My recent Neuro Visit

[Ginosmommy]

I went to see my Neurologist last week and of course I took a notebook full of things I had written down - I told her I felt like a hypocondriac which she said "it is better being overly cautious than to miss something" which made me feel a little better.

She looked in my ear because of "dizzy/motion sickness" problems along with the loss of hearing and she said she see the ear drum and it looks fine so of course I now have to go see an ENT for that...Big surprise.

I told her about my bowel problems and she kind of blew it off which I was kind of surprised considering all the other problems I seem to have that all correlate to the same area of the spine - but I will just keep an eye on those and see what becomes of them, she said maybe it's what I am eating that is causing those problems.

Urinary problems - hesitancy going, going and stopping, then going some more. Also when I get up in the morning I go (like everyone else in the world) but then about half an hour later I have to go again like my bladder was not empty the first time - this only happens in the morning. Plus I go a lot at night, probably 4-5 times during the night, first she tried putting it off to it being summer and maybe I am drinking more water but I corrected her that I had brought this up before and it was not a new symptom - so I get to go see a urologist.

I am not overly anticipating this one and am actually delaying calling for this appointment, can anyone put my mind at ease with this? I am somewhat of a prude when it comes to female issues, I didn't even go to gyno until I was pregnant at 22 and I am not looking forward to anything dealing with my bladder (especially after reading some of the testing things on here) Is it really that bad? She has pretty much diagnosed me with neurogenic bladder already but I know I still have to go to the urologist.

I was also diagnosed with RSL and put on some kind of pill for that, I have had this for awhile and just never thought of mentioning this in initial diagnosis but I have it in my left leg and arm (at least she thinks) the arm really bothers me because now it also has a tremor so I am hoping the medication helps with the restlessness. We will see.

I also told her about the sexual problems (which is why I said between this & urinary - that I really think there could be something with the bowel) She said that I should discuss this more with my gyno and that we should use more toys, which we do - but right now I am more nervous about losing my bladder during "playing" than consintrating on the playing - know what I mean?

She also did a EDSS which she scored as a 1 but I am not really sure why she gave it that, one of these days I might get around to calling Kaiser and asking for copies of all my records. Better get to it soon considering hubby is getting frustrated with his job, hopefully he doesn't quit - I wouldn't want to have to go through this again!

I am sure I went over more stuff but the other stuff wasn't important more complaint stuff that got me nowhere! Muscle fatigue, being tired (I do have a three year old and work 40hrs a week!) she wanted to put me on something for that right away I said I think I can manage I just crash at 9pm like most parents! hehe!

Thanks for reading this far and any advise on the urologist would be great! MeLissa

[Sparkysarah]

Just to say listen to the great advice and support that you have been given. I don't think I know anyone who likes having to talk or show their private parts...but if someone has tekan the time to train in this area....you can hope that they will give you the respect,  privacy and understanding that you require.

So this made me think am I brave enough to have my first bikini wax in honour of my husband's return next week from Afghanistan. I have every excuse in the book but sometimes these things need our attentioon!

Love Sarah x

[Lulu54]

Hi MeLissa, I just looked at where you are from and see that you are another Buckeye-  but maybe I already knew that?  The area you are in should have plenty of FEMALE urogynecologists.  I can't agree more with the importance of seeing one of those if possible.

My female urogyno is wonderful and easy to talk with.  As for the extra testing, perhaps it won't be necessary.  I have that fun neurogenic bladder and have not had urodynamics done.  When my neuro questioned that and I asked the urogyno, she said she would do it if I wanted but the results would not change how she is treating me medically.  She was able to make a determination by my history and the amount of retention I have (which is tested with an ultrasound wand).  

Please find a doctor in your area and make that call.  Michelle and twopack are up your way- they might have a name or two to share with you.

Just don't mess aaround with your bladder issues - if you think having MS stinks, imagine what it would be like to do kidney dialysis several times a week.

be well, Lulu

[addicted2harleys]

I am just as squeemish about going to gyno and getting anything done in that regard.  So I understand.  But, you gots to do whats you gots to do!  lol

Have you had a LP?  If so, your uro visit will be a piece of cake.  Think of it that way.  Anyone who makes it through an LP can do ANYTHING, in my book anyways.

I think it would definitely be worth the visit if they can help you with your urinary and bowel issues.  I am sure your sexual issues would benefit greatly if you get the rest sorted out.

So, go and make that appointment.

Addi

[essdipity]

Hi Melissa. I agree with Q---what a stretch that you'd have all these separate disorders with separate causes! This lady has an answer for everything, except what's wrong with you!

Do make yourself find a urogyn. It's really not such a big deal, exam-wise. You'll get past that fairly easily. If you have been through pregnancy and childbirth, you shouldn't have much modesty left anyway ;-)

Don't take chances with your kidneys. That's really important.

ess

[jensequitur]

I think it's a neurologist thing.  Mine is always coming up with reasons why this isn't an MS symptom - even the stuff that really is an MS symptom.  It takes two or three visits of me talking about the same symptom before he takes me seriously.

[Quixotic1]

I'm disappointed that your doc has a glib explanation for all these things.  Okay, you have 13 different kinds of trees.  Has she even contemplated that all this might add up to a forest?  Sheeesh!

You have got to get over the yuck factor about seeing someone for your bladder.  This is really important, I say as I sit here with my 4th UTI in as many months.

If you can find a female UroGynecologist, you would likely have a better experience.  Mine is fantabulous.  

Quix