For the first time, I'm getting scared about my health

[darkstar]

Thought I'd check in here for some DU solidarity.

This is the third time I've been through what I'd call an MS workup. I was one of the fastest swimmers my age in the country 5 yers ago; now I can't get my arm to do what I want it to do underwater. It's numb-ish in the fingertips and getting worse.

But the big deal is my leg. I can't sit w/out burning pain down left thigh and into knee and ankle.

This all started in Louisiana, but storms saw us moving. I followed up w/ a new GP who sent me to new neurologist here in IL; she saw bulging disks and sent me to surgeon who said nothing near operable.

But this week things moved to whole different level. On Friday, got into my GP b/c he's never seen me in the grips of a bad stretch. He knocked around on legs and arms for reflexes, etc. I could see my left side wasn't doing squat. But then he looked in my eye (whatever it is always makes my left eye hurt, too). One pupil far larger. Suddenly, he's concerned. His whole demeanor changed towards me. Got me an MRI done same day by pulling some strings b/c he wants results before he leaves town Tuesday for vacation.

Validation that there is really something going on is a double edged sword. I feel good that I'm not just spitting words out past doctors, but now I'm nervous, too. Hard to say in the back of my mind that it's just getting old now, when the pain has gone to this and doc is suddenly gone into diagnostics mode.

Sorry about so long a post. I've looked through some of the stories here and I know that y'all are tougher than me because of what you've put up with. So I don't want to sign off w/out telling everyone here to stay strong and to thank you for creating this supporting place.

If anyone has the time and wants to help explain why the neouro disorders are so hard to diagnose or share your stories please do. I don't really need hand holding so much as just some understanding of the process from dr's POV.

Thanks for reading. Hugs to all. I really don't want to make it all about me. Please tell me your diagnosis process and how the uncertainty and dismissal and such went for you and how you dealt.

:grouphug:

[sandnsea]

1. I got nothin' but a hug

:hug:

Most things are fixable these days.

[darkstar]

2. thanks a ton...means a lot, strange as it may seem

And I mean it. I appreciate you taking some time to say hello and be positive.

:hug:

[elleng]

3. Hugs from me,

:hug: :hug:

AND encouraging (I hope) words that its GREAT you've got a Doc who knows what he's doing AND what has to be done; that's the best!

:hug:

[Digit]

4. Keep repeating, he NOTICED, he NOTICED

You were not dismissed, which is a GOOD thing. Thank God he noticed the pupil which may have been missed. I don't know what it all means, but I wish you the very best.

My gut feeling is that it is a clue and hopefully it will result in a diagnosis and eventual relief.
I wish you well, my friend.

[Warpy]

5. At least he now knows you're not a hypochondriac,

a whining crybaby or an hysteric. At least now he knows what you have is real.

Unfortunately, now comes the scary part. With luck, it will be completely repairable. Some neurological problems are.

Neuro problems are difficult to pin down without dramatic symptoms because they're often like that annoying noise in the car that goes away when you roll over the gate track into the mechanic's garage. Until that noise becomes constant or takes on a characteristic quality, the mechanic just shakes his head and says it's all in yours.

[mopinko]

6. a dx is a double edged sword.

if you have been reading posts here maybe you read my thread about dr no tests. when the tests came back unchanged, a little better than before, i found myself crying. you don't want bad news, but you want to know.
ms and other autoimmune disorder can wax and wane, and are hard to really assess when they are in remission.
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
let us know what happens.

[mdmc]

7. peace and low stress

:hugs:

[Warpy]

8. You lucked into a doctor who knows his stuff

Usually when an arm or a leg goes, it's spinal. Or if both arms or both legs go. When an arm and a leg on one side both go, they need to consider the area above the neck.

You will need a referral to a nuerologist or a neurosurgeon depending on what the rest of your basic workup shows, especially a head cat scan or MRI.

Good luck. Chances are it's something that can be fixed. It's just a good thing your present doctor picked up your unequal pupils now instead of blowing you off for another six months. This doc is a real keeper.

[w8liftinglady]

9. I understand-I have become disabled by my epilepsy

...and am being worked up for neurosurgery.Neurologic diseases are the worst,in my opinion.The loss of control is unbearable.Good luck.:hug:

[mopinko]

10. how you doing?

how goes the doctor-go-round?

[w8liftinglady]

11. I have a new neurologist who is really into research-they are working me up for surgery

I want to preserve what mental function I have left,and am excited.

[mopinko]

12. excited for you.

wish you all the best medical miracles.