My wife has had some sort of leg issues from the beginning symptoms of her Multiple Sclerosis. We have always been able to treat her symptom and her issues go away, but it can be a real annoyance for her. Normally she has one leg that is worse than the other, and it seems to be pretty random which leg it attacks. Most of the time her legs just become tired. If she walks too much or is standing too long her legs will become tired and as she explains it, "heavy". She has also had other issues though that seem to come back anytime she over does things.
One of those issues is twitching and restless legs. Usually it starts with her leg or legs getting tired and then she sits down to rest. Once she sits down, her leg will start to twitch and jump. Sometimes I can place pressure on her leg and it will subside, but there have been times that her legs will spasm bad enough that she will kick things in front of her. Her legs don't hurt as much during this time, but it is more of a nuisance that she gets very frustrated with. She has also had restless leg sometimes when she lays down to sleep. This can keep her up until it subsides which leads to her being exhausted and more issues.
Another issue is her leg giving out. We were walking one day into the mall and she suddenly fell. She was able to catch herself, but was frustrated and embarrassed that she fell in front of so many people. This has only happened a few times, but when it does, she tells me that it just feels like her leg gives out from under her. She explains that it feels like her knee will not support her and the leg just buckles. Again, this has only happened a few times, but is quite abrupt when it happens. Her legs may be tired before it happens, but there are no other warning signs that it will happen. Clumsiness and falling seem to happen with Multiple Sclerosis. I know that my wife had great balance before her symptoms started, but now has problems with it periodically.
Heaviness is something else she says happens to her legs. It usually starts with tingling and numbness and then she will drag the leg or have issues tripping over things. Sometimes she will have this in the mornings if she laid on her leg wrong in bed, or this will happen after a long hard day of standing and walking. She describes the tingling as if your foot was going to sleep and it won't wake up. It is usually more annoying than harmful, but it does affect her when we have plans or are out trying to go somewhere.
Another issue is leg pain. I have already written a post about the pain, so I won't say much here. Leg pain in Multiple Sclerosis seems to be quite common. My wife only has pain when she pushes too hard and goes past her stopping point. When the pain does start, it is often difficult for her to do anything. Again, this doesn't happen very often, and if she is listening to her body, she can keep her legs from progressing to this point. The pain usually runs on the outside of her thigh from her hip to her knee. This is one of the major leg muscles that is worked on during Bowen Therapy and massage. Her knee will sometimes also hurt, and the muscles along the top of the thigh.
Once in our marriage my wife lost all ability to use her legs. She stayed that way for about a month until we started seeing an ND that treated her with a host of things. This is the sad place that we seem to find so many MS patients. My wife's mother has lost all use of her legs and has not been able to use them for years. I know that she never tried the different therapies we have used, but I often wonder if she would still be able to walk today if she did. When my wife lost the use of her legs, it started as numbness in her torso then spread down until her toes were numb. Her legs just wouldn't cooperate with her, which I know was frustrating. I am glad this has only happened once, and that we have been able to stop it from happening since then.
This week we are going skiing for three days. This is one sport where her MS doesn't seem to cause problems. She can usually ski all day and rest well, then ski another day. Today, she is prepping for next week. She is taking the time to lay down, rest her legs, and give her body time to recoup before the trip. We have learned that rest is an essential part of life for an MS patient. We have also found that if she rests and listens when her legs start to tire, she can avoid the leg twitching and pain. We have been able to use rest, Bowen Therapy, Massage, Chiropractic, diet and supplementation to keep my wife walking, running and using her legs without any major issues. We have also used yoga and stretching to release tension in her legs, especially her ham string.
I spoke with a physical therapist the other day about back pain and leg issues. He pointed out that almost every patient he sees has tight hamstrings. He showed me how the hamstring affects the back muscles which in turn can cause leg pain, back pain and headaches. When my wife was getting regular massages, participating in yoga and stretching, she didn't seem to have the headaches and leg issues. The PT explained that this is one of the major muscles that needs to be stretched regularly to keep the body functioning properly. These are just a few ways that a my wife has kept her ability to walk and run.
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Morning,
I have just been reading the comments about your wife and her ms (I won't dignify the condition with capital letters). I have had ms for 28 years and am searching for any help I can find. I have walked to work this morning through the snow. The car wasn't an option because the side road are impassable except for four wheel drive vehicles. My left leg is very painful, numb and heavy and I'm ready to do battle 'somehow' but not sure which path to take. I was very pleasee to hear that you and your wife go skiing - that's very heartening to read. Anyhow, I just wanted to post something to your very welcome site. Ann
Hi Ann, thanks for the comment. As you have probably read on the blog, my wife has dealt with the leg thing over and over again. She has been able to overcome all the leg issues with full recovery through the years. We have found what works for her, but it took us a few years to figure it out. She still has leg issues from time to time, but we can normally pinpoint what causes the attacks. My wife still has full function of her legs, but yes, she skis and we have a trip planned soon. I hope our experiences can help you find the right path for you, and if you have any specific questions please don't be afraid to ask.
