Jump to content
The MS PEOPLE UK Forum
Support, help, advice and information for Multiple Sclerosis. Ask questions and share experiences with people affected by MS.
moomin

Not yet diagnosed

19 posts in this topic Last Reply

Recommended Posts

moomin

Hi all, I have never been on a forum before so please bear with me if I am a little slow!

 

I have not been diagnosed with MS but I am currently experiencing some strange sympoms. It all started about a month ago I was at work (in a hospital operating theatre) and I thought the floor was vibrating! it took me a couple of days to realise it was me. The vibration/buzzing is mainly in both thighs but sometimes travels as far down as my feet and upwards into my abdomen and lower back it happens every time i put my head down. I also get localised patches that buzz/pulsate when im not moving my head.

 

I went to my g.p after a week or so and his exact words were "I have no idea what that is, it will probably just go away, take some ibuprofen" That was really helpful! A couple of days later I mentioned it to one of the anaesthetists at work and straight away he said "thats Lhermitte's sign, are you being tested for MS?" Wow I was not expecting that! He then made a phonecall to our A&E department and I was sent to see an A&E consultant who did bloods (normal) a c-spine x-ray (normal) gave me diclofenac and a letter asking my G.P to please refer me to neuro ?Lhermittes sign.

 

So I am now going to see a neurologist next monday. Since the mention of MS i have been searching the internet looking at all the symptoms and looking back a few years i have not been 'normal' for ages. I have had constant headache since 2001 was seeing a neuro for years who diagnosed me with chronic daily headache tried meon various drugs (none of which helped) about 4 or 5 years ago I had a ct scan and lumbar puncture for headaches, both were normal, Bloods have always been normal and various neck x-rays normal. So never found out why i have headache 24/7. I also had about a six month period when my right pupil was much larger than my left but again my Neurologist and optitian were not worried by this.

 

My current symtoms are headache (as usual) Lhermitte's sign, very cold hands, feet and nose, fuzzy head, forgetfullness, lack of concentration, tiredness, mood swings, difficulty sleeping, heavy legs (especially right leg) sometime feels like i have been punched in the thigh! clumsiness am always dropping things and walking into things or tripping up. I quite often forget what i am talking about during conversations. My partner comments very often that he told me someting the other day but i can never remember this is very frustrating for him as he keeps saying "you never listen to me".

 

I suppose i am writing on this forum because i am very frightened about my neuro appointment on monday and i just want to share my fears with people that understand what i am going through at the moment and if anyone with MS has some of the above symptoms i would be interested to hear from you.

 

Thank you and sorry for the long story!

Share this post


Link to post
happyandy

Hi moomin and welcome to the forum,

 

L'hermittes sign indicates an inflammation in your spinal chord. It doesn't mean you have MS. Lhermitte's sign is not exclusive to ms and may be the result of some other conditions such as electrolyte imbalance, cervical spondylosis, or even vitamin B12 deficiency. Often people with MS don't experience the sensation. As you will hear from others, MS is hard to diagnose usually requiring MRI scans and/or a lumbar puncture.

 

MS would therefore would be easy to diagnose if L'Hermittes was a definitive test. Which it obviously isn't.

 

Try not to self diagnose on the internet, you will give yourself the hee-bee-geebies.

 

I take it you work in the medical profession. Do you do a lot of lifting ?

 

Mention all your symptoms to the Neuro and hopefully all will be OK

 

Andy


If I knew I was going to live so long I would have taken better care of my body

Share this post


Link to post
moomin

Hi Andy, thanks for reply,

 

I know i have been stupid looking on internet but curiosity got the better of me and every time i searched Lhermittes it would always mention ms. I am probably worrying about nothing, I'll have to wait till i see neuro next week.

 

Yes I work in theatres and do a lot of lifting but there's usually lots of other people around to help out.

 

Will try to tell neuro everything but i'll probably forget something, lol.

