Question topic was Diagnosing MS without MRI lesions

[barbbenet]

I missed the site tour, so I was uncertain how to send a question to the topic "Diagnosing MS with a Negative MRI."  It appeared in general MS questions for June 9, 2011  (BBenet)  My symptoms began at age eighteen.

I really do know how to spell "fatigue" and "every one"  (two words)

Thank you.   BBenet    (email available on site)

[Lulu54]

Shell has given you the link for the health page - if this is what you were wanting to respond to, the health pages don't have a place to post questions.  They are meant to be informational.

You would post your questions here on the open forum.  

Don't kick yourself about getting on with life while ignoring symptoms - most of us have that in our track record.

best,,
Lu

[barbbenet]

Thanks.  I've gotten some excellent responses to my plea for help with diagnosis of a CNS disorder without evidence of lesions.  I have a decades-long history of MS related symptoms.  I think the fact that we moved three times and ended in a small, somewhat remote university/resort town was partly responsible for my failure to get a diagnosis of my symptoms.  My neurologist and internist were excited that my last symptom--difficulty walking straight and numbness (after vision problems).would lead to a revealing MRI.  But a 3Tesla came out clear.  Two responders recommend a neuro-opthamologist; and yesterday when I was at the hospital, a female hospitalist MD said I should return to the center (Duke) where I had my MRI to see such a specialist.  She said my symptoms and history were clearly CNS.  My next step may be to get the evoked potentials--closer than Duke--which weren't available in our town     BarbBenet

The bulk of reponsibility for not getting a resolution was my reliance on a respected local internist who didn't seem interested in seeing a pattern in a number of events and a CNS disorder.  And feeling that my symptoms didn't seem treatable.  The internet in the last decade and then my new walking/balance problems finally opened the door for me.  

I looked well, was fully articulate and appeared energetic, though I'd had cognitive problems driving from the onset of my leg/fatigue symptoms.  I realize now I was patronized, likely innocently, as just another overworked, neurotic female.  Actually, my acceptance and life adjustments were pretty remarkable--and undeniably ignorant.  I failed to take advantage of some great medical facilties only a couple of hours away.  I do believe most women are trained to put themselves at the bottom of their to-do list.  I hope that's changing.

[sllowe]

Hi there,


Welcome -

I haven't the chance to dig for the discussion you saw, but posting up our health page for starters. Think it will be a good starting point:

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/How-Can-a-Person-with-MS-have-a-Negative-MRI/show/161?cid=36

Can you give us a little more info on what you'd like to know about? Or, tell us what you've been going through so we can send you thoughts?

Thanks for joining us!
Shell