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Does this sound like MS? my symptoms continue to progress

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First I would like to apologize for posting in this forum when I do not have an MS diagnosis, but I am very frustrated with the medical system as my symptoms continue to progress and would like some input from people with their opinions of what I may or may not have. Iam a 36 year old otherwise healthy female until this all started the end of last August. 1st symptom was severe fatigue, pain and muscle fatigue to my legs. Shortly thereafter the foot cramps began and muscle tightening at rest mostly to leg muscles. Then the fasciculations/twitching mostly to my right thigh at rest and the intermittent tingling to my hands and feet. Next I began to have trouble walking, my right would feel heavy and my left leg would "give out". It became hard to even go grocery shopping because my legs would feel so weak by the end, and my arms to from using the cart as a walker. I also began to have issues with memory and not being able to come up with the next word in a sentence or having the words come out in the wrong order. Later my speech became slurred intermittently. Next symptom was double vision/vertical ghosting with eye pain and twitching/fasciculation. Saw my Optho who diagnosed me with a 4th cranial nerve palsy. Ath the beginning I saw my PCP who did standard blood work: Normal CBC, CMP, Vit. D, B-12 and sed rate. Negative ANA, CK, and Myasthenia Gravis labs. When symptoms continued I was referred to Neurology. I had an MRI of my brain (without contrast only) which showed 5-6 white matter lesions which he told me was likely nothing unless my symptoms changed. When my symptoms changed he I had EMG that I'm told was normal, only that my reflexes are a little "too brisk". I had an MRI with and without contrast of my thoracic and lumbar spine that only showed some mild DDD I was told, no lesions. No explanation for the 4th cranial nerve palsy but I was referred to a Neuro-opthomologist (appt upcomingin Feb for that). The only thing that has improved/relieved my symptoms is prednisone and illness. When I took a Prednisone taper my symptoms improved on 60mg, 40mg, but by the time I started to get down to 20mg and 10mg, they started to return. When I was sick/had a cold, I actually felt better. I had more energy, no trouble walking, etc until I started to feel better from the cold, then my other symptoms worsened again. Right now I am in a holding pattern. My PCP is convinced I have MS, my neuro does not think this but seems to have no plan for any additional testing or recommendations, nor will he order prednisone to help with my symptoms because I do not yet have a diagnosis. I am very frustrated because I am not able to really live my life when I have trouble walking and trouble seeing. At times I cannot drive and cannot work, not to mention the impact on my family including my 5 year old son and my inability to exercise because it seems to make things worse. While I wait to see a different Neurologist (I have never been tested for Lyme disease or had an MRI of brain with contrast), I thought I would ask for input from people that may have or have had similair issues. Any thoughts?
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replied January 19th, 2012
I have MS. Check on your computer for a phone number for your states MS assoc or call MS Lifelines at 1-877-447-3243 and ask about a number for your area[I am in Indiana]to find a neurologist in your area that specializes in MS. I have many of the same symptoms you have.I cannot drive. I cannot work. I have no stamina in my legs or arms. My legs are worse. I hope they can help you. Good luck.
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