Share this post


Link to post
Lilacwine

Hi Moomin

 

Welcome to the forum :crazy2: I am new here myself and i have found everyone so pleasant and helpful :hearts_circle:

I have yet to be diagnosed and I am hoping to see a Neurologist this week, i am going private as i can not wait to be seen on NHS.

 

After reading your post about your current symptoms it was like you were describing mine without the spasms that I suffer from in my hands, feet & sides (ribcage)

 

As for the lack of concentration my daughter was talking to me this morning and then in a gruff voice said "Well I know it's not that interesting!" It made me feel really bad when i realize my mind had gone off elsewhere :rose: I do it with my OH as well....... but that's intentional :rose:

I hope you (and me) get some answers very soon.

 

Best wishes

 

Lilac :cheerleader:

 

 

Share this post


Link to post
moomin

Hi Lilac,

 

I told you i have no memory i 4got 2 mention the cramps! I get them in my feet my toes curl under and in my hands if im writing for a while or trying to chop vegetables. Also had neck and back spasms to the point where i have gone to G.P or A&E as it is sooo painful, usually a few days of diazepam does the trick!

 

I am also getting very sharp random pains, it can happen anywhere in my body sometimes my head, knee, abdomen ,back even fingers! The pain is sooo sharp it makes me sweat but only lasts for a second then comes and goes throughout the day.

 

Thankfully I have only been waiting a month from referral to getting an appointment with neuro which i dont think is bad really. I have looked up the Dr's name and he specialises in MS.

 

Im having very mixed feelings, of course i dont want to have ms but i equally dont want years of not knowing what is wrong at least if i get a diagnosis for something then it will explain the last 9 years that i have been having symptoms.

 

I hope you get to see neuro soon, keep in touch and let me know how you are doing. :hearts_circle:

Share this post


Link to post
paulamac1

Hello,

 

L'hermette's sign was the reason my GP sent me to a Neurologist, along with the fact that any time someone touched a part of my body it seemed to vibrate - I also get sharp random pains in my body particularly in my back. My GP did think at first I had a trapped nerve - I got diagnosed with MS in December after an MRI and Lumbar Puncture but like Andy said there could be a number of reasons for the symptoms

 

Good luck at Neuro let us know how you get on

 

Paula. x

Share this post


Link to post
brainless

Hi Moomin and you've come to the right place for good sense and compassion; new here myself and I'm feeling better already!

 

 

Your symptoms don't ring many bells for me, could be anything, I think it's important that you bring notes when you visit your neuro.

even interview friends/ family about what they've noticed and bring someone along that won't get flustered who can ask the things that you forget - cos you will!

 

 

good luck, try not to worry, and do what I did and read thru this site - not just the MS stuff but the funny/ordinary stuff too - it will help

 

best of luck, Lottie :hearts_circle:


Lottie, x

 

LIVING IN THE MOMENT

Share this post


Link to post
Hezza

Hi Moomin & :wchair: from me too,

As the others have said please try not to worry, and google, too much. The symptoms of MS overlap with those of many other conditions which is why diagnosis can take a while.

 

You're on the right track towards getting answers with the Neuro referral but be prepared to come away without definitive answers and possibly some further tests to undergo. Often diagnosis is a process of elimination and while some of us got a diagnosis pretty quickly for others it can take a while.

 

In the meantime settle in with us, have a browse round the boards and join in where-ever takes your fancy. We're a friendly bunch, welcome to the gang :you-rock:


Edited by Hezza
typo fix

Life is short. Eat dessert first. Jacques Torres

Share this post


Link to post
Christina

Welcome from me too Moomin

 

Great name! I love moomin stuff lol!

 

Chris :you-rock:


Not waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain ....

Share this post


Link to post
Michelle

Hello there and welcome

 

 

 

Regards

 

 

Michelle :you-rock:

Share this post


Link to post
moomin

Thank you all so much for your support, advice and a lovely welcome!

 

Will let you know what happens.

