About 10 days ago I woke up out of bed with a numb right arm, lower torso and pins and needles running down both legs. Familiar symptoms as I had a similar problem about 4 years ago- a prolapsed intervertebral disk or in laymans terms, a slipped disk. So i books an appointment with my GP who told me that because I had no pain in my neck, he was at a loss to explain why my right arm was numb or why I had such difficulty with my fine motor skills in the arm (I am unable to write and am having difficulty even now hitting the right keys on this keyboard). He could explain the pins and needles though as there was pain in my lower back.

Still, he informed me that not enough symptoms have manifested themselves for him to make an accurate overall diagnosis and was told to go on my way and take a course of anti inflammatory tablets to help with the discomfort. So I waited a few days and not much had changed so I makes a further appointment with a different doctor who provided a much more thorough examination- checked my blood pressure... normal... heart rate...normal... and hit various points on my body with a little hammer to test my reflexes (you know when they hit you just below the kneecap and you get that horrible sensation? ). Still no explanation.

So i'm called for a blood test. After taking what seemed like an eternity and the extraction of about 10 pints of blood, they were ready to be sent off for analysis. By this time I'm as white as a ghost and breaking into a cold sweat

So the results of the tests come through today. I have an appointment at 5.30 this evening. Despite my assertions that it's my back causing me problems- the doctor is taking no chances. The blood test is to rule out organ problems after I disclosed my alcohol consumption levels

Still, I'd like to knock out my nervous system. It's been a constant niggle for years and as back problems go, they also have a nack of returning when you least expect it, years or even decades later

Results from the test have come through. All my organs are operating as they should except for one... my liver So it looks like I shall have to detox over the next couple of weeks. Because my right arm is still not operating properly (pincer grip is knackered and fine motor skills are asleep), I am being referred to a neurologist. In the meantime I think I'm going to put me feet up, relax and enjoy my time off work

Gaz, I had/have similar probs with my left side, the pins and needles and like a numbness to my left thigh on the outside, I was sent to Walton neurology centre were I saw a very good doc, they sent me for various scans and a few of my vertabraes in my neck were squashed which can also cause back pain and a sore chest. There was no need for an op and was told its wear and tear, I was still getting these probs with me leg and after being sent to another doc they told me its bad circulation so I had a few examinations and was told to stop smoking as the thighs can be the first place to go with bad circulation, also Gaz, check for stress, these symptons your displaying are also found in stressed out people, do you get sore throats? sleepless nights? have a look at the stress option, its amazing the physical effects stress can have on the body, even down to your jawbone, mine is often 'set' during he day, even when I feel fine I'm really tense and my jaw is like set, just a few possible explanations.

Good luck dude.

The results from all my tests have come through. I have a mild form of MS. I've not been prescribed any medication for the condition but they are posting out a dietary booklet to help me deal with it. They could pin pount 2 occasions where I had an "attack". 2008 and four years previously in 2004. I will be visiting my consultant every 6 months from now on so they can monitor the situation. Could be worse, I suppose.
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Sorry to hear the diagnosis, Gary On the bright side, they did say 'mild', although that's really a subjective term so might mean one thing to one person and another thing to another person.

At least you now know what you've got which is a bit better than being in the dark. I remember when my daughter was given her diagnosis of muscular dystrophy. I was devastated but she took it all in her stride (bad metaphor in the circumstances) and said it was a relief to know what she was up against. It doesn't make it any better but knowledge is power.

Hope you stay symptom free for many years to come

The doctors have called me in for an appointment tomorrow. Last week they sent me numerous leaflets on how to cope with MS, the effects it could have and other dietary information. Despite me devouring every piece of information they have sent, I'm still not much closer to discovering much about the condition. Although I'm aware of the psysiological stuff behind the condition (the damage to the myelin sheaths surrounding my nerve cells), I'm still no closer to any definite information on how to try and manage it. The studies into MS and the effects environmental factors have on it, are so inconclusive.

In the meantime, I will surrender to what I believe is generally true. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Mother nature got us to where we are now and I'm in no position question that. Thus, I've been filling up on fruit, vegetables and other natural sources of vitamins and minerals.

With a bit of luck things will be ok. I remain positive