MRI of the brain and c-spine is how I got my diagnosis in 2003. Was tired all the time, kept dropping things and my legs were heavy and stiff. My friend, don't jump ahead of yourself. It could be anything could be nothing. Just pray and get the testing done and see what happens.

"Tingling" of left foot that gradually moved up my whole left side. Checked for stroke. MS confirmed with MRI and spinal tap. This was in 1992 when I was 35 years old.

Horrible headaches that happened in the middle of the night...usually around 2am. I had an MRI then and found out that my brain has polka dots everywhere. After about 14 months and 6 additional MRIs, finally they saw a change in the MRI that they could conclusively diagnose me with MS.

Sudden onset of left sided paralysis. BUT prior to that, in '98 I had Bell's Palsy on one side of my face. I had it again in '01 and at that time I got an MRI but wasn't diagnosed. Had another attack of Bell's Palsy in '03, still no diagnosis.
When the paralysis happened I was sent to the ER and my BP was through the roof. They did a CT scan and it was negative, the next day I went in for an MRI and half way into it, they brought me out and sent me back to the ER. They assumed I had a stroke... probably because of all of the lesions. I was sent by Ambulance to a large hospital in Kansas City. They did a spinal tap ( which was mislabeled so unusable) and a Transesphageal Echo (TEE) which was inconclusive. Not until the neuro came to talk to me and I told her about the Bell's Palsy, did she take another look at my MRI and then I was diagnosed. It was such a battle. Good luck to you! This isn't something you want to go into quickly I guess. Hope they find out something for you!

I had sudden paralysis of my left hand that lead to evaluation, but in retrospect was also having left leg weakness (thought it was from an old accident), and balance problems. I had an MRI which showed 2 lesions, and a spinal tap to confirm it. ANd like others, I had previous symptoms that subsided but I never connected the dots.

No, it doesn't make you uninsurable......but it does make you have a pre-existing condition. For medical insurance, I've found small group policies and single policies have a "doesn't cover pre-existing condition" clause sometimes. Generally insurance for bigger coorporations cover pre-existing conditions. so it depends. Health insurance is more lenient than disability and long term care insurance I've found. I have turned down jobs because they don't cover pre-existing conditions on disability AT ALL, and my current company covered it after a year's waiting period and not needing it (I took the chance, didn't have a relapse, and am now covered). Long term care insurance is even MORE difficult to get. one representative at my health care benefits fair said, "oh yeah, most everything is covered unless you have something terrible, like MS." yeah, thanks bucko-- bye bye! He about fell over when I said that was me. I have since been able to get LT care insurance through my company because they offered a big "one time only, pre-existing condition" waiver.

I lost the eye-sight in my right eye on my 37th birthday (later confirmed optic neuritus) I had been running in to the walls at work (when trying to go out the door) and even started just plain falling off my horse from time to time doing such routine things as moving to adjust my seat in the saddle. Legs just started to no longer to obey me. It has been a long road, but it is do-able. Never give up trying. Yoiu have to be your own advocate and find what does and does not work for you and your body. MS is never the same for anyone. It keeps you "on your toes"--so to speak. I too already had really good insurance (thank-goodness)--so it has never been an issue.

Good luck!

"Tingling" of left foot that gradually moved up my whole left side. Checked for stroke. MS confirmed with MRI and spinal tap. This was in 1992 when I was 35 years old.

This is EXACTLY what is going on with me....I have an MRI scheduled on 5/10, and then back at the doc on 5/14. I wasn't even thinking MS, I was thinking pinched nerve, but the doc looked in my eyes, then ordered an MRI. I ended up in the ER last night, and they ordered a head CT, and it confirmed no stroke or brain bleed, but doc said to still keep MRI appointment, and started me on Prednisone, "just in case". I have been reading, and there are more symptoms I exhibit, like memory issues, dizziness, and a few more. I am still not wanting it to turn out to be MS, but I would like to find out what it is. It's just such a complicated illness, and so many varying symptoms, but the symptoms can also point to many other illnesses, so I am hoping and praying it is something completely different.

I became totally numb on my right side from head to toe. I was without insurance then and went on medicade. Went 6 years without working. Have been gainfully employed 8 years and took out the insuance option, so now I have it. Went years without anything. thank goodness I got in touch with some wonderful programs at hospitals in the state of ohio, Cleveland clinic being one. They tend to rule out all other possibilties before they diagnose with MS. My diagnosis came after I had a lumbar puncture. the dr went right for that because my mom also had MS at that time. i am 42 now and have had MS for 20 years. Best of luck to you

Double vision was the symptom that finally got my attention. Even then, I waited almost 3 months before going to the eye doctor who sent me to the ER. Funny how easy it is to ignore our health until thing really come to a crisis.

Slurred speech and terrible gag reflex...It was a Sunday and my sister and brother in law were over for dinner. We opened a bottle of wine and after two sips, I began to slur when speaking. We kidded that I was the world's biggest lightweight! When the slurring continued the next morning, I went to see my doctor. She immediately sent me to an Otolaryngologist and neurologist. After 5 months and many, many tests, I was diagnosed with M.S.