 

:you-rock:

Share this post


Link to post
lisalisa

Hi Moomin,

 

Just wanted to say hello and welcome.

 

I google as well so your not only one!! I cant help it im just to darn nosey as soon as I see anything i dont understand on any report to do with me i start googleing to find out what it means.

 

I get quite a lot of your symptoms but as yet im undiagnosed. At least you seem to be getting somewhere quickly regards getting tests and seeing Neuro.

 

Im seeing Neuro again next wk.

 

Take Care

 

Lisa xx

Share this post


Link to post
moomin

Ok I am so scared about my neuro appointment now,

 

I am being a real cow to my boyfriend and i just keep trying to have arguments with him I suppose i am venting my frustration at not knowing wot the hell is going on in my body.

 

Why cant i just be strong and be nice with people, I mean it might turn out to be nothing serious

 

 

My head is a mess! :monkey:

Share this post


Link to post
ptlike

Hi Moomin

 

Hi and wellcome :monkey: I cant offer any better advice than Andy

 

Best wishes

 

Peter

Share this post


Link to post
Michelle
Why cant i just be strong and be nice with people, I mean it might turn out to be nothing serious

 

 

My head is a mess! :help2:

 

 

Try and think about all the emotional energy you are using in not being "nice" with people. I would hope that the people that are close to you, will realise that you are under a lot of stress right now. However, you have to look after yourself,and at present, the stress caused by frustration and the like, are not doing "you" any favours.

 

I would suggest distracting yourself,but this close to an appointment,and with so much frustration and anger going on; you might hit me with a fish:)

 

 

Hope you're appointment goes well. BTW What day is the appointment?

 

 

Regards

 

Michelle :monkey:


Edited by Michelle
sp

Share this post


Link to post
madderbat

Hi moomin,

Better late than never, I'd like to say Hi and welcome but others have already done that :help2:

 

Good luck with your appointment tomorrow, I'm sure someone else has mentioned writing things down so you can remember to ask questions and say important stuff. Also, do you have anyone who could go with you for a bit of 'moral sport'? I found it helps because I invariably forget what's been said and another pair of ears is very useful when you get home.

 

Do let us know how it goes.

 

Best wishes

Jane :monkey:


Never make the same mistake twice. There are so many new ones you can try a new one every day ;)

Share this post


Link to post
brainless

good lucki tomorrow Moomin, will be with you in spirit :hearts_circle:

 

 

x, Lottie


Lottie, x

 

LIVING IN THE MOMENT

Share this post


Link to post
Lilacwine

Good luck for tomorrow hun, let us know how you get on :hearts_circle:

Lilac x

Share this post


Link to post
Dianni

Hi Moomin and a belated :hearts_circle:

 

I hope all goes well at your appt. this morning. Please let us know how you get on.

 

Hugs

Di

xxx

Share this post


Link to post

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Similar Topics

    • Recently diagnosed forum virgin

      Hello out there. I’m not sure of forum etiquette so forgive me if I’m doing stuff wrong & please do correct me! 
      so, I was diagnosed with PPMS in August last year after approx 15 months of investigations, scans & odd symptoms that had me feeling like a complete hypochondriac.
      The general neuro consultant who gave me the diagnosis discussed a raft of referrals he was making & off I went to wait for appointment letters. And I waited & waited & waited - but received nothing - not even the usual copy of the repost sent routinely to GP. Chased it with the dept admin & was told to “be patient”  Turned out some admin error led to no action or referrals being done for months & I just got fobbed off over & over. Only got sorted when I reluctantly complained to the trusts PALS service. 
      So - I now have a first appointment with the MS team on 24/2/20. I’m hoping it will result in some treatment and advice, and an intro to the MS nurses team as ppl say they are the best ppl to talk to about your ongoing symptoms/issues. 
      I’m waffling - but basically am wondering if anyone has any advice or suggestions of things to ask the consultant and/or team during a 1st appointment that would be useful to know - having waited so long to see the MS specialists I want to make the most of it. 
      Thank you! 😊

