Multiple Sclerosis

[jenninext]

Hello, I am new to this forum and I am posting here because I am about to crack. I cannot handle my symptoms and pain at the moment and I am looking for some advice. I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus in 2004, but I always have intermittent positive ANA labs and I do not seem to get the butterfly rash that 85% of Lupus patients get. For the last 4 months I have been having horrible neurological symptoms. Burning, stabbing pains in my legs day and night and pin prick sensations in my legs and severe itching all over. The itching is painful itching...I don't know if that makes sense. I also am having severe leg pain deep in my legs day and night and I can't sleep. I get weird tingling sensations in my arms and legs and feet and lately I am having blurred vision. I also get strange buzzing sensations in my head...they are kind of like zaps that start in my head and then go down to my hands. This is happening every few minutes now and only lasts a couple of seconds but I can't drive or walk without holding on to someone. I get really dizzy and the world around me looks cockeyed briefly. I just moved to a new city and I don't see my new Rheumatologist for another few weeks. I don't know if I should be making an appointment with a neurologist on my own or just wait it out. I am used to constant pain but the numbness and zaps and dizziness is too much. I also can't take the burning pin pricks in my legs anymore. I feel like I am going crazy!!!

Sorry for the long post -

- jenni

[kimon24]

Do you have any other Lupus symptoms? My daughter has MS and does have a positive ANA which from what I understand is common with MS patients but I would ask your doctor. Maybe he can order an MRI and check for MS

[jenninext]

I have Raynaud's, arthritis, extreme fatigue, and I have had 4 seizures in the past...although I haven't had a seizure in years. I also have fibromyalgia although I have a hard time accepting that diagnosis. I have a hard time accepting the Lupus diagnosis as well. I am just at my wits end with this seemingly neurological stuff. I'm crying constantly from lack of sleep and driving my family nuts. I have had 4 consecutive positive ANA tests and then, according to my rheumatologist, my ana's are intermittently positive. I think all my other blood tests are always okay...

Thanks for your response.