Optic Neuritis

[ree221]

Hello Everyone,

Brief history:
LESIONS ON BRAIN MRI: Many (but "Atypical for MS")
VEP: Abnormal
VNG: Abnormal
LP: Negative
LESIONS ON SPINE: No

DIAGNOSES: Swallowing Disorder, Vertigo (via VNG), Bilateral Sensioneural Hearing Loss, Mild Speech Disorder, Major Depression (episode last fall), Orthostatic Hypertension, Hypothyroidism, Optic Neuritis, Uveitis, Blepharitis, Neuropsych shows Deficits in Short Term Memory, Executive Function & Judgment. Neurotrax testing shows Depression, memory issues and ADD.

SYMPTOMS: Tingling, numbness, right hand and foot, what I believe to be L"Hermetes (numbness in right foot upon moving head), Utoff's (symptoms are worse when I exercise), Balance issues, Dizziness, vertigo, electric shocks in limbs (some are prickly and some are down right painful), leg cramps, intermittent memory issues & slurring of words, difficulty finding words, tingling scalp, right side, always fail balance test in dr's office, and show some other clinical abnormalities in strength (right side) and some "eye abnormalities"; he didn't tell me what they were. I need to follow up on that.

I'm going on 5 years without a diagnosis. Was recently tested positive for an abnormal VEP. I already knew this before I went because I had a really bad attack of eye pain and blurriness that sent me home from work. Given all of my symptoms, diagnosed conditions AND positive Brain MRI, VNG, VEP my Neuro is still hesitant to DX me with MS. He keeps saying that he believes my lesions are "from your history in the past". What he's referring to is my past cocaine use. Yes, I had done cocaine for a few years on and off but if the lesions are caused by cocaine why am I having so many other issues?!! I'm sure my cocaine use isn't helping matters and could be contributing on some levels but you can't tell me all of this is due to my 'past history".

He is also reluctant to DX because my brain MRI's have not changed in two years. Yet I continue to have symptoms and continue to "acquire" new ones. At this point I think my Neuro thinks I'm neurotic. I'm not neurotic; I just want to know what's wrong with me so that I can get treatment and slow down the disease's progression; whatever it may be! These doctors seem to think we want MS? WHAT? NO....I don't want MS or any other disease for that matter, thank you very much but I DO want ANSWERS. Now I know diagnosing this disease is not an easy task. I know it takes time and thorough analysis of clinical symptoms, test results and is a disease that has to show dissemination in time and space. I get that, I really do. What I don't get is doctors who dismiss us so quickly and insinuate that we are imagining things.

In my heart I believe I have MS and just trying to get to the bottom of it regardless of what it is so I can go on with my life & get treatment if necessary

Anyway, I guess my question to you all is...how possible is it that I DON'T have MS given my test results, symptoms and current diagnoses? I know you're not experts but most of us on here are close to it because we've researched this disease fairly well. Just trying to "step outside the box" and let others look inside for some insight. Thanks in advance :)

Ree221

[ree221]

I already have an appointment with a MS Specialist. Have to wait until July though. *Sigh*.

Thanks for your input, Sarah!

[SarahL2491]

Perhaps its time for a 2nd opinion and a new neurologist!