly too Milliways. I hope you are feeling better now. I have the mri scan and various appointments with head/ eye specialists to look forward to. It is very daunting but good to know support is out there.
The troubleis my mind runs away with me. One minute I am convinced there is nothing wrong with me, the next I am thinking worse case scenario.

I'm in the same position, Montymoo - so I really sympathise. Am seeing a neurologist soon and sway between calm and wild terror.

(I too have been avoiding the ms diagnosis on google as it seemed just so vague that it couldn't be my symptoms. But now my GP thinks something is up, I'm really worried.)

Milliways - you have no idea how good it is to see that someone could have these symptoms and a clear scan. I hope you continue to improve.

Dont worry, you can drive yourself mad with what ifs.

I had an MRI, also a LP and blood test.
I was positive and the consultant showed me my plaques on an x ray thingy so I could see them.

I know evryone is deferent, but 8 years on from the mri , I know I have it but am lucky enough not to be really affected.
optic neuritis is a common symptom ,but not a defining one, so please be brave and try not to worry, it wont help you much,your doc is being through.
ms society is a bit scarey, msrc is much more approacable.

Thanks - girlscout. I know I have to calm down (and just occasionally I do). Also, knowing one way or the other doesn't make much difference to the symptoms I have. I'm glad you're not too badly affected.

(As far as I know, I haven't had optic neuritis - which is why I didn't panic before - but I have other weird visual problems which arrive suddenly and go away again after a few days/weeks. Now my sensation is going strange as well...)

A few years ago I had an MRI for the same thing. Muscle aches, numb arms, lots of pins and needles. Nothing showed up and I was diagnosed with a vague post viral illness. Fingers crossed for you.

Thanks. Girlscout, how are you? How long did it take for your tests and then the results to come through? Are you working? If so are they aware of your situation?

As you can see my mind is still swirling round with different things. Sleeping at night is now very difficult as I just cannot switch off.

Chaotica, how are things with you? When is your neurologist appointment? Have you had an mri yet? Keeping my fingers crossed that all is well for you.

Hi Montymoo - I have another month to wait before I see a neurologist. My head might explode before then. (And I presume that all that will happen is that a scan and more tests will be ordered, so more waiting...) I have loads of random numbness symptoms at the moment and blurry vision too often, so I end up feeling dizzy and dropping things a lot. I do keep trying to tell myself it's migraine. Fingers crossed for you too.