Webster’s Dictionary defines MS as: a disease of the nervous system that causes the gradual loss of muscle control. But for anyone experiencing multiple sclerosis on a daily basis, you know that’s only half the story. Our fantastic contributor, Stephanie, wrote an article about the “Lesser Known MS Evils” and the community loved it.

Here are some of the odd, unexpected symptoms our MS community experiences:

“It itches, it burns, it’s even numb!”

• Itching
  • The itching has been the most annoying for me. It always happens in one part of my back, and doesn’t stop with scratching
  • My hands itch all the time. I always thought I just had dry skin!
  • I get itchy skin all over my face and even my eye lids!
• Burning
  • My tongue has felt burnt since I was diagnosed a little over 2 years ago. 
  • The burning has been so bad
  • It literally feels like I’m burning. I get so hot and sweat just pours off me!
• Numbness
  • I can never tell if I’m cold or hot!
  • Sometimes the left side of my face just decides to go numb.
  • I get so much numbness. You would think if it’s numb, it wouldn’t be able to hurt. But nope. I get both 

“It’s like my body forgets how to…”

• Swallow…
  • Nothing like having to explain that my body “forgot” how to swallow
  • I had trouble swallowing when I first was diagnosed. Took me hours to finish dinner!
  • I regularly choke on my own spit.
  • Mine mainly happens with drinks, especially warm ones, and every so often I “choke” for no reason. It can be especially embarrassing at work
• Talk…
  • Finally some validation for being a “Low Talker!” Now, when my husband says, “Why are you screaming at me?” I can justify it!
  • The cadence of my speech has definitely altered over the last 2 years.
  • My voice has been shot for years and I can’t seem to pronounce basic words anymore
• Breathe…
  • Sometimes my body forgets if it was breathing in or out…not a good feeling, especially when I’m alone.
  • I definitely experience the breathing and swallowing issue, that is so painful and scary
• Write…
  • Itching is one of my worst also my handwriting has gotten so bad.
  • Oh the handwriting. On bad days, my penmanship looks like a 5 year old attempting to write with their non-dominant hand.
• Think…
• The only way I can describe it is like a short-circuit feeling in your head.
• My family has been the saying that I’m losing it. YES! That’s exactly how I feel!
• It’s like pregnancy brain…but ALL THE TIME

How about you? Any strange symptoms you’ve experienced from your MS? Maybe ones you didn’t even know could be due to your MS? Share with us in the comments!