Hi everyone,

Thank you for this forum and for the ability to post dreaded questions that are hungry for answers or at least a nudge in the right direction.

Here is my story...

I am 39 years old, male, married and have two kids.

Approximately 17 years ago I became dreadfully ill. Not knowing what was going on at the time, it felt like I was dying for sure. I lost weight, lost my appetite, was dizzy and fatigued for a solid 6 weeks, in Hospital for 3 of those. Due to the lack of technology at the time in the country I come from, a diagnosis was not conclusive, and I was sent home confined to bed while the fatigue took it's toll on me for the next 3 weeks. I noticed that the vision in my left eye was not as good as my right, but didn't give much thought to it. I seemingly recovered and life was fine...until June of 2007.....

I suddenly became extremely dizzy, to the point where I felt I was about to black out. I experienced sever palpitations in my chest, and thought I was having a heart attack. After seeing my PCP (Primary Care Phys.) he was uneasy with the EKG performed in his office and sent me off to the ER. After further blood work the Doctors decided my heart was ok and sent me home. This was to be the start of the hardest 3 months experienced in my life. Another trip to the ER resulted in me being admitted for 4 days, and extensive tests were performed. My heart checked out healthy apart from PVC's which are now being assisted with the help of medication. The Doctor brought in the Neurologist and over the 4 days I had 3 MRI's done. Two lesions were discovered and while all serious medical issues were ruled out such as Stenosis and Clotting or Aneurysm, but the Neurologist could not rule out MS. Subsequent tests have been conducted - the EP and
ENG tests, and the results will be discussed this week.

During this period of time I have felt very physically fatigued. I used to be able to wake up early without any problems - 5am etc., but now, getting out of bed is such a mission impossible. I have dizziness, nausea going on constantly. Under pressure my hands shake uncontrolably, and when I look at them it is like they are not part of me. I have also started judging distance wrong, and sometimes poke myself in the eyes, drop things more easily than before, knock things over easily etc. I also get faint electrical pusles through my body which scare the daylights out of me. These pulses or shocks, only last a few seconds but are noticeable to the point where I feel uncomfortable. Included in these shock pulses is the electric sensation I have that goes from my head directly to my chest, giving me a deep sinking feeling, it also lasts a few seconds, is very intense and then goes just as fast as it started. The right side of my facial area by my right eye has developed a numb tingling sensation for a few weeks now, it isn't getting worse, but it also isn't going away. My sleep is not doing too good during the night, which I thought may be enhancing the fatigue during the day. I have also lost weight - which is a good thing, but my appetite just isn't what it used to be, perhaps this is the stress or anxiety associated with what I have been feeling lately. Did I mention buzzing in my ears - that has also not eased or improved over the last 3 months. I have had bouts of depression, and that is something I have never experienced either. I also am experiencing bright flashing objects like tiny spotlights in my eyes, this also lasts just a few seconds. There is mild pain and discomfort behind my eyes, but especially my left eye, and this is the same eye where my vision has become worse. Sometimes some of the words I pronounce come out wrong, and as soon as I have said it I know it came out wrong, almost slurred. Under pressure I am struggling to focus and answer or respond quickly, and it is frustrating. One final thing that I battle with big time is the heat...it makes me feel dreadful, having loved the heat this has me puzzled...

Is it possible that the bout I experienced 17 years ago is somehow linked to this even more pronounced bout that has had me off my feet for most of the past 3 months? A lot of what I have read is that two bouts and two clinically proven lesions could be used to diagnose MS.

I know these are vague and sketchy descriptions, but it is what I am feeling of late and wondered in anyone's opinion here whether this could be the onset of MS - or not. Everyone looks at me and can't understand what it is that I am feeling or experiencing, but I know for sure something is going on.

Thank you dearly for your response.