MS and the shaky shakes

[boshemia]

I've been tired forever, since I was in my teens... about two years ago the joint pain started with an "injury" I don't remember doing. My knee swelled up to double it's normal size, it may have been a tae bo injury, which I attempted once in my normally lazy lifestyle... but I'm not sure.

 

So I went on with the joint pain, but it moved... wrists and elbows I attributed to carpal tunnel, then shoulders, then my other knee, feet etc... finally my hips. Within a week of my hip pain I found a new something...

 

I get worn out, my muscles just seem to turn to jelly and I get what I call the shaky shakes... just because I like the word. I had to start using a cane to walk, my supporting arm gets shaky and I have to shuffle. My non-supporting hand clenches so bad my nails leave impressions in my palm... and I don't realize I'm doing it. This is very new, and only started a week ago Thursday...

 

So I went to the Dr last Tuesday after four days of the shakes she suspects Rheumatoid arthritis or MS... I've been in pretty much constant pain for the last two years, and I know I have a long long road ahead of me before we know for sure what is happening to my body...

 

However I have some questions about the shakes for those with MS... Mine almost feel like a seizure. I'll be walking fine, maybe a little slowly and then within 15 minutes I'm slowed to a shuffle. What happens in my head is what confuses me...

 

It takes me forever to walk across a room when they are really bad, shuffle, shuffle... when I finally sit down they begin to feel better but my brain gets all muddy. I can still read the menu at a resturaunt, I don't stumble over words but I can't comprehend them. I can barely get out yes or no, and sometimes my words slur. I can't find words for things I know are there... like "steak" or my grandmothers phone number that I have had memorized since I was 5. I get really confused and incoherent for awhile... Everything seems to get the shaky-shakes lol, even my brain...

 

Slowly as I rest my mind seems to come back, very slowly... but it does return. After awhile I can talk at an almost normal level. After that everything just feels tired...

 

So are these normal with MS (which we don't even know for sure that I have) or does it sound more like a seizure??? I'm just not sure...

 

And since they are new... how common are they really? I get them two or three times a day right now...

[bluechocolate]

boshemia, I'm really sorry for what you're going through, I couldn't begin to imagine the anguish of not knowing, never mind the suffering! I hope you find out soon.

 

In the meantime I'm wondering if you wouldn't be better off finding a board for MS sufferers? There's gotta be some out there & they'll be able to guide you through this alot better than folks here I think.

 

Best of luck to you.

[Outcast]

You really need to talk with an MS expert about this. Once the diagnosis (whichever) is confirmed, ask lots and lots of questions. Maybe if you're having memory problems, print out your post and take it with you. Definitely bring all these subjects up to be sure you get an accurate diagnosis. And good luck to you!

[boshemia]

I already asked on a chronic pain board I know of... but they aren't very active so it could be awhile before I get a response.

 

I have been a member here for two years under different names... I trust you guys, so I thought I'd ask here you know?

 

And it's okay... I'm actualy adjusting pretty well to the news. Trying to find the positive aspects and work around the not so good.

 

Positive... they don't think it's a brain tumor or anything fatal... very positive!!!!

[suegail]

As a nurse I have had some experience over the years with taking care of some patients with MS. I know MS attacks the nerves and those nerve tracks do run up into the brain, so it can and does often but not always will cause problems with thought process, speech...MS affects people so differently...i've seen people who have very little or no speech problem, but problems with walking or grasping, serious motor problems, and/or gastrointestinal problems because of course the gastrointestinal tract is lined with nerves.

 

And also MS does sometimes go into total remission. I know of one lady who's been diagnosed many years, and the disease has somehow gone into remission therefore she's doing extremely well and she's even able to work. It has not diabled her, so she's been very lucky.

 

I'm sorry you're going through this and I do pray you'll soon be restored to good health. I know it must be a scary thing to have these kinds of symptoms. Please take good care of yourself...