I have had leg pain radiating from the the thigh down to my knees for about 6 to 9 months but ignored it hoping it would go away. Especially in the norning sometimes my legs would "Lock up" with severe pain but eventually as the day went on it would get better. I was walking on my own complaining of muscle cramps throughout the day. About a week and a half ago I fell on my way to the bathroom. This horrible pain had proceeded my fall for about 2 weeks.Tightness in the legs, so tight I was in tears everytime I woke up. I am now using a walker and am on morphine soma neurontin flexoril precocet and celebrex for pain but it doesn't help. I have not been diagnosed yet but am scared this is going to be my new life style. I am very active so it is discouraging. I hope to God it may just be flare ups.I can handle that. I am currently seeing my primary care doctor weekly, neurologist. pain doctor and am waiting until June 14 to get an epideral which I realize will only mask the pain I hope to get to the bottom of this this as my family can do circles around me. Speaking of family my fiance just got up to point out all of the things I havwe not done this morning including fix his breakfast. he thought my daughter and I were out picking weeds, Go figure. I got some real support going on here and that doesn't help :( Dawna
I enjoy reading others stories of ms. I go to doctor tomorrow and sure they are gonna tell me I have ms. My symptoms started 2 yrs ago when I lost vision in one of my eyes. Gradually everything got worse , I now have atrophy in one leg (severe) I fell 3 times the last I cracked my tailbone (boy,I was embarassed) My hands and legs twitch and jump most days. Recently its like I am looking through dirty water or a thick fog. My balance is a big issue. And the heat....my symptoms seem to be ten times worse. I was so tired yesterday I couldn't get out of bed. I feel like my legs and arms have been dumped in cement, they are so heavy! Anywords of encouragement would be nice. It is very scary !
Hi Neysha, sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I understand about the scariness of the disease. We are currently dealing with a lot of emotional stress and that is causing all sorts of MS issues. I guess the main thing I would suggest for you is to educate yourself so you can find options of treatment like we have done. So many MS patients feel hopeless and yet you can find hope if you are willing to dig and learn. We have been at that point and learned very quickly that the disease affects everyone differently and that treatments affect everyone differently. What might work for my wife may not work for someone else, but I know others are able to use treatments that don't work for my wife. We have committed to not letting MS rule our lives, and it isn't easy, but it is rewarding to go after life full force. Hang in there and please write me and let me know how things are going. You can email me directly at mywifehasms@gmail.com. Hope things are going better for you!
To Neisha.....
Having had MS for a decade or so, I have had the blindness, heaviess in leg, and other symptoms. Praise God for His sustaining power. I am stilll learning, but keeping mobile and exercise do seem to help. Yes...MS has its days. Trust the Maker to sustain you. after many years with MS, which means Multiple scars, you ask for Divine intervention. I'll be praying for you.
I was just reaading the story "My wife has ms" very moving april 13 2003 i was diagnosed with ms.but someone is looking out for me. i have optical neuritis lost the vision in one eye do ivs every ten weeks plus my weekly shot regained most of my vision(THANK GOD) am tired all the time but STAY postive this is the first time ive gor on line about this subject barb
Hey Barb, thanks for commenting. My wife has been there, and she knows what it is like to lose her eyesight. My wife actually commented on one of my recent posts about blindness, and yes, you have to stay positive. Please let us know if you have any questions. We are an open book and willing to share if it will help someone's journey.
It was very nice to find your blog for your wife. I have not been diagnosed with ms, as 2 different neurologists have told me the will NOT give an ms diagnosis until lesions show up in my brain or the fluid of my cervical spine. Neither place has shown lesions….. but symptoms I do have and am being treated for. Out of frustration of not wanting to continue with feeling loopy with the effects of drugs like Zanaflex and Requip (spell?), I searched for alternative treatments for ms and Parkinson’s (the later being another suggestion of possible diagnosis from both docs). I found a wonderful web site promoting the MS Swank Diet. I have been on the diet for a week and by day 3 the tremors in my upper core had stopped. So has the upper body jolting I tend to get toward the end of the day. However, the tight feeling I get in my upper legs (it could be pain, but I think it feels more like a boa constrictor squeezing the heck out of my legs) has not gotten better – neither has the pins and needles I get in my feet. You’re “right on” in regards to the issue in the legs moving from leg to leg, or sometimes in both. What you described with your bride falling at the mall is SO true for me with my left leg. The way I describe it is: Out of the blue my left knee will just ‘disappear’ and there is nothing there to hold me up – or keep my leg in tact - and down I go. It’s very random and it only happens for a split second…and very seldem. I have other symptoms, but feel no need to go into details on them (this whole ‘symptoms’ thing has had me feeling as if I am more of a hypochondriac so I am more reserved on what I share). My question to you and your wife is: Have you tried the Swank Diet? I am trying to figure out if others have used it and found it only worked to a certain point or on certain symptoms.
