Finally Diagnosed

I had the first MS symptom in 2007 while I was in college and just finished my last class. Suddenly, there was severe tingling and numbness in my whole left upper limb. I thought it could be a result of strenuous day. Everyone left the classroom, and I was trying to release my hand. But it was not releasing. Two of my friends came back after noticing me not coming. We went to the hospital. 

In the emergency ward, basic tests were done. I could sense that my heart was beating very fast. It was about 6 p.m. The senior doctor arrived and checked me. He suggested an immediate X-ray and the results came back normal. So, he referred me to orthopaedic doctor. The next day, the orthopaedic doctor suggested I get an MRI of my cervical spine. He suspected I had thoracic outlet syndrome. But when my reports came normal, I went on to hear more suspected illnesses that could be causing my odd symptoms: nerve impingement, peroneal nerve injury or palsy. My tingling and numbness subsided before any nerve conduction tests were done, and my other symptoms like blurred vision, just went away.

Within one year, I had consulted six or seven doctors, but no one had a diagnosis. Because at that time, MS was not really prevalent in India.

After my final year exams, I was at my hometown for a vacation. I had one more relapse, foot drop. It was a festive season of Diwali and many doctors were on leave. I went to see a neurosurgeon with my dad, and he was the first doctor who suspected corrctly and asked for an MRI of my whole spine. The report for my MRI said I could have either tuberculoma or multiple sclerosis. After listening to my symptoms, checking with different tests and studying the reports, the doctor finally diagnosed me with MS.

I had a feeling of relief rather than sadness that at last the condition was diagnosed.