@TLauder87 

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TLauder87

Newbie and newly diagnosed

Hi all. Brief outline of my situation. 34 year old woman. Son 12 years old. Full time finance manager. Last October my left hand went numb. Doctor thought carpal tunnel. After about 5 weeks it recovered fully so I didn't go for the nerve conduction test. February - pins and needles in feet. Fatigue. Pins and needles travelled up my legs, into my waist, chest and arms. It's better in my legs and waist but still in my arms and chest. Headaches, dizziness, Lhemittes, and fatigue still present. I had an MRI with contrast done on 4th April in Oxford on my brain and spine. I received a telephone call from the neurologist on the 7th April with the diagnosis of MS. She didn't specify what type but said based on the diagnostic criteria of demyleniation, historical lesions, space and time and 4 enhancing lesions, 1 on the brain and 3 on the SC she was confident it is MS. She asked if I'd like to be treated more local to me and I agreed that traveling to Oxford would be difficult so she referred me back to my GP to do a referral to the MS clinic. I prepared to wait. On the 14th April I get a phone call saying the neurologist in Northampton wants to see me next week (21st). All I have seen on other forums is how long everyone has to wait so now I'm getting anxious. Why would I be processed and diagnosed so quickly? Does anyone have any experience of this? Are there any red flags on a scan that would prompt a response from neurology to be this fast? So again, brief timeline. Onset of symptoms of this attack - 16th Feb Emergency clinic to rule out structural damage to lumbar - 22nd Feb First neurology appt Oxford - 17th march Mri with contrast- 4th April Diagnosis with 3 follow up phone calls from neurology - 7th April Ms clinic with consultant neurologist - 21st April I cant lie, I am feeling a bit scared... although please don't think I'm not grateful for the speed at which I'm being dealt with.
@Runningonempty

Seriously no need to panic promise. Just breathe you’ll be alright. Once informally diagnosed by general neurologist referral to specialist neuro follows for formal ms diagnosis. After physical exam/personal history to identify Which type of ms you have then often very fast app with ms nurse who support you and help you process the news give any info might need as a newbie and then to talk about DMT I.e treatment options that will help your immune system stabilise as quickly as poss for as long as poss as well as meds to help shorten the symptoms flare that you are having usually steriods and vitamins. Treatment works best the quicker you begin and nhs has diagnosis /treatment options timeline policy. I know how easy it is to be overwhelmed especially when ur fatigued and the speed at which it all happens at first. Will probably feel numb for a while - take ur time to process it. And always remember it’s your body, your choice and only do what is right for you and what you feel comfortable with. Good luck with EVERYTHING!!!!!!! And take care of yourself

@TLauder87

Thank you so much. That is a real comfort to read. I feel so guilty having heard of people struggling for years whereas I struggled for about 4 weeks before I got answers. But I guess I should consider myself lucky. I'm now just super hopeful the MRI is enough without the clinic wanting to do a lumbar puncture as they sound awful and scary. Thanks again for your comforting words. Really appreciate the time you took to write that reply.