Hey Mara, thanks for sharing some of your story. Yes, my wife actually was diagnosed by Dr. Swank, and was on the Swank MS diet for years. His research and results are amazing, and we loved to visit with him about life and MS when we saw him in Oregon. My wife definitely saw a huge difference with the diet, and she had less symptoms. She actually got off the diet because we were working at a children's home and she had to cook for a huge group. She just couldn't keep up the diet, and she has struggle to get back on it since. I have lot's of posts about the diet, so you can search for those on my blog. Also, we would be happy to answer any questions you have, so shoot me an email to mywifehasms.gmail.com if you can think of anymore. By the way, my wife didn't show any lesions either, which is why they wouldn't diagnose her. As soon as she saw Dr. Swank, he diagnosed her and started the diet. Let us know if you have questions, and keep moving forward. It sounds like the diet is really helping you, and I know for my wife, it helped her have some sanity in the beginning of the symptoms.
I just stumbled across this blog that you have made about your wifes MS. I feel as if, while reading this, as if my husband wrote this. I started having vertigo five years ago along with the worst, most severe leg pain. I went to the doctor and here it is almost five years later and many falls later, I have been seeing ND'd for MS. I actually just went thru a horrible battle just three days ago with leg pain. So severe to a point where my legs felt like concrete. I was screaming and crying. begging for my husband to please cut my legs off. It gets that bad. I have migrines with these episodes. And then I am weak and exhausted for days after. I have tried mediation, exercises, massage, heat and cold treatments, medications...even went as far as smoking weed ( which enhanced the pain by the way so i didnt do it again). This is the most depressing, life consuming illness I have ever had to endure. When I read that you both ski...I was amazed! I cant hardly walk to my car without falling. Even after resting. I have to plan everything weeks in advance. This, like I said is life consuming. I have 5 kids..two of them are still in primary school..and 2 grand daughters. I feel as if I can not even be a wife, mother or a grand mother. It is heart breaking. I do everything I can to fight this. I just wish I could get back to my softball playing, hiking, walking days again..but as it seems I am a very unlucky victim to this illness. I have done everything like I said from diet changes, activities, routines, rest times (daily)..I could go on but you get my point. I am sure you know from experience. I just dont know what to do. ANd I hate all the meds they have me on because they seriously dont help much. But I applaud your wife..this is a battle that is hard to fight. I know I am fighting it. God bless her and you for being such a wonderful, caring and understanding husband. You both are amazing :)
Good morning,
I just had to join in on the conversation; the last commentor's struggles sound sooo much like mine!
I have been noticing similar symptoms since 2008 as well as having migraines every 2-3 weeks since 2002. I've suffered from the vertigo (which, when it strikes, would last for weeks at a time), tightness in the chest, and those concrete legs. Most recently, I have been feeling a burning, stinging pain in my hands, arms and feet, sharp, random pains in my legs (lower legs at first, now upper legs too), an achy stiffness in my neck, shoulders and upper back, a "heat wave" sensation on the left side of my face (periodically) brain fog, insomnia, extreme fatigue, hand tremors, etc. I have been to general physicians, a neurologist, an internist and am scheduled to see a rheumatologist in a couple of weeks. I have had a CT, an MRI done and they have both come back normal (with no lesions). I am very leery of taking pills for things, so I get cautious whenever a prescription is written. To me, it seems like doctors are guessing at what the diagnosis is, and in the meantime, "Here, take this and tell me how it works. Take that and let me know if it helps". So far, I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, anemia, severe Vitamin D deficiency, and Fibromyalgia. I feel convinced that all of this is really leading towards a confirmed diagnosis of MS, it is just a matter of time. Is it just my imagination? Am I the only one with all this going on at once, or am I right to suspect MS?
