Experiencing Unusual Symptoms: Concerns and Questions About MS
I’m a 31-year-old female with no known prior health concerns. I take no medications and am not on any recreational drugs. I’m 5 feet 6 inches tall and weigh 123 pounds. Recently, I've encountered a series of unusual symptoms that have left me puzzled. Here’s a summary of what I’ve been experiencing: **Timeline of Symptoms - 2025** - **Mid-back discomfort:** This feels entirely distinct from my typical lower back pain due to a scoliosis and pars defect. - **Numbness in both arms:** On two separate occasions in one day, I experienced numbness extending from my shoulders to my fingertips, rendering me unable to hold or lift anything. Thankfully, this numbness cleared up by the following morning and hasn't recurred since. However, this is what prompted my doctor to mention multiple sclerosis (MS). She noted its bilateral nature and suggested that it points more towards neurological issues instead of a simple pinched nerve in my back, which was my initial assumption when seeking medical advice. - **Frequent urination:** I find myself needing to relieve my bladder shortly after just having done so, sometimes with more urine production than normal, and other times not. **Gradual Symptoms Over Several Months:** - Profound fatigue throughout the day. - Diminished appetite. - Unintentional weight decrease. - Sporadic episodes of anxiety. - Increased need for rest. - Heightened sensitivity to heat. **Recent Events (June 22):** On an especially hot day while attending a soccer game, I faced a disconcerting incident: - I temporarily lost part of my vision in the right eye for approximately 30 to 40 minutes. It was as if the upper half of my son’s face was completely erased—not darkened, just absent. - Following that, the vision in my right eye became extremely wavy. - Thankfully, my sight returned to normal after a breeze cooled me down. - I did not experience other typical migraine symptoms. **Potentially Unrelated Symptoms:** I have an appointment scheduled next month to discuss additional concerns: - Increased vaginal discharge accompanied by itchiness and swelling. - Occasional spotting, with recent bouts of bleeding after intercourse. I currently have a Mirena IUD, which has been in place for about 7.5 years. Apologies for the lengthy account. I completely understand that MS is likely not the issue, which may explain my doctor’s hesitation to proceed with tests. However, I can’t help but feel it’s unreasonable to wait until I develop "extreme eye pain that persists," "bowel incontinence," or "persistent arm numbness" before revisiting these concerns. I fear that by the time such symptoms arise, any underlying condition could have already worsened significantly, and this worries me greatly. I’m just feeling anxious about the whole situation.
Answers (1)
6/24/2025, 4:51:22 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a variety of concerning symptoms, which understandably has left you feeling anxious. Your description includes neurological signs, such as numbness and temporary vision changes, alongside other systemic issues. It's wise to discuss these with your healthcare provider, and you're not alone in feeling that you want to address these concerns promptly rather than waiting for worsening symptoms.
Overview of Your Symptoms
- Neurological Symptoms: Numbness in arms, temporary vision loss, and fatigue could indicate a neurological issue, but they could also stem from other conditions.
- Bladder Symptoms: Frequent urination can sometimes relate to neurological conditions, urinary tract infections, or other issues.
- Systemic Symptoms: Fatigue, diminished appetite, and weight loss may signal an underlying chronic condition or infection.
Explanation
Your symptoms may overlap with various conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS), though many other factors could be contributing. MS is typically characterized by neurological symptoms that can vary widely from person to person. It's crucial to recognize that not every symptom will point to a serious condition, and sometimes symptoms can stem from anxiety, heat sensitivity, or mild infections.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized actions you can take while managing these symptoms:
-
Continue Documentation:
- Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting their frequency, duration, and any triggers (like heat exposure). This can help your healthcare provider understand your situation better during your next appointment.
-
Manage Anxiety:
- Consider relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, guided imagery, or mindfulness to help alleviate your anxiety while awaiting further evaluation.
-
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Stay hydrated, especially during hot weather, to help manage heat sensitivity and its potential impact on your symptoms.
- Eat small, nutritious meals to help with your appetite and maintain energy levels.
