Multiple Sclerosis

[Lady]

Hi all

I'm 46, and for some time have been having various problems, and was wondering if anyone has any ideas as to what the underlying cause could be.

Apart from going through the menopause . (hot flushes and so on), for which I have just started taking low dose conjugated estrogens, I am also having terrible issues with aching muscles and very heavy arms and legs, for which my doctor prescribed steroid treatment along with other tablets to counter act the side affects of the steroids.

But apart from the above, what's really concerning me (and is the main point of this post) is that at the very beginning of all my problems, I also have been suffering from numbness in both big toes, very sensitive skin on both of my arms, my leg muscles keep going into a vibrating buzzing spasm causing an aching fuzziness, which is not so much an issue during the day when I am moving about, but when sitting or at night when I'm trying to go to sleep is driving me crazy, I have been taking Pramipexole for 'irritable' or restless legs' but these have not helped at all. I'm also suffering from memory fog and the occasional loss of bladder control

Do you think that I'm having early symptoms of M.S and can any tests be taken at this stage ?

[sharonc]

Hello,
I do not feel comfortable guessing whether or not you have MS but I do know that it's never too early to be tested. I thought the hypersensitivity and pain in my face and throat were from a sinus infection so I was blown away when my doctor ordered an MRI and started asking me questions about MS. Based on the results of the MRI and the lumbar puncture I was diagnosed in June 2006. So - I say talk to your Dr. and see if he will order an MRI.

Best of luck!

Sharon

[Rajjpuut]

Hello,


I cannot analyze or prescribe for any diseases, I'm just a health educator. However, your posting brought four things to mind:

1. Worry and doubt, in and of themselves can be extremely debilitating to physical and mental health and one's spiritual outlook, so as much as possible: learn to enjoy and master whatever relaxation processes you are most comfortable with. If you're inexperienced in this write to me ([moderator note: e-mail address has been removed]) relaxation is simplicity itself and it helps a lot.

2. Obviously, seeing a competent neurologist is crucial. Make an appointment now, not later.

3. You've come to the right place. Of all the sites dealing with Multiple Sclerosis on the web, this one has impressed me the most. Wherever else you go, this one is a "keeper." It seems to be the most user-friendly, helpful, open-minded and seems to be getting better every time I come here.

4. Regardless of all other outcomes and considerations, visit this excellent link right here on this website:

neurologychannel.com/multiplesclerosis/naturalmedicine.shtml

and look over the material on the "Swank Diet" under the category "Natural Treatments."

Find a caring rather than domineering and authoritative doctor and talk things over with him/her. There's something quite salutatory to the body, mind and spirit that comes with the simple act of really being listened to attentively by a caring individual.

Anyway, my experience is that many so-called auto-immune problems (that's the current thinking on MS, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus) suddenly can become very unobtrusive and quite manageable or even disappear after certain dietary shifts are made. My cousin Kathy was in and out of a wheelchair at the age of 19 for rheumatoid arthritis affecting her back, ankles, knees, wrists and hands which disappeared when she eliminated all dairy products except yogurt and about 99% of the "junquefood" in her diet. I'd told her about the binge eating of junk food, but her doctor found the dairy problem. Now she can even play the guitar whereas earlier she had trouble just holding on to silverware or turning the page of a book. The great thing about eating healthier is that there's no side effects and the cost is a bargain. There's a good possibility that some day, many auto-immune diagnoses will be shown to have subtle food sensitivities as an exacerbating or even central factor for many of the victims, I suspect. For more about diet and stubborn medical problems visit noted author Robert Ringer's article about the unsung medical hero Max Gerson at this site:

earlytorise.com/archive/z_archive/070205.htm

Good luck, take great care of yourself.

Bob

[jodydu]

ms can be confusing. One of the best things to do is stay positive,join a support group, and find someone to talk with whenever.....it is important.