Wow, I just read these posts and I thank God I found this site. I too have MS. It started with Optic Neuritis. I was hospitalized for 6 days being completely blind in both eyes. I was being followed by a neurologist since 2001 and this was my 3rd and worst case of optic neuritis. I was told I had swelling in my brain stem and the blindness was reversed with intravenous steroids, but for the last 8 months I have been planning my daughters wedding and all the leg symptoms described on this blog, I am having. I was actually diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome back in 2002 and take requip for that, but now I'm having so much pain in my hips, back and legs. I have insomnia, exhaustion from lack of sleep and lots of numbness from my torso to me toes. Yesterday, my feet went numb while cooking, so I turned off the stove and attempted to get to a chair. I couldn't walk and fell backwards. I actually was knocked unconscious. I laid there for over 35 minutes, unable to move or feel my legs. My back and head was killing me. I hit the floor hard enough to knock my glasses off of my head. Not being able to pick my legs up to relieve back pain, the pain became unbearable and I was screaming in pain and was sure that I had broken my back. When my husband found me, he assessed that I was probably ok, it was just an exacerbation of my MS. He got me to a couch and the sensation returned in my legs after about 3 hours. When feeling DID come back in my legs, they hurt so badly I could hardly get any sleep. Today, everything hurts. My head, my back, my legs. I called my neurologists office, but of course he is in procedures today and the office will be closed for Memorial Day, so hopefully a nurse will call me with instructions on what I should do. I must say, until I read the entries on this blog, I was very frightened. Thanks for sharing your stories.
Hi Connie. I am so sorry about your recent issues, and I hope you are doing better. We have been at the point of not knowing what to do, but kept trudging forward till we found the answers we needed. Please let me know if there are any questions we can answer, and thank you for sharing your journey.
Hi,
After searching symptoms that my 12 year old daughter is having on google, the whole page popped up as MS. We have been thinking that she as a very severe form of PMS, but her symptoms have widened from depression and severe anxiety. She now has eye strain, leg muscle twitches and a feeling of very heavy legs. She sees a doctor this Tues. Is MS common among children? The posting is touching but scarey.
Mom Carol
Hi Carol, I am so sorry to hear that your daughter is struggling. I have a 14 year old daughter and we often wonder if she will also have MS since she has had some odd things happen. MS diagnosis in children is becoming more and more common, and if you google it you will find a lot of sites dealing with juvenile MS. If you would like to ask some specific questions, we would love to answer anything we can. You can email me at mywifehasms@gmail.com. My wife's mother was diagnosed at age 14, so we do have some experience with this. Hope your appointment goes well.
Wow. I have your wife's ms, apparently. In fact, the leg pain is so severe the last few days that I'm googling the issue, trying to figure out what to do about it, and found your blog.
I've tried different meds, including marijuana. A combination of Zanaflex and marijuana seems to be the best...it stops the fasciculations that you describe your wife experiencing (twitching muscles that you can see popping under the skin....usually harmless but with MS the twitches can feel like pinches)as well as the heaviness and pain. But not for long, usually only a few hours. Since I absolutely hate being high on drugs, I need to find another option.
I keep thinking if I could figure out what specifically is causing the leg pain, whether it's a muscular or nerve issue, I could solve it.
I also "lose" my legs at inopportune times. The first time was at the grocery store, the last time while travelling. What a nightmare, having to line up a wheelchair at the airport.
I wish your wife luck in treating this. But I just wanted to say thanks for posting this. It helps knowing you're not alone in this, y'know? :)
I just kind of stumbled across your blog in trying to google things. I am 29 years old and have MS. The things you described your wife feeling...it was like I was reading something written about me! Mine is my left leg, the numbness, heaviness, twitching, I'll be standing up and my knee just goes out. My balance is horrible and I can't walk without a cane. Even then though I still have difficulty with the stiffness and heaviness and stump my toe a lot. I can't walk for extended periods of time. (mall and shopping is out.) I just wanted to thank you for this post, at least I know I am not the only one experiencing this! I'm desperate to find a way to improve it though so I can continue working at my job that I love and live alone again!
Hey Leah, thanks for the comment. I am sorry to hear about your struggles. We know it can be tough and my wife completely understands your frustrations. Please let me know if you have any questions for us, and I hope you begin to find your independence.
I hope you don't mind my posting on this site but I really feel lost.
It all started in Feb of this year I have had loss of vision in my right eye, foggy sight and terrible pain behind my eye. I have been seen by an eye doctor twice now and they have said eye is healthy but have referred me to a neurologist. The earliest app is in October of this year.
I went back to the GP last week as i lost vision in both eyes for roughly a minute three times in one day ( I didn't black out or faint I just couldn't see). The doctor told me to carry on with the painkillers and wait for my above appointment.
Over the past year, i have had other problems with heavy legs muscle spasms in my legs and back, pins and needles in my feet and legs, tremors in my left leg and I have fallen 3 times in the past 12 months, i have been reluctant to share these with my GP because we havnt got to the bottom of my eye problem.