      in General Discussion about MS

    • Newly diagnosed

      Hi everyone Very new to all of this but thought I'd reach out. I've just been diagnosed with RRMS a few weeks ago, and given the Covid situation everything (apart from MRIs!) has been over the phone. So it's all been a bit surreal..  I've had unexplained spells of dizziness and fatigue over the years, but the incident that has led to diagnosis was (I'm told) a pretty severe relapse which Drs initially thought was a stroke. I had awful dizziness and fatigue, and then lost strength, balance and coordination on my left side. Thankfully I'm feeling much better now but the last couple of months have been terrifying. I guess I just want to say hi and speak to others with similar experience- my husband has been very supportive but with the lockdown I'm feeling quite anxious about everything.

      in General Discussion about MS

    • Just diagnosed with rrms

      Hi everyone. I had a confirmed diagnosis of rrmson 16/12/19 i am 35 years old and i had my first relapse at 16/17 years old. February 2019 i suffered from optic neuritis which lead to mri and my diagnosis. I know we are all different but can any of u tell me your story of relapses after diagnosis and how often etc. Thank you x

      in General Discussion about MS

    • Face numbness - not yet diagnosed

      Hi Thought I'd come here for a bit of advice   I am 49 female and for the last few days have been experiencing numbness in my face - like when a dentist does a filling. My tongue and gums are also numb I have had numbness in the hands for years, possibly due to a compressed nerve in my neck (diagnosed as tennis elbow, then spondylosis via mri, my feet also tingle with strange feelings in my knees   I don't have any pain anywhere apart from occasional lower lumber and mid back pain.  I don't have any double vision, slurred speech. I walk a lot and keep relatively fit   I've done some research hence being here. I know that it generally affects younger people, but can arise in my age group.   I've read that if the problem is MS that it could take months/ years to get a proper diagnosis and that there isn't much treatment available.   Early next year I will be 50 and I am planning a massive long-awaited holiday to America and Canada, however, I am fully aware that if I go to the Drs and they refer me to a neurologist I then can't get travel insurance due to having an 'undiagnosed condition'   I've looked at the medicines available and they seem to prevent flare-ups by 30-50% but most of the treatment is physio, exercise, cognitive therapy etc  (self managed)    I don't know if I have MS, but if I go to the DRs and get a referral - then my 50th birthday gift won't happen    Any advice - have I read the treatments wrong - is there a point going to the Drs at this point -   how long do referrals take   Thanks for your help

      in General Discussion about MS

    • Not Diagnosed Yet

      How do I get about getting a diagnosis when since the 80's and several house moves I have been unable to have any referral for further tests.   Back in the mid 80's my GP told me he suspected I had MS only the Neurologist I was referred to just duplicated the basic tests that the GP had already done.   When I asked for a referral for further investigations he told me that all my symptoms were due to anxiety.   30 years down the line I am no nearer to finding out what is wrong with me despite my midwife during one labour in 1983 said that MS had been put on my notes to inform staff on other shifts that they needed to be aware of my Multiple Sclerosis as it was already causing difficulties.   I asked about this when seeing GPs further down the line and they said they knew nothing about this.   My P.I.P. application was turned down due to lack of evidence so how do I get this?

      in General Discussion about MS

About Us

Founded in 2004, MS People UK is a community website and discussion forum by and for people with Multiple Sclerosis as well as for friends, families, supporters and those interested in this disabling condition.

If you’re newly diagnosed or want to ask about possible first symptoms, or if you’ve had Relapse Remit, Secondary or Primary Progressive MS for some time, a welcoming group of fellow MS sufferers is here to chat with you about MS symptoms, diagnosis and treatments.

The atmosphere is friendly whilst being compassionate, supportive and caring. Members also post about a variety of subjects not related to MS, as well as share jokes, talk about their hobbies, have fun, and more.


The MS People Forum is not responsible for advice or information supplied by members. We suggest you seek medical advice before trying anything.
×