Multiple Sclerosis

[isabellebichone]

I was tested once for MS via an MRI a year ago but wonder if it's time for another one now.

I had a mild MI at age 42 three years ago and a blocked artery. Since then I've had many problems which led me to numerous doctors, etc. I had no family history of heart disease I eat very healthy food (no salt, no red meat, low fat) and I'm a non smoker. I have an intermittent but painful/itchy/red face rash that once appeared to be a butterfly rash - after many, many tests it was said to be dermetitis [dermatitis] and my ANA is negative. I also have coronary artery spasms.

The problem is that my fatique is extreme and the pain which was also an issue then became increasingly extreme. I had none of the tender point criteria, but was diagnosed with fibromyalgia because of the unidentifiable pain. I was taken off of all statin drugs. The pain and weakness continues to worsen.

When I started becoming dizzy, had facial numbness, and a few other neurological symptoms, I had the three part MRI (a little over a year ago now) which came out normal.

I had an old knee injury, and then broke my toe this summer which is when I was diagnosed with RSD. I thought this was the missing information I needed to start with a treatment plan. Unfortunately, it turns out that the RSD is a relatively minor issue for me because my pain is widespread and generates from my back.

During this time my WBC has become low, I have a b 12 and vitamin d deficiency as well.

I've been in PT for a couple of months, however, something is still very wrong. My hands are getting weaker and clenching up at night again. My soreness is normal my PT tells me, but the dehabilitating pain is not. The dehabilitating pain is in my back and it feels like it could kill me. I can tell there are two kinds of pain going on- if that makes sense. I was so hopeful that this PT was the answer that I am now crashing, again, emotionally.

I see my neurologist in a few weeks and want to make the most of my visit . I want to be sure I don't overwhelm him with useless information. Please advise. Any input from someone with MS would be much appreaciated.

[Drewfuss]

Make sure you have been taking your interferon like you're supposed to. That
way, your neurologist knows that you are treating your version of the disease.

[cococali]

Hi

I was reading your post there and your symptoms seem to tie in with a condition called Lupus Erythematosis (don't know if I have spelled that parts correctly) my mother in law had this condition diagnosed during 1985, apparently it is quite difficult to diagnose but one of the tell tale signs is the butterfly rash across the face, this is also an auto immune disease like multiple sclerosis, I'm just wondering how you got on at your visit the the specialist and if you have been diagnosed yet? I myself am waiting to see a neurologist as I have suspected ms.