I have good days and then not so good I feel very low somedays, but what can I do? I don't want to waste Any ones time, but this really has affected me and my life. Where do I turn ? What should I do ?
Hey anonymous, I understand the fear and frustration and my wife went through that for years. I'm sorry it took me so long to get back to you, and I would love to talk with you more. If you could email me at mywifehasms@gmail.com, I will try my best to answer any questions you have. So sorry for your issues, and hopefully some of our experiences will help you.
I too have MS and it is more cognitive than physical however I have had optical nuritis as well as brain swelling etc. it sucks. tonight I went online because of a particular jumping type of pain in my thigh that is actually painful. I have had a lot of issues over the last few years but never really pain until the last month. I even ended up in the hospital one night becaue I thought I must have a kidney stone and everything is fine. I do know that some lesions occur in areas of your brain that cause you to feel pain. It happend in my tooth and I almost had an implant put in to avoid a root canal and then read about the pain lesion thing and I found out that I do have a lesion in that part of my brain or did at least. the pain is gone now in my tooth and it is fine.
I do take zanaflex at night but again I have never had pain like this. I guess typing this out an acknowledging it is enough for tonight. LOL! hang in there everyone.
I have MS as well , it is such a frustraton at times ,I do not know where to turn.I have been dealing with vision issues, headaches,tingling and numbness in my arms ,hands,fett and now my legs.My job has me working a eight hour shifts and on my feet for about six of the eight hour shift.I am taking Copaxone daily and at times a pain killer when the pain is to much.
In high school I was big into hockey from the age of ten , played football,baseball,anything to get outside. Now I have issues running a block. Does this get any better?
Hi, I have been having problems for 8 years no Dr will say I have Ms even though I have brain lesions he said they haven't gotten any worse this morning I couldn't walk I got out of bed and collapsed this lasted for 30 min I was in terrible pain all day and had to work Dr did say I have mild neuropathy in my legs and a demyelating disease but wont say which one
Hi I'm Kira; I just read your blog and I was wondering what were some of the first symptoms of your wife's ms? I'm 27 and I have been experiencing pain in both my legs. My right leg twitches when I try to extend it. My feet go stone cold and some times I can't even feel and thing on them. I had cancer when I was 24 and it seem to have started after that. It's not just my legs ether some time my right arm as will. I was just wondering. Any advise would be great.
Hey Kira, sorry to hear you are having problems. My wife's first symptoms were numb fingertips. They started that way one morning and then moved up her arm till her whole arm was numb. She didn't have the leg pain till years after her diagnosis, but one thing we have learned is that it is different for everyone. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
My husband was diagnosed with ms in the year 2000 and we knew nothing about it then.He saw a neurologist on a regular basis-then not so regular-now once a year.
We learnt that they cannot tell you what to do and which drugs to take and he seemed to learn more knowledge from my Husband than he ever gave to him.If we asked him if we should try something that we had read about he never said yes or no but just to see if it worked for my Husband.
Over the last 12 years we have learnt that ms is different for everyone and you have to be proactive with your Doctor as they will not suggest treatments to you ( well ours does not anyway)
We have just had one prescription withdrawn by the PCT as it is very expensive and Doctors Practices have been told to cut their costs by a huge amount ( well we have to pay off all that debt that the country is in somehow )
If I sound down today its because I am but that is just today-Tomorrow I will just get on with things as usual,mostly being inspired by my wonderful Husband who has coped with his ms all these years with a little anger at the start but then with courage,humour and determination to do as much as he possibly can to get on with living life as fully as he can
I am a 30 year old female with ms. I was diagnosed last year, after having an MRI and spinal tap done. Apparently I have been suffering from this disease for years (due to the number of lesions on my spine and brain), though it is not until recently that it has affected my life to the point that I cry constantly. I have three small children and currently am a stay at home mom, as if that's not hard enough now I deal with the stress of not being able to provide the quality of life that my children deserve. Outside time is limited at best, but usually non-existent. Meals are quick and easy, at times prepared by the oldest daughter who just turned seven. I just want to FEEL better. No fatigue, no vertigo, no panic attacks about my arms going numb while driving, being able to enjoy a sunny day, being able to go for a walk and not lose all feeling below the waist, I'll even settle for being able to lift my son again without spasms shooting up my back. I too have a great, understanding husband...at times though it just feels like I'm not holding up my end of the relationship. I'm supposed to be super-mom right now, but it seems like everyone has been taking care of me. Logically I know it is going to get better, once the doctors can find a medicine that works with my body or a work out routine that doesn't strain my muscles too much. I guess I just have to be patient.
