multiple sclerosis.

karareilly

Hey guys feeling really scared, iam only 27 ,for a while now ive been experiencing various symptoms, loss of balance, blurred vision, shaking, numbness to the face , arm and hands, and weight loss and sever tiredness and few other symptoms. I went to the doctors he took my bloods and next friday iam to get a mri and fluid took from my spine.
is ms in the genes as my father had it died at the young age of 42.

has any-one has similar symptoms and tests done?

Joe10000

I've had the MRI and lumbar puncture done to test for MS. While neither is pleasant there is no pain involved, bring headphones as they can be a great help.

My symptoms were different to yours and luckily I don't have MS although my problem remains undiagnosed.

Best of luck to you.

karareilly

Thanks Joe glad there not painful... how long does it take for the results to come back ?

byhookorbycrook

For the MRI you will be given headphones there. I find it easier to close my eyes before I go into the tunnel as I am slightly claustrophobic. Have you been to see a neuro?

Joe10000

karareilly wrote: »

Thanks Joe glad there not painful... how long does it take for the results to come back ?

It was a few years ago but I think it was one to two weeks.

I will give you some advice if I may, the medical system in this country is not joined up, there is no flow of information between doctors and while you may expect that the people looking after you are managing your case they are not, you have to manage it and drive it yourself.

Joe10000

byhookorbycrook wrote: »

For the MRI you will be given headphones there. I find it easier to close my eyes before I go into the tunnel as I am slightly claustrophobic. Have you been to see a neuro?

Good tip, I did that too for the first one.

tatli_lokma

First of all try not to stress yourself or second guess your diagnosis. There are several conditions which could account for your symptoms, not just MS. Also take faith that at least your GP is interested in sending you for tests, for many MS and indeed other long term illness sufferers the real battle is even getting a diagnosis. My sister was 7 years with symptoms before getting a lumbar puncture or MRI.

Secondly even if it does turn out to be MS try to stay positive. MS has such a broad spectrum of symptoms and extremes that you have to focus on your own individual journey, and not compare yourself to others or assume that because some people end up in a wheelchair you will too. The sooner you get a diagnosis the sooner you can get treatment, so a diagnosis is a positive thing because it means that finally you can start to treat and hopefully slow down the illness. It can take a while to get your meds right for you so you need to try and be positive and focus on the long term gain rather than the short term discomfort (some meds will make you feel worse before you feel better).

As to your query regarding genetics, there does appear to be some links between genetics and MS but how big an influence it has is unclear. Genetics are usually in play with most immune disorders, so it makes sense that it will be a factor in MS as it is also an immune disorder. But the genetics could be just as likely to leave you with arthritis or lupus or a gastro disorder. For eg my mum had rheumatoid arthritis. All 3 of us have the HLAB27 genetic marker. Yet I have arthritis, my sister has MS and my brother has pernicious anaemia. My type of arthritis would have many of the same symptoms you are experiencing, more so than my sister with MS would have. The reason I tell you this is to point out that just because your dad had it, and had certain symptoms and the outcome he had does not mean you will end up the same way

Some interesting and positive reading here if you are interested:

http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-30/breakthrough-scientists-closer-multiple-scleroris-cure/4987984

tatli_lokma

First of all try not to stress yourself or second guess your diagnosis. There are several conditions which could account for your symptoms, not just MS. Also take faith that at least your GP is interested in sending you for tests, for many MS and indeed other long term illness sufferers the real battle is even getting a diagnosis. My sister was 7 years with symptoms before getting a lumbar puncture or MRI.

Secondly even if it does turn out to be MS try to stay positive. MS has such a broad spectrum of symptoms and extremes that you have to focus on your own individual journey, and not compare yourself to others or assume that because some people end up in a wheelchair you will too. The sooner you get a diagnosis the sooner you can get treatment, so a diagnosis is a positive thing because it means that finally you can start to treat and hopefully slow down the illness. It can take a while to get your meds right for you so you need to try and be positive and focus on the long term gain rather than the short term discomfort (some meds will make you feel worse before you feel better).

As to your query regarding genetics, there does appear to be some links between genetics and MS but how big an influence it has is unclear. Genetics are usually in play with most immune disorders, so it makes sense that it will be a factor in MS as it is also an immune disorder. But the genetics could be just as likely to leave you with arthritis or lupus or a gastro disorder. For eg my mum had rheumatoid arthritis. All 3 of us have the HLAB12 genetic marker. Yet I have arthritis, my sister has MS and my brother has pernicious anaemia. My type of arthritis would have many of the same symptoms you are experiencing, more so than my sister with MS would have. The reason I tell you this is to point out that just because your dad had it, and had certain symptoms and the outcome he had does not mean you will end up the same way

Some interesting and positive reading here if you are interested:

http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-30/breakthrough-scientists-closer-multiple-scleroris-cure/4987984