Questions about MS to Anna

[Guest guest]

At 07:46 PM 2/26/2008, you wrote:

Anna,

As a matter of fact, all the symptoms you have described can belong to

MS. The cognitive and memory stuff is not what people usually think or

talk about when they talk about MS, but trust me, everything you have

said can fit. In fact, some of the most disturbing symptoms I've had,

have been the cognitive. Balance, or loss thereof, has also been

something I've experienced. The not remembering words, or saying the word

word is a type of aphasia. I've had all of what you've described, and

still do to some extent. Have you had any vision problems? Not as clear,

darker, double vision? Any of them? If you do, you must go see a doc

right away. I don't know when you last saw a neurologist, but I'd highly

recommend you see one as soon as possible. Maybe even an urgent care

clinic? Something to get you to a doctor so that you can start getting

treated, regardless of what it turns out to be. I was in the middle of

working on my Masters when the severe cognitive stuff kicked in. I had no

idea what was happening, only that it felt as though I was getting

Alzheimers, as you've described. IV steroids helped a lot. I also took a

medication primarily used for Alzheimer patients for a while, which also

helped.

I don't know what other symptoms you've experienced, or if the below is

it - not to minimize it at all. I don't. In no way. They are, by many,

considered atypical. Although not a neuro who specializes in MS. (which

is the best type to go to if you can). Reason I'm asking, is because if

you do, and you have had some symptoms that were bad, but got somewhat

better, it would mostly likely be Relapsing Remtitting MS. That's where

one has an exacerbation, then things get somewhat better. Things will

probably get better on their own - somewhat - but not as much if you have

the proper meds - steroids are usually the thing that works best. (Even

though they can have some bad side-effects, and overall, aren't that good

for your body. You kind of get caught between the devil and the deep blue

sea, if you know what I mean). The way I've tried to describe it, is 3

steps back, and 2 forward. In other words, even though things get

somewhat better, you lose something every time you have an exacerbation -

and it's cumulative. If things go bad, then just continue to go bad, then

it would be a type of Progressive MS. Which just sort of, well, continues

to get bad - like a downhill slide - without anything getting any better.

It can be slow, or it can be fast, depending on the type of MS.

I don't know what you were experiencing when the doctor did the MRI, but

I'm thinking he/she must have wanted to compare MRIs. However, if you

were experiencing what you've described, any decent neuro should have

given you some medication to help alleviate the symptoms. I honestly

don't know what would, will, happen without treatment. Hopefully, things

will level off. But, you can't count on it - which is why you must seek

help. Of course, you can always try the natural method - which I have,

and will again. However, it didn't help much during the bad times. Of

course, it might for you. I don't know. I just know that one can do

without walking, with crappy balance, even being stuck in a wheel chair,

but the cognitive stuff and/or the eyes is a huge thing to lose. Once

you're stabilized, go at the natural methods hot and heavy. I know this

group primarily believes in natural methods - and so do I. but, I've also

seen what lack of appropriate treatment can do to people when they're

having bad symptoms. Back when I first began experiencing symptoms (30 +

years ago), it took them a while to finally figure out what I had,

because I was atypical. Seems as if I've been atypical most of my

life...*grin*

My heart aches for you - I wish I could help. If you need someone to talk

with, email me. We could even talk on the phone if you like. DH has been

through a lot of this with me, and was very concerned when I read him

your symptoms. It's been very hard on him at times. DH said to tell you

we will both pray for you......

Lynn

 

Lynn,

 

An MRI shows that I have scar tissue in parts of my brain, they wanted me

to wait 6 months for another MRI before they make their determination,

which between all this, i love insurance and moved to another

state. As far as any symptoms, they may not relate to MS, I don't

know, i have memory problems, dirrectional problems, i get off balance

alot. Lots of times I can't remember the word i need to say in a

conversation, when ever i leave a room to get something 9 times out of

10, i don't know why i went to the other room, so i have to go back where

i was and look around and find the reason why i left the room, of course,

lots of people do this, but i put stuff in the wrong place, fridge vs,

cabinet. When I'm in a car and not driving, it seems as though

people are going to hit us, when they are not, like i lost depth

perception. Anyone with MS relate to any of this, without thinking

it could be alzheimers...argghhhh