MS or What????

[sportygirlsmom]

I am feel like I am almost at the end of the rope pn the last knot before I fall. I have been sent to so many doctors and I just keep getting worse and I don't know where to turn to.... I just want to wake up from this nightmare and be able to know what I have wrong with me... I Started having back pain in June after a vacation at a water park. Went to see my reg doc and he did MRI which showed 3 or 4 ruptued disc in my lower lumbar, I was then sent to a spine dr who ran x-rays and seen where my back at the lower lumbar was going the wrong way he did a t-spine x-ray and he we tried the epidural with no relief. He looked at the T-spine and asked me if there was anything that ran in my family like MS and he told me he thought it maybe just by the t-spine. I have ben seeing this neuro since July has never DX me with anything for sure I went last tuesday and I broke down to him I can no longer walk with out a cane i fall and have nop controll of my balance and no strengthn in my legs. Numbness in all limbs since June feet hurt hot stabby pains and just total lose of basic function of more than I can go into.... I feel confused at times have ringing in my ears and the numbmess drives me nuts.... My face look different to me like it is pulled to one side. The neuro said ny signs were MS and he was 99% sure so I am getting a brain scan this tuesday has anyone else had anything like this? Help me please

[Karen99]

You're probably on your way by now.  It would be a good idea that you get both the written copy of your MRI's and on CD.  This could come in handy down the line.  

I hope your neurologist has some answers for you on your next appointment.  He is seeing you often enough.  You will probably have to ask him directly what the MRI's are showing.  He's too vague and your symptoms are worsening.  He needs to give you direct answers.

Talk with you later.

[sportygirlsmom]

Thank you so muck Yes I have had a few MRI's the only thing I hate about the Brain MRI is the fact that the bars come across for head or over your head but I am at the point that I don't care what it takes I just want to know what is going on. Sometimes I feel like people are looking at me like I am crazy or strung out b/c that's sometimes how I walk or stand, as I sway and stumble to get around.

I was referred to neurologist from my spine Dr who saw something on my T-Spine MRI that he didn't think was caused by ruptured disc, his words were " I don't want to scare you but has there ever been any history of anything neurological in your family?", I replied like Rheumatoid Arth or what. He said" no like MS or something along those lines ?" He also mentioned that it wasn't his field of study but he sent me to this neuro, but the more I think about it my neuro Dr looked at the T-spine MRI for only a minute for the disc and not for MS I can see when I look at the disc where they have circled or measured a spot around my lungs a mark, that I don't think he look at it for what it might have been. I have searching the net about my neuro and have heard more neg than pos. he seems to be a little just treat the pain and not to research me as a patient with problem so I am seeking a second Opinion!!!! I see him every six weeks. I hope this shows something today.... not wanting anything to be wrong only and answer to what is wrong. thank you.

[Karen99]

Hi.  Welcome to the MedHelp MS forum.  I am sorry to hear that you are having such a difficult time.  Stick with us here and many folks will help you get through this difficult time.  More members will chime in before Tuesday to offer their guidance as well.  

It is good that you will be having a brain MRI on Tuesday.  Are your familiar with the contrast agent used for MRI's?  If the docs are looking for the possibility of MS, a contrast agent should ABSOLUTELY be used.  Here's a link to read:
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple%20Sclerosis/How-MRIs-Show-Lesions-in-MS/show/23?cid=36

It is not uncommon to discover MS-type lesions by chance, often after an accident of some type. It is entirely possible that you do not have MS and your problems with walking could be caused from the ruptured discs.  The other symptoms you are having could be caused by something less serious than MS.  Once you have your brain MRI, your neurologist should have a clearer idea of what is going on with you.

I am concerned that whatever the cause of your problems are that they have gone unaddressed for so many months.  How often do you see your neurologist?  He should be watching you very closely.  Did he see the suspicious x-ray OR did anyone think to order an MRI of that area? Those suspicious are should be MRI'ed as well.  

Having an MRI for the first time can be intimidating.  I usually take a calming medication because I am mildly claustrophobic.  You will the noises of the magnets as they change positions and also change in tone and rhythm.  Sometimes the noise is muffled and then increases in volume.  It does not hurt.  The only type of pain you may experience is from the needle stick when the dye is injected into a vein.  A series of pictures will be taken, first without the dye, and then more after it is injected.

This is the criteria used when diagnosing MS:
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple%20Sclerosis/Diagnosing-MS---The-McDonald-Criteria-revised-2005/show/370?cid=36

You can find more information on MS in the Health Pages section found on the right upper hand corner, yellow icon.  

There are medications to slow down the progression of MS and other medications to treat the symptoms.  Many new treatments are on the horizon.  There is reason for hope now and in the future.

As hard as it is, try to take good care of yourself during this time.  Relax and be sure to eat.  There are a lot of us out there who have been through what you are now experiencing.  We understand the fear and uncertainties that come during this time.

Talk with us more.  We will try our best to answer any questions you may have.