-
Prepare for Your Upcoming Appointment:
- Make a list of your symptoms, their timeline, and your concerns—especially regarding neurological symptoms and urinary changes. Discuss these in depth with your healthcare provider.
- Ask about the possibility of tests (like MRI, lumbar puncture, or blood tests) that can help rule out or confirm diagnoses, including MS or other conditions.
-
Monitor Eye Symptoms:
- Note any changes in your vision and be ready to elaborate on these experiences during your appointment, given their temporary but significant nature.
-
Address Other Symptoms:
- For your vaginal discharge and spotting, ensure you discuss these symptoms at your upcoming visit, especially in relation to your IUD. Hormonal changes associated with long-term IUD use could contribute to these issues.
Reassurance
It’s normal to feel anxious when facing unexplained health changes. Remember, many symptoms can be manageable or may resolve over time. You’re actively seeking answers, which is crucial in addressing your health concerns. Stay proactive about your health, and be sure to voice all your worries during your next doctor's appointment. If at any point you feel your symptoms are worsening or becoming unmanageable, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.
Related Questions
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Understanding EEG Results for My 22-Month-Old Son: Insights Needed
Could someone help clarify this for me? My son, who is just 22 months old, hasn’t started walking yet, becomes tired easily, and has been experiencing behavioral outbursts. He had a febrile seizure in February 2025, followed by another unexplained seizure in April 2025, which led us to consult a neurologist. Since he was 3 months old, he has been receiving therapy from a physical therapist for torticollis. At birth, he spent five days in the NICU due to issues with meconium aspiration. A recent MRI showed normal results, and he also had a follow-up EEG after one conducted in July 2025. The results from this recent EEG were abnormal for a pediatric patient in awake, drowsy, and sleeping states. Notably, there were brief episodes of left frontotemporal delta slowing, which occurred mainly when he was awake and drowsy. There were no signs of epileptiform activity detected. In contrast, the EEG performed back on July 3, 2025, was deemed normal for both awake and drowsy states, again with no evidence of epileptiform irregularities, although it did not capture any sleep data. This examination was prompted by the child's existing history of febrile seizures. Importantly, he is not currently on any anti-seizure medications. The EEG procedure used standard electrode placements per the 10-20 system, conducted a single-lead EKG, and included continuous video monitoring. During the analysis, the background activity was symmetric, indicating some anterior-posterior (AP) organization, with a dominant rhythm of 50-80 microvolts at 7 Hz. His drowsy state was marked by a reduced amount of eye blink activity, less breathing motion interference, and a generalized slowing in theta/delta frequencies. Stage II sleep exhibited spindles and vertex waves patterns. Additionally, there were intermittent bursts of 250-300 microvolts in the left frontotemporal region with semi-rhythmic activity of 2-4 Hz, mostly observed during wakefulness and drowsiness. No definitive epileptiform discharge was noted. Photic stimulation during the test did not elicit a strong response, and hyperventilation was not conducted during this session.
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
28-Year-Old Male Experiencing Scalp Sensations Post-Amitriptyline Treatment
I am a 28-year-old man in generally good health, without any cardiac concerns. Approximately a month ago, I encountered intense pain localized to one side of my head, which was unresponsive to paracetamol. However, a single dose of a migraine treatment provided substantial relief. Following that, I began a regimen of amitriptyline, starting at a nightly dose of 10 to 25 mg. While my head pain has diminished significantly—by about 90 to 95%—I now experience occasional uncomfortable sensations on my scalp. These feelings include pins and needles, a cooling sensation, and some crawling feelings near my hairline and ears. There are fleeting moments where I feel brief throbs lasting a second, but I do not have any persistent headaches. To clarify, I do not experience any of the following: - Nausea - Weakness in my limbs - Numbness - Changes in my vision - Coordination difficulties - Seizures The symptoms I have are transient, shifting around and often intensifying when I become conscious of them or as the day progresses. I would like to know: Is it common to experience these sensations during the recovery stage following episodes of neuralgia or migraine-like discomfort? Additionally, could the amitriptyline potentially be causing these temporary paresthetic sensations? I am seeking some reassurance or advice on what is typically observed during this healing process. Thank you.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!