Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum and need your opinions. I'm not asking for a diagnosis, as I know that isn't possible. But, given the symptoms I describe... do you think I'm out of line in worrying that I might have MS? Sorry for the lengthy post, but I've tried to detail my history out for my visit to a neurologist in a few weeks... so I condensed my thoughts to tell my story. Here is my symptom history...
- 1990 – Symptoms begin while in college, left ear suddenly began to ring for no reason with sudden hearing loss at about 15%. Dizziness followed but later got better. I was told it was probably an infection that caused damage to the auditory nerve to the brainstem. CAT scan was done, but no real results obtained.
- 1994 – Weird vision problems began... I lost my central vision in my left eye temporarily (still had peripheral vision). My ophthalmologist was worried it might be macular degeneration, but over time, it cleared up and things were normal.
- 1995 – Blurry vision again, went to a optometrist and received a prescription for glasses with 20/40 vision. Eventually, my eyes got better and went back to 20/20.
- 2000 – Noticeable numbness began in arms, hands and feet... sometimes with chest pain. Went to the ER at one point only to find that maybe diabetes was suspected based on blood work, but later ruled out.
- 2000 – Began to notice frequent urination and inability to hold urine for any normal length of time, especially at night. Again, diabetes suspected at first, but ruled out with normal blood sugar test.
- 2005 (summer) – Begin noticing short term memory problems which is very unusual. Can’t remember where I just placed things several minutes ago, can’t remember the result of conversations that just took place, very frustrating and continues to this day. This is probably the most concerning symptom, but very prevalent! I'm an engineer and this kind of thing has never happened to me until now.
- 2005 (summer) – More hearing loss (with imbalance and unsteadiness) and tinnitus began to worsen badly, left ear now only has about 30% hearing with right ear hearing worsening and ringing. Saw neurotologist (ear nerve doctor) and was diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease. Was tested with ABR, ECOG, and had MRI completed for diagnosis. ABR came back abnormal, ECOG came back abnormal, then ordered to have MRI.
- 2005 (summer) – Began noticing very large “floaters” in both eyes with intermittent blurry vision. Floaters remain to this day, some days are worse than others, but very unusual as they began along with a worsening of other symptoms in summer 2005.
- 2006 – Numbness continues to gradually get worse. Feet sometimes feel like hair is wrapped in them, only to find they are clean. Tingling and numbness is very prevalent in hands and feet, it comes and goes.
- 2006 – Numbness extends for the first time in genital area obviously freaking me out. Sensitivity is now decreased and has not improved, very unusual for me.
- Decide to seek help of neurologist...
With all that said, my wife is very insistent that I pursue this beyond the Meniere's Disease diagnosis. I'm convinced to see a neuro as soon as I can locate one and be seen...
But, I'd like comments from folks who know what MS is and what it is like... does this seem like possible MS?
Thanks for your input.
Hi,
I'm glad you have found this forum even if this is not MS. A neurologist is definately needed for whatever this is you have. Have the eye docs said you have optic neuritis? They should be able to see some signs of it on exam with several tests.
You will need an MRI w/contrast of your brain and possibly cervical spine, this is something the neuro should order after examing you. You may also need a spinal tap and evoked potential tests to check for optic neuritis.
Numbness, cognitive issues and optic neuritis are all part of MS...but they can be part of other diseases also. Good luck with your Dr.' visit, please let us know what comes out of it! Feel free to post here anytime!
Michelle ><>
Smile, Smile, Smile!
Yes, definitely a visit to a neurologist is in order. And take this history with you. Shelly pretty well laid out the next course of action. Do let us know how it goes.
...I am not a doctor, nor health professional, and don't pretend to be one, here.....
Thanks for your feedback. I didn't want to go to a neurologist, basically just because I'm scared what I might find... but, I realize it is necessary.
What are some of the early symptoms of MS and how long does it take to progress. My symptoms started so long ago, this seems strange, but over the last 18 months I've noticed a drastic increase in symptoms of something going on...
Also, is it possible to lose your hearing with MS? My left ear is almost completely deaf, and both ears ring like crazy. My symptoms suggest Meniere's Disease, but the numbness / tingling, cognitive issues, and vision problems aren't part of a Meniere's diagnosis.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Hi SVTCobra,
I'm glad you are being your own advocate and trying to figure out what is going on. Please continue that! In addition to being tested for MS, have you been tested for Lyme Disease? There are Lyme tests that are not worth a flip. It is important to be tested by a reputable Lyme Lab like IgeneX in California.
I'll bump up to the top of the page a thread where I copied from a book the basic symptoms of MS, and what a doctor looks for, to diagnose it.
I tried -- without success -- to cut and paste the thread here.. but it didn't work.. :(
...I am not a doctor, nor health professional, and don't pretend to be one, here.....
Hi SVT,
Your symptoms could be caused by a number of things but I agree the next logical step would be a visit to a neurologist. Symptoms and progression vary from person to person so it's impossible to say what a normal progression course is or what symptoms appear early. The National MS society website www.nmss.org has a great symptom list and there are also many resources available here on Healing Well too. Yes, hearing loss can occur in MS.
Best of luck to you, and I hope they figure out what's causing your problems. Feel free to post anytime, and be sure to check back in after you see the neurologist.
Kimber
Allow Healing Well to continue to help others, clink link for details
Thanks again. I'm seeing my ENT specialist today, so I'm hoping he will refer me to a good neurologist. I'll keep you posted.
Hi SVTCobra,
I know you said you are going to try to see a neurologist. Please be aware that many neurologists do not know much about Lyme and Lyme can be misdiagnosed as many conditions including MS and Meniere's. My mother has Lyme and she had Meniere's. Your other symptoms sound like Lyme too.
Here's a link to a good list of symptoms:
http://www.xpressnet.com/bhealthy/symptoms.html
No tick bite memory is required; the wrong test for Lyme can definitely give you a false negative, and Lyme is frequently curable, but you have to find the right doctor to diagnose it. I had to go to 9 different doctors before I was diagnosed. My response to the antibiotics is the ultimate proof. If you want more info, you can always post on the Lyme forum.
Good luck!
Post Edited (KCLyme) : 7/7/2006 3:43:00 AM (GMT-6)