Anonymous, I am sorry to hear that you are struggling so much. I know my wife has felt many of the same emotions you are experiencing, and yes, it does get better. I know for us it became better when we took more control of the situation and went out and found what worked for my wife. Please let me know if you have any specific questions. Maybe some of our experiences could help you on your journey.
1st of all let me compliment you on being a wonderful loving and caring husband !! I know from experience all 2 well how painful and aggravating it is 2 have MS it is the worse thing as a mother grandmother and wife u can have!! Its so hard 2 explain 2 some1 that doesn't have the problem in my case its like no 1 can believe how painful and how it shuts ur body down its like u have a body that u have no control over!! And the pain there has been days where I just want 2 end it all I feel like I'm nothing but a problem sometimes my body won't allow me 2 do anything and some days I feel like I'm gonna take on the world !! Its so depressing I know I have a wonderful family and they try so hard 2 make things easier!! I really think its me I feel like I'm worthless I have always been a wonderful mother since 1999 I have been fighting so hard 2 b a good mother and now I'm a wife again with the best husband ever he's so good he cares and trys 2 make my life easier 2!! But there r some days I just feel so helpless and I feel like he's tired of dealing with my problem!! I have always been so indepent and I have reacently realized I can't do a lot of things!! Sorry 2 keep going on and on all I really want 2 say is u seem 2 be a wonderful husband and hang in there u r doing all the right things!! I want 2 say thank u from all of us MS suffers for u being such a wonderful husband 2 your wife I know she treasures u as u do her!! Carrie in NC
Carrie, thanks so much for the encouraging comment. I know my wife can relate to your frustration because she is also very independent and struggles with not being able to do everything she wants to. There are definitely moments where she gets depressed about all of it, but she doesn't stay in that frame of mind for very long. She is an amazing wife and mother, and I can't imagine my life without her. Thanks again for the kind words, and thanks for leaving a comment.
I had major back surgery in March 2013.(disc spacer and spinal fusion) 9 weeks after my surgery I developed severe leg pain in both my right and left legs. also have tingling and numbness in both my feet and toes.(my legs feel like lead and they are very heavy.I am currently in the hospital because the surgeon wanted to get the pain managed do an MRI. The MRI showed nothing significant so the called in a neurologist. She ordered 3 different MRI's 1 being the spine, 2 being the neck and 3 the thoracic. I have so much pain in my legs that sometimes I actually cry. Before the surgery it was only my right leg that hurt like this. I am still waiting to be diagnosed, but when I read these blogs, I feel like I'm reading exactly how I feel. The falling, the knees just giving out the twitching. I can't even send texts without fixing every other word because my fingers just push random buttons (also typing on the keyboard of my laptop) I am just freaked right now. I think I have this. ANY COMMENTS WOULD BE EXTREMELY APPRECIATED Thank ypu, KitKat
Hi Kathleen, I'm sorry to hear about your issues. Issues like this can be overwhelming and so frustrating. I know my wife has been depressed off and on because of the issues she had dealt with, and many times we don't really how stressed she is until the stress is gone and she relaxes. I know for us, we just started to study and learn so we knew everything we could about how her MS could be treated and what worked for her. It was through that studying that we have figured out the puzzle to her MS. I have no doubt that she would be really struggling right now and may even be wheelchair bound if we wouldn't have taken control of her health. Please let me know how you are doing.
I have a brain aneursym that is in the circle of willis and wide based, the dangers of operating are same as bursting at this time because it cant be coiled, I have to have skulled removed, so I would either die in the process of be mentally and physically handicapped.That I have been coping with but now I have had over a year now extreme pain in my left upper back of thigh, it feels like contractions, bad contractions, and electrical stabbing, and burning which sometimes goes all the way to my feet. It has a weird sensation of being numb and when that leg is touched it is defiantely different from other leg, feels heavy and dead. I have fallen 3 times now the past month due to cant walk a lot and put pressure on it. I am wondering since I have a brain aneursym and even if I didnt have that do my symptoms sound like M.S. as I have gone for mris on back and leg and had nerve conduction tests and they all come out ok... I am in tears I just want to know whats going on and can deal with anything but not knowing what is causing this pain.. anyone have any ideas please thanks
Anonymous, I'm sorry to hear about your struggles. With all of the research that is being done on how the cardiovascular system affects MS, I would do a lot of research just like you're doing. I wish the answers came easier with all of this but we have found that it takes time and lots of research and effort to find good answers. My main suggestion would be to find a great Pro Adjuster chiropractor near you. By far this has been one of the key ways we have handled issues like you're describing. Let me know if you have any other questions.
