Thursday, August 28, 2008

The Top 37

Below are the 37 Top and Most Common Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. Over the past 5 years since my diagnosis I've had all of them. During my latest and worst flare-up yet, I am currently experiencing 26 of the 37 and I am Mad, Upset, Frustrated, Worried etc... Ya know what is the worst yet...I have no control over what is occurring within my own brain to make all these symptoms happen!

Tonight, I had to drop $150 ER Insurance Co-pay because I was unable to urinate all day long, so I had to actually go to the ER and have them put a Catheter in me to relieve the pressure and discomfort I was feeling from not being able to pee. I was SO mad that this disease now has me running to the ER because I can't pee! I've not had a flare-up this bad ever yet. And let me tell you I am Numb from the waste down. Numb, that's right I can't feel anything if you get what I'm saying and from what my doctors are telling me and I read online, this is a common side effect of MS. I can't even imagine what the future holds, but for now I'd like to no longer be numb from the waist down.

TOP 37

weakness of one or more extremities
paralysis of one or more extremities
tremor of one or more extremities
muscle spasticity (uncontrollable spasm of muscle groups)
muscle atrophy
movement, dysfunctional - slowly progressive; beginning in the legs
numbness or abnormal sensation in any area
tingling
facial pain
extremity pain
loss of vision -- usually affects one eye at a time
double vision
eye discomfort
uncontrollable rapid eye movements
eye symptoms worsen on movement of the eyes
decreased coordination
loss of balance
decreased ability to control small or intricate movements
walking/gait abnormalities
muscle spasms (especially in the legs)
dizziness
vertigo
urinary hesitancy , difficult to begin urinating
strong urge to urinate (urinary urgency)
frequent need to urinate (urinary frequency)
incontinence (leakage of urine, loss of control over urination)
decreased memory
decreased spontaneity
decreased judgment
loss of ability to think abstractly
loss of ability to generalize
depression
decreased attention span
slurred speech
difficulty speaking or understanding speech
fatigue , tired easily

2 comments:

Diane said...

Lisa - Thanks for the welcome! You will see more of me around! :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Lanette:

I don't know if your insurance covers it or not, but self-cathing might be the most beneficial for you. A nurse will usually come to your house to do "instruction" for a few trips and by then you'll have the hang of it.

I've been self-cathing for about 20 or 21 years. After you do it a few times, it becomes a well-traveled route! LOL

When I get a UTI, usually about 2 to 3 times a year, I have to cath (with a Foley catheter and bedbag) for 3-5 days because it is so painful that even Pyridium doesn't help (that's the drug that makes your pee turn orange and supposed to cut out the burn from a UTI).

Okay, probably a whole lot more info than you wanted to know, but learning this now will help you in the long run. It will also save you money and trips to the ER for something you can do yourself.

I've had MS for over 30 years (dx at 23) and when things go numb, to me - it means I do not hurt. But if things go numb "down there" I'm not happy for obvious reasons (self-control and marriage privileges!).

Stop by any of the bloggers listed on our posts. Welcome to the MS community.

Anne
http://disablednotdead-anne.blogspot.com