by Nova on April 25th, 2003, 1:34 am
Uber,
Sorry you are dealing with all these symptoms. It does not sound, to me, like you have MS (my mother and her brother, my uncle, both have MS). I just went to the neurologist and was diagnosed with BFS, and he told me that twitching is not indicative of MS. If you are concerned about MS or ALS (which you should not be concerned about, according to the way your symptoms have presented), you should see a neurologist who is willing to do an EMG (nerve conduction) test (to rule out ALS and other disorders) and a brain & spinal MRI (to check for the white plaques that are often seen in those with MS). If you have ME (or Chronic Fatigue syndrome), then you would likely be experiencing tiredness that interferes with your functioning on an extreme level. Depression, however, can cause severe fatigue. If you are anxious and depressed, you should definitely attend to these conditions as they are often biochemical in nature. Your genetics may predispose you to depression and anxiety, and there is nothing to fear from seeing a psychiatrist to obtain a diagnosis and treatment for your symptoms. It is imporant to get the proper diagnosis so that you can be given the proper form of treatment. (I'm speaking from experience here, as I have family memebers with bipolar, and I'm also bipolar. For years the docs thought I was depressed, and gave me anti-depressants, which were actually making the bipolar disorder worse.) You'll find that once you get your emotional health in line, you will be better able to deal with the physical ills you are experiencing. Also, reducing anxiety can reduce your symptoms. You, likely, have Benign Fasiculation and Cramp Syndrome. This just means that your nervous system is revved-up and the nerves are hyper-reactive. Rest, calmness, a good diet, lack of caffeine, etc., may help. Also, if your symptoms are bad today, they may be better tomorrow or gone by next week. See a good neurologist who is willing to do the testing that will put your mind at ease. Be good to yourself. Best of luck to you. Remember that doing research can lead you to answers, but it can also lead you astray. Don't do it if it increases your anxiety. It's okay to take a break. Set up some appointments with good doctors and go from there. Keep us posted!
Take Care,
Nova