Patient Comments: Multiple Sclerosis - Symptoms
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?
Comment from: Coppertop, 45-54 Female (Patient)
Published: April 17
I was just diagnosed at 46 years of age. My twin sister was diagnosed at 29 and my father when he was 29. At Christmas, I fell down the stairs at work and separated my shoulder. While going through therapy, my arm went numb and they sent me for an MRI to rule out a pinched nerve. I got the call less than an hour later that I had active lesions on my cervical spine and inactive ones on my brain. I'm having terrible pain issues after two rounds of IV steroids. No relief. My sister and Dad have very different courses than me. Right now, I'm waiting to start on Copaxone. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: Moddyzgirl@aol.com, 45-54 Female (Patient)
Published: March 12
I was diagnosed 7 months ago after optic neuritis . Treated for 3 days solumedrol, 1000 Mg After a brain scan , lumbar puncture, MRI ,neck and spine scan I had a diagnosis in 34 days! I was 53 years old. Have Always had problems with heat ,would sweat almost constantly to the point of dehydration. Only my head and neck sweat badly. Left leg and foot burning, tingling,jumping, leg drag that gets worse with fatigue .Memory problems, skin problems.Never got full vision back in left eye....it just mostly looks silver like heat burning on blacktop. Taking Gilenya. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: Denise, 45-54 Female (Patient)
Published: March 05
I was diagnosed in 1982 after losing the central vision in my right eye. My lousy "co-ordination" throughout my childhood and a "pinched nerve" at age 16 in my right arm was attributed to MS. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: ToniM56, 45-54 Female (Patient)
Published: September 02
I thought I had an ongoing inner ear infection, and I found out I had relapse/remitting multiple sclerosis. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: Hobojo, 55-64 Male (Patient)
Published: September 02
I was 11 years old when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The pain was so great in my legs and feet. Like others, MS in kids was not heard of when I was diagnosed, although a doctor did tell me it was caused by my brain. I've had pain off and on since 1961. I've also had very little help managing the pain. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: Mary, 45-54 Female (Patient)
Published: August 12
My multiple sclerosis symptoms included double vision, lasting about 10 minutes. I would trip easily. (I did not realize these were symptoms of anything neurological until after my diagnosis). My main symptom was numbness in my left hand and my thumb and two fingers on my right hand. I was examined for carpal tunnel syndrome, but when that failed, an MRI was recommended. That's how they found my multiple sclerosis. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Published: July 21
I experienced numbness from the waist down and thought I had a pinched nerve. I ignored the strange sensation for a month. I didn't go see a doctor about it until I fell down at the store and couldn't get up again without hanging onto the cart! Needless to say, I was diagnosed with MS within 3 months of seeing my primary physician. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Multiple Sclerosis - Diagnosis
Question: How many doctors did you go to before you received a multiple sclerosis diagnosis?
Multiple Sclerosis - Causes
Question: Were you, a friend, or relative diagnosed with MS? What do you think the cause might be?
Multiple Sclerosis - Treatments
Question: How do you manage your multiple sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis - Type
Question: What type of multiple sclerosis do you have? How do you cope with the symptoms and your condition?
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Optic neuritis was my first symptom. I was working and I slammed my hand in the sliding side door of my work van; it shut on my hand. I went to the hospital because it was really bleeding. I received a tetanus shot and stiches. The next day, I felt like a train hit me. I felt dizzy, had fatigue, and major vision problems. I could not even see out of my right eye (the optic neuritis). I still don't know exactly what caused my flare of symptoms – the sudden trauma to my hand or the tetanus shot? I now will not get another tetanus shot! Too scary! Sudden trauma to the body was a huge factor. I hope my story helps someone.