I applaude you on being such a support system for your wife. I googled leg pain and ms and found this site. I have been to my PCP, rheumotologist and neuro docs trying to find out why I'm in so much pain, mostly my legs and back. I have been put on severally different meds with no luck. I have been diagnosed with fibro but don't believe the is the whole picture. I live Ina fog on a daily basis due to the meds. My neuro doc did an EMG and said it wasn't MS. She never did a MRI. I'm frustrated with the whole medical field and I'm a nurse. I have had scleritis in my eyes several times. Painful legs. Tingling and burning sensations in my feet and legs. My husband says I'm a klutz because I fall all the time with one time leading to an 8 hr knee surgery at the age of 35. Any suggestions would be helpful. I called into work today because my legs are in so much pain and i couldn't sleep last night. Thank so much for letting me rant....Christine
Christine, I'm sorry you are having so much pain in your legs. I know for my wife a good massage really helps with the pain. She also gets relief by getting adjusted by our chiropractor. She describes it sometimes as her nerves being on fire and after the adjustment it's like the nerves are no longer burning. I hope this helps. I know this is one of the posts that gets the most traffic on my blog so it must be a pretty common problem. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
I have ms and I have debilitating nerve pain in my legs and feet. I've tried lots of drugs and lotions but nothing works. I'm currently waiting for a pain clinic to get in touch with me but,it's taking a long time. I stretch all day long just to try and ease the stifness in my legs. I have tried Baclofen but it doesn't really work for me.
I would welcome any suggestions or therapies
Hi Anonymous, thanks for the comment. My wife has used massage and Pro Adjuster chiropractic to help with her leg issues. She rarely has pain issues now, and she makes sure she is drinking plenty of water to keep her body hydrated. I know the first thing we do when she has leg issues is get an adjustment from our Chiropractor. I don't know if you've tried Pro Adjuster Chiropractic, but that is what we have used successfully for years. I hope you find a treatment that works for you. If you have any specific questions please let me know.
Sounds like me to a T...thank you...good to know Im not alone in this and it's great you're so supportive
your wife sounds like a brave lady even I am tired after 2 days of skiing,my girlfriend has recently been diagnosed with MS,your article was very informative good luck and thank you.
Hi Anonymous, thanks for the comment. Yes, my wife is extremely brave. When you live with MS you have to be brave because there's a lot of unknown. Otherwise, fear takes over and can rule your choices. Thanks again for the comment, and we are actually moving to Colorado so my wife will have some more time to ski this winter. :)
I stumbled across this article while doing a search on multiple sclerosis leg pain. I'm stuck in bed with horrible leg pain. I was diagnosed with ms August 24, 2012. I'm on Copaxone subq injections. I was on Avonex intramuscular injections before the Copaxone. Would you give me some more information about the Bowen therapy you mentioned. I have never heard of that before. My ms was diagnosed just before my 42nd birthday. I have read numerous articles online posted by medical researchers which state the prognosis is poor for those who are diagnosed with ms after age 40. Have you read this or have been told this at any point?
Kathy, sorry I didn't respond sooner. I missed your comment so I hope you still see this. Yes, I've heard all kinds of things about MS and what age you're diagnosed. I've learned that MS can be bad any age and anytime, and that it's more important what you do and how you decide to treat your MS. You can google Bowen therapy and find all kinds of info on it. It took me a bit to find someone in our area that did the Bowen Technique, so make sure and do some research online in surrounding areas. Bowen resets the body by "strumming" the muscles. Honestly, you have to experience it to understand it and if it didn't work we wouldn't have continued to do it. Let me know what other questions you may have.
Hi. I was looking up what I could do for my lower back and upper thigh pain. I was told in May that I could have MS. The lesions are there but the spinal came back clear so my neurologist is not coming out and saying MS. But another one is. I'm in a confused state of mind. I do get blurry vision, but not always. I have tingling from my head to toes on my left side. I have major low back pain, and upper thigh pain in both legs except my right is worse and pops causing more pain and loss of balance. And I have bladder control issues. I've only been put on Gabapentin and oxytocin. Put still in severe pain. My pcp told me MS doesn't cause pain, my one neurologist won't do anything without the other. What do I do?
Hey Anonymous, thanks for the comment. I hate to hear that you are having back issues along with leg pain and tingling. MS definitely has pain associated with it, and my wife has had a little pain to a lot of pain. I am definitely not a Doctor so I can't give you any medical advice but I can tell you what we've done. When my wife has pain, leg issue, back issues etc. we immediately turn to a Pro Adjuster Chiropractor. She went three times last week because the cold is making her Right leg stiffen up and have issues. She's also have tingling and pain in her back. After a few adjustments the pain is going away and the tingling is almost gone. We've also used Massage and it works great too for those types of issues for my wife. If you have other specific questions please let me know, and I pray that you start to find some answers soon.
