Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - please introduce yourself

The ataxia manifests as balance problems, clumsiness. I drop things a lot . No clear cause but the doctor said that signals from my brain to my legs is interrupted causing my balance problems.

Hello, I don't yet have a diagnosis, but I am 50 with a lifetime of symptoms that seem to be getting progressively more prevalent. Mayo just called my number today. They are looking at me from a headache/migraine perspective per my neurologist's PA's referral. One reason being that I have a pacemaker in my spine, which prohibits an MRI of that area (where I have been told things are a "hot mess.") He said the diagnosis doesn't matter, that he would just treat symptoms as they arose, anyway. Will Mayo take my health history and web it together, or will they laser focus on just this one symptom? Anyone? TIA

Hi, @kennywood - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Glad you are getting closer to potentially getting some answers for the lifetime of symptoms you've experienced.

What I'd suggest, since we are not medical professionals here on Connect, is to ask whomever is in contact with you about a Mayo Clinic appointment about what the process will be with your health history.

As you posted here in a multiple sclerosis discussion, wondering if you and your doctor are thinking this might be a potential diagnosis for you?

Hello @kennywood,

Congratulations on getting a call back from Mayo. It will be a good thing to be seen by a multi-disciplinary medical center like Mayo. From others who have reported appointments at Mayo, my impression is that each department consults with others so that you get the benefit of many different medical teams. As Lisa, @lisalucier, asked I'm assuming that you posted in the MS discussion group since your doctor has mentioned the possibility of an MS diagnosis. Is that the case?

Neurological disorders can be very difficult to diagnose because so many of the symptoms overlap. Over 20 years ago, I began with neurological symptoms (foot-dragging, balance problems, general weakness on the right-side extremities). The first neurologist I saw suggested it was early stages MS and the second said it was probably early stages Parkinson's and a third doctor said that they might not know for sure until the symptoms got worse. I finally did get a diagnosis around 15 years after the symptoms began to get worse and resulted in falls.

I know how confusing it is to wait for a diagnosis when the symptoms are so bothersome, but I'm looking forward to hearing from you again after your visit to Mayo.

If you are comfortable doing so, would you like to share your current symptoms? I'm thinking of things like balance problems, gait difficulties, freezing in place when you walk, vision problems, etc.

Thanks for your feedback. Sorry I haven’t been on the site for so long, I’ve been so focused on my pt and other family issues, thankfully my nieces and nephews, not my own children, who seem to be doing well. I still haven’t started the cdb yet, but I’v been in touch with Lazarus naturals, and they have been very helpful. I also qualify for a 60% discount, which brings the price down a lot. I’ll probably be taking 50 units n capsule form, starting with once a day and seeing how that does. I’ll try to check more frequently in the future. I forgot I had this page saved on my web browser, so it will be much easier to get here 😀

I’m Annie. Trying to get a real diagnosis and prognosis and, hopefully treatment. I’m bedridden currently and am borrowing a wheelchair until I get my own. I can’t propel my wheelchair. So I’m pretty much home bound now.
I suffer from muscle atrophy and joint squeezing. I also have had 4 surgeries on my spine. I have brain damage and I am without family support and I have no advocate.
I’m a very positive person.
I know my brain can create new pathways, and I suddenly have lots of patience. I graduated pharmacy school in 2005 but was never able to earn with my degree.

Hi Michelle. I’m new here

I, also waited 15 yrs for a diagnosis. I was under the care of a D.O. While all my symptoms became serious. She told me there was nothing wrong with me. All the falls and injuries from shocks leading to temporary paralysis.
She refused to refer me to a neurologist.
It turned out I had to have two more surgeries and now am looking at shoulder surgery and possibly hip. I’m now bedridden hoping for N appointment

Hi Michelle. I'm Todd. New also. How are you?

Hi, @tdonoho - I'd like to add my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Do you have a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis? If so, what types of symptoms are you experiencing or did you experience previously?

@asquires - congratulations on the pharmacy degree. That is a big accomplishment. Really hard to not be able to use it.

Without an advocate or family support, do you have social services or any other organization assisting you?