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Might Have MS - is it hereditary ?

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My doctor said I might have MS. He didn't seem too worried about it and he said that he'd see me in six weeks. He also told me that there are no difinitive tests to absolutely tell if someone has it. Here's a little history about my health. I'm a 44 year old female. I have a history of Hep. C from a blood transfusion in the early 80's. I have no viral load, just antibodies. I also have degenerative disc disease and had a fall at work that herniated 2 discs. I have had two back surgeries that left me in more pain than I was in before. I have also been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and insomnia fibromyalgia, osteophytes from c3 to c6 that infringe in the nerves in my hands. I am in constant pain with terrible muscle spasms and cramps. Recently I have been falling alot. Most recently down a whole flight of stairs. My right leg goes numb, I fall. My right hand goes numb, I drop things. I have absolutely no interest in sex. I have really bad pain behind my one eye. My vision has gone to crap overnight. I have really bad restless leg syndrome, (my husband hates it). I have a history of MS in my family. My grandfather and two cousins have it. Is it heriditary? Is it possible that I might have the beginning of symptoms? Is there really no tests out there that can rule it out? I'm really frightened and depressed. Can anyone answer any of my questions?
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replied June 23rd, 2008
MS is not directly hereditary
I do not know the ins and outs of MS, but I do know a little bit. If members of your family have it, there is a greater genetic susceptibility that you may develop it although MS is not directly inherited. There are also several environmental factors that may cause MS.

It is a possibility that you may have the beginning symptoms of MS. The diagnosis process must be very frustrating because you have to go through several tests to rule out other conditions and diseases that mimic MS. The most common tests used are MRI's, lumbar punctures, and evoked potential tests. There are certain 'requirements' that must be met to be diagnosed with MS. You must have at least 2 lesions appear on the MRI from your spinal cord and/or brain, and you must have had at least two distinct episodic flareups. It may take a long time before you are actually diagnosed. And sometimes the evidence of MS does not show up until you have actually had the disease for some time. So be patient and continue living your life!

I hope this post helped, and good luck with everything!
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replied July 24th, 2008
I don't understand your doctor. You could get an MRI; this would either show lesions or rule out MS in which case you could pursue some other diagnosis. If you get an MRI result that is consistent with MS (i.e. lesions), then you should go to a neurologist, who will probably do a lumbar puncture (and other tests) to test for MS. The MRI combined with lumbar puncture is fairly definitive to diagnose MS.

Especially since it is in your family. There is definitely an hereditary component and some people feel a background of some sort of virus (for example, Hep C) could be a causative agent.

Why sit around waiting to see what happens next? If your doctor won't refer an MRI find another doctor that will!!! It's better to know so you can form a plan, whatever that may be.

Best of luck,
Beverly
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