Advice on symptoms?

[Pgrif23]

Just wondering if you lot could advise meon something?

 

I've been getting back pain, neck/jaw spasms, random bruising, confusion and altered sensations such as; pins and needles, numbness and crawling on my skin.

 

They first suspected something to do with the kidneys, I had an ultrasound and everything looked clear to them.

 

Tonight, I experienced breathlessness and severe pains in my sides, as i was walking, felt as if something was moving inside of me.

 

I'm young, dumb and not sure what to do next lol.

 

Thanks, Paige :) xx

[Pgrif23]

(Forgor to add this in) I've had this " UTI" issue for nearly 3 years, I've been getting treated with antibiotics every time. Recently found out, I didn't have a UTI at all, there was no such record of it in my tests. But I'm still dealing with having to push, to fully urinate. 

[Shirl]

Hello Paige and to the forum

I can gather from your information that you've been experiencing symptoms for 3 years, and I know how confusing and lonely that can be. Some people learn they have MS out of the blue, others have a long slow journey. However, no one has MS until a Neurologist says so. Have you seen a Neurologist (Neuro for short), or are you waiting for an appointment?

 

I hope you have a supportive GP who will understand how anxious you feel because you feel unwell. Having antibiotics is not easy either as they can mess with your metabolism. I can relate to the way you describe your urological symptoms - when I was tested by urodynamics, the specialist said "do you always have to pee like that?" It turned out what I had been used to for a very long time was not normal at all. It was a clear signpost to a neurological problem, but I was still not diagnosed for many years to come (the urological issues were treated - I wasn't left in dire need of intervention.

 

My advice would be to write down all the signs and symptoms you are experiencing, the questions you need to ask and whether you will be helped. You may have to keep asking before you get answers but meanwhile you do need to be listened to and helped, either by your GP or any specialist you may see.

 

You do not sound at all dumb but I can remember wondering if I was going mad when it seemed the test results were not helping to paint a picture of how poorly I was feeling. 

 

Has anyone suggested you read about MS - or that you shouldn't do so? As long as you can keep an open mind - which is very hard, I know - use the Resources on this site and at MS Trust to help you learn. Just remember, this might not be MS at all as there are other causes of similar problems. Keep in touch with us at this forum as we do know what it is like to be confused with the way the body has decided to behave.

 

 

[Stumbler]

Hi Paige,

 

Unfortunately, our Doctors aren't magicians and can't see inside us to see what's going on. Scans and tests can provide additional information and then it's a case of tying to "join the dots". Some Doctors are better than others at this and know when to call in the specialists, e.g. Neuros.

 

As mentioned above, a symptom diary is essential so that you can paint a full picture to your Doctor. There's details about keeping a symptom diary here, Symptom DIary. If you are not satisfied with the Doctor's response, you should request a referral to a Specialist, e.g. a Neurologist, Urologist, etc., to investigate further. Don't allow yourself to be dismissed with a "let's wait and see" attitude or a script for some more antibiotics, something that we should not be taking lightly.

 

We have to be our own advocate to get the right treatment, asserting ourselves to demand a constructive approach. So, assertiveness, but never forget to be polite.

 

Your symptoms do suggest a neurological problem, but out bodies are complex, so it might be MS or it might be something else. However, one of your symptoms seem out of place in the MS World, the random bruising. There's an article here on bruising, which may point you, and the Doctor, in a specific direction, Types of Bruising.

 

If you have any doubts about your Doctor, then seek a second opinion.