Is it MS?

[emmacam]

I have just been to the nueorlogist for my second MRI.  My first one was only 3 weeks ago of just the brain and the contrast was not used so he wanted to this and also do the cervical spine and middle spine.  My MRIs show 4 lesions.  My symptoms (which have lasted a little over a month) have been severe fatigue, 24/7 dizziness, double vision and facial numbness that comes and goes many times throughout the day and lasts for about 30 seconds.  I also have lower back pain with pains running down my left quad with a bruise like feeling on my inner thigh ( the neuro does not think the back and leg pain are associated).  The nuero said the dizzines and facial numbness is an MS attack but he did not diagnose MS.  He gave me 4 options...1) do nothing and wait to see if I have another attack  2)  have another MRI in 6 months  3) have a spinal to examine the spinal fluid  4) start medication to prevent future attacks.  He told me that if I went to another DR for a second opinion there was a good chance they would start me on medication, but that he takes a conservative approach because he has seen many people in my situation who do not have another attack.

Just asking for opinions of what I should door stories from others with similar experiences.

Thanks!!!!

[Qwyietman]

I'm not dx with anything yet so I can't speak to that, but being in limboland right now my inclination would be to have the spinal to try and find an answer.  From what I hear it is not a fun procedure so it is not an easy choice to make, but to me anything that helps lead to an answer is a positive step.

All the best to you.

[shawnie31]

Wow it sounds like this Neuro is putting a really tough decision in your hands. I would definetly want a second opinion and then make a choice what to do.

You may have a clearer ideal what will best for you after you see another neuro. What about your family dr. can he maybe help you make the right decision. Putting MS aside for a minute.. living with 24/7 dizziness and numbness like you mentionned is no picnic and it must drastically alter what you can do day to day. If I had a choice to take a med to treat those symptoms in the meantime I figured out what is best I think I would try the med to help me stay with it.

Hang in there and good luck with your decision. Theirs alot of knowledgeable people here in this forum that can help you out so keep on posting your questions..

Shelley

[HVAC]

You are in a tough place. Sounds like a good Neurologist who even suggests you could go on a Disease Modifying Drug. They made me wait two years with MRIs every six months. They finally did a Spinal Tap and it was positive so they started me on a DMD.

I wish I could have been on the DMD two years ago but I was not given the choice. But then again it is easier to give myself injections now that I am absolutely sure I have MS and I have seen the progression over two years. The day after I was diagnosed the FDA approved using Copaxone for people who have had one attack, Clinically Isolated Syndrome. The good think about being on a DMD is if you have MS damage takes place even with out symptoms so the DMD can slow or stop the damage.

Whatever decision you make will work. MS is not fatal so you can treat now or wait and see.

Good luck,
Alex