Hard decisions.

[Jw534]

I just need a little support. I am in limbo land and have been told by 5 different doctors that I most likely have MS. My tests are all in normal range but have a variety of symptoms that I won't bore you with.

My dilemma is I am a fire fighter/EMT and have been out of work for 7 months. I recently decided to give it a shot again because I was feeling pretty good. I had to go through a dr to get approval for return. He approved me for EMT but not FF. He had many concerns that I hadn't considered. His main concern is that I have been having "eye" migrains that occlude my vision.

Now I am basically trying to decide if I am fit for the job or if I need to move on. It has been the toughest time for me. Has anyone else had to change careers due to physical ability? Due to the fact that I have no diagnosis its hard to think I need to give up what I love.

[Jw534]

I have been to two Nuerologists but neither were MS specialists. I have had all the tests MRI, LP, and all the nerve tests. They were all normal except for one small unidentified spot on my MRI. The Dr's have suspected MS due to my symptoms.and that they have ruled out everything else so far.

My PCP and I decided to wait on another neurologist for a while because my tests are normal and the last Neuro told me there was nothing wrong with me. It's been a year and 1/2 and a long road. Thanks for your reply.

[SarahL2491]

Have you been to an MS neurologist?  Have you had MRIs done of the brain and spine with contrast?  LP?  

I had to give up my ER nursing career because of my MS, I had not yet been diagnosed at that time but had figured it out.  It was another 7 yrs before I got a firm diagnosis and when I go thru my denial periods, I drag out that letter from the doctor and read it again.

My main concern with being an EMT is giving drugs.  But keep looking and have you asked these doctors why they feel you have MS and ask them to point out what lead them to their conclusions.  You are going to have to be your own advocate here.

Many of us have spent many years and a bunch of neurologists to find the diagnosis we didn't want.  Keep at it, someone has the answer!