I stumbled upon your blog while searching for MS info. I was diagnosed eleven years ago and have experienced all of your wife's symptoms and then some. It was raining yesterday and I went to 'run' to my vehicle and apparently my leg did not get the message. My left leg buckled and I almost fell down. I'm very clumsy these days, drop things all the time (so many broken glasses/dishes), bump into things, lose my balance and fall down. Won't bore everyone with the long list of other symptoms of this weird thing we live with. I agree with your approach to living with MS. I no longer take any MS drugs; they were too toxic for me and I don't believe they were helping MS but that's another story ;) Diet, sunshine, stretching/yoga, walking on treadmill, massage therapy and chiropractic really help me. One of most important things is rest/sleep! And keep stress levels to a minimum. The main reason I wanted to comment was to commend you on the love and support that you give to your wife! So many do not have that support and understanding. It makes all the difference and thank you for being such a good partner to your wife. Best wishes!
Anonymous, thank you so much for the comment and encouragement!
Hi Cory,
My name is Vanessa. I was reading your blog about your wife's story. I also have MS was diagnosed in 2006. I have leg pains in both of my legs. Started with one and now I feel it in the other leg. I just wanted to know what you guys did for her leg problems? I am very active and love working out. Seems after my work out my legs want to give out. I have been taking it really easy and stop. I have done acupuncture and get massage's they seem to help. Just want to know if there is more I should do?
Thank you very much,
Vanessa
I have so many symptoms..not been diagnosed as they just give me antidepressants.. Numbness that comes and goes muscle twitching constant for 2 montgs , muscle fatigue that started last spring, that I think let to an ankle injury which lead to my knees getting pain during zumba but they say nothing wrong with knees..I think its because my surrounding muscles won't hold anything in place. I get the tight hamstrings too, they feel strained all the time..my fingers go numb in the morning and when I drive I had brief vision issues a few months before I noticed weakness start in my shins. I'm so sad and stressed..I have done physio bit can't seem so strengthen anything..I have tried keeping up zumba but feel almost unable to keep up, I mostly do upper arm motion to follow in fear of hurting my knees plus don't have the strength to do the jumping like I use to.starting antidepressants to deal with my fears.this is the fist place I have vented..thanks for listening..
Hello there and thanks for this blog.
My wife has now after 2 years of figuring out what this may be finally been diagnosed with MS.. it caused a huge crack in our life and I wish I could help her more with the pain.
She also had a hysterectomy a few month back. . Stress over stress and her mind right now is super negative because all this... not easy for me and there for again thanks for this blog to help me help her.
She truly is the galaxy in my soul.
Well, if anybody has more info and help us with all the depression and anxiety and pain She (we) go thru... which isn't easy for our relationship either, then pls don't hesitate to message her on FB.
Her name is Kathryn Kennedy and we live in Palm Bay Florida.
Again, thanks a lot for this blog and any info and help.
Hey Fred, I'm glad the blog has been able to help you. MS can be a shock to the system, and yes it's extremely tough to be the caregiver and feel somewhat helpless. I know for my wife that she doesn't have pain very often, but when she does it can be pretty bad. Depression can definitely creep in and it can be rough to have any hope, especially when your body and mind just aren't working right. My wife's been in those spots before, but she's always pulled thru and we've always held onto hope for a full life. I know for my wife, it's always good to try to remember to be her husband and help her, comfort her, encourage her, console her and continue to date her and make her feel special. I don't always do a great job at those things but I know it makes a huge difference for her. Please let me know if there's ever any questions you have, and thanks for leaving a comment.
Your wig is not crazy it is the Zanaflex that's making hash have the leg problems I have been on Zanaflex for I think three years and during those three years my legs go tingling and numbness and they can't crawls up my lanes so they feel so have any that I do have to drive them and I'm only 57 years old but I have a lot of back problems and drag problems and drag and have he just like your wife said I have been on I have been on that I have been on these pills for several years I have had every test you could possibly possibly have and everything has come back clear that there's nothing wrong with my lungs so I just took one and all the sudden my feet went dead I mean dad and I have nothing else in my system and I am talking like I'm drunk my vision is messed up I got to keep
Hi leah��I saw u wrote this in 2011 so I don't want to email u a long reply if ur not at this site anymore or if u changed ur emails. I read ur post on here and u r me 100%.... my legs are identical to yours.if u still r on I'd like to talk maybe u can help me w some ways of relieving the tiredness numbness tightness no balance spasm tripping
... all in one leg.. thanxs so much . hope to hear from you
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