When I was Diagnosed
The first Symptoms:
December, 2004. I remember looking down at my watch and feeling, a non- localized general electrical buzzing sensation. It struck me as a bit odd, but not very alarming. After the third such incident, my hypochondriac nature took over and I checked myself into the emergency room. The ER doctors ran a bunch of blood tests and an ECG (electrocardiogram). The test results did not reveal anything extraordinary and I was released that same night. A few weeks later, I was playing tennis. After about ten minutes, I began to feel some numbness in my legs. I returned to the Dr., and was told that my symptoms were probably due to anxiety. My doctor recommended anti-anxiety medication. I tried it for a few days and initially it seemed to work, but the symptoms returned a few days later. I was then referred to a neurologist who ordered an MRI of my brain and cervical spinal cord. The MRI results showed a lesion on the spinal cord at C3. The neurologist advised me that further testing needed to be done but he suspected that I may have multiple sclerosis (MS). I couldn’t believe what he had said. Even the prospect of being diagnosed with MS cost me many sleepless nights. I underwent two additional tests - a spinal tap and an “evoked potentials” test. Both tests confirmed the neurologist’s suspicions. On February 15, 2005, I was officially diagnosed with MS. I am not certain if my initial symptoms are very common. I later learned that they are called, Lhermitte's Sign, sometimes also called the Barber Chair phenomenon, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lhermitte's_sign). It is an electrical sensation that runs down the back and into the limbs; and is produced by bending the neck forward and/or backward. If you have experienced this phenomenon or can provide some feedback, once again I would greatly appreciate it.
Categories: When I first found out I had MS
Tags: MS me and You
I had that one time but it didn't last so I ignored it. I sometimes get some numbness in my fingers. I dont want to go to the doctors because I dont want to get a diagnosis
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I too have the Lhirmeets symptom. It affects me if I tilt my head forward, but also shoots down into my left arm and puts me into muscle spasms and intensified tingling in the nerve and a weakness in my arm. Once the spasm passes, it does create a tremble that I understand is also a common thing.
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Gary,
I get L'Hermittes all the time. I believe it's severity has to do with the placement and degree of damage to the spinal cord. I have abouta 3" lesion between C1-C3. I get a large jolt every time I look down and my legs go out from under me. I had to learn to walk w/o looking down. Annoying, but easy to live with. All I really had to do was modify some behaviors. Still, it does catch you be surprise sometimes ad can get embarrassing when you fall down in public.
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I've had this symptom before. Have also had the electric sensation down my sides. I'm glad it's not something that occurs continuously!
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I have been living with MS for 13 years and have had Lhermitte's on and off during this time. It is caused by a lesion or lesions on your spinal cord. I have two lesions between C3 and C5. There is a theory that when you are having the symptoms, your lesions are flared up and some docs think its best to do a course of Solu-Medrol (steroidal treatment) to shorten this "exacerbation". I find that it goes away with time and my spinal lesions have stayed the same on MRI all these years. I have definitley noticed I get these exacerbations much less frequently since I have been taking Copaxone. This may be hard to believe, but 2010 is a great time to have MS. The advances in drug therapies and research are amazing. Best wishes.
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I started with MS symptoms in Nov 05 with numbness in both legs and a strange feeling in my feet. It felt like I had wet socks on which is the only way i can describe it. I felt like I had piles which i got checked out. In Jan 06 as it was not getting any better and I was referred to Hull Royal Infirmary. The next day I had an MRI after which they told me I had MS. I had heard of it but didn't know what it was. Then a nurse came and explained it to me. I spent a total of 10 days in the hospital where I saw a consultant who was excellent and explained MS in detail. One week after i got home I had relapse after which I was put onon Beta Interferon. This medication didn't work. So they tried more meds, including Copaxone and Methotraxate, but none of them worked. I was still relapsing with new symptoms and my legs started to feel really weak. I was struggling to walk, at which time I was given a wheel chair. I didn't want to use the chair, as I'm only 29 and I would be embarassed. I have to use bath lift and have hand rails all around my house. Once the medication Tysabri was licensed, they put me on that and knock wood, I have had about 20 treatments now, one every 4 wks and have only had one relapse, for which I'm very grateful. I use a walking cane in house in order to get around and an electric scooter to get out. I have realized that I also have a bit of depression, which I believe has been brought on by MS. I woul dlike to connect with more MS patients. If any one wants to get in touch, I can be found on Facebook. Emma
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Emma, Have you tried Ampyra, the new MS drug that improves walking? I've been on it since Tues., 7/6/2010 and I think my leg is getting stronger. (I have left sided weakness and imbalance among a few other MS symptons.)
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No Linda dont think i have my consult which is very good as put me on tysbri which is calming my symptoms down. I have had few relapses but not half as many as when I was first diagnosed its helping a lot just have to have infusion every 4 wks Emma
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Have you thought of adding video for this blog posts to keep the visitors more entertained?
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