new neuro new tests no real answers yet

[chinacat65]

I saw my new neuro Monday ....It was a good visit and I was called before I even got home to set up my mri s I had them on Wednesday morning and got a call from him on Thursday afternoon.  I had an MRI with and without contrast on the brain and also the thoracic spine... Well good news is no lesions on my spine ....Bad news is more lesions on the brain and he agrees with the radiologist that there are located in all the right places suggesting MS . I have an appointment with him on the 18th of june and I need to bring the blood work and lumbar puncture results from the first nuero. I didn't test positive for any of the ms mimics and my lumbar puncture was negative but I never saw it so I'm not completely sure about that, but I still think I'm going to wind up in limbo for a while longer. I do feel this doctor wants to help me.

  This all very  scary for me . I have symptoms but this is a disease that can make you think your crazy. With all that's going on at work (people being fired everyday) and not feeling well plus family issues and caring for and watching my father die of pancreatic cancer last year (which I really don't think I let myself deal with) I wonder if it wouldn't hurt to talk to a psychiatrist to get someone else's perspective on  all this. Maybe my pain is anxiety. But I know its not. I know I need to find out what this is about.
  
  I'm really just venting and trying to let some of my frustration out to people I know understand. Thanks for all your help .
  

[chinacat65]

Thanks for the words of encouragement .... I am grateful and lucky I found this doctor . After reading your post I feel badly about my whining for my six months of limbo land when so many others here are struggling for so long. My blessing was I had all these symptoms for many years but was completely ignorant that these things could be MS.
I go back and forth with the idea of some mental health help . I'm a strong person and a fighter when I have to be . But I also tend to doubt myself sometimes....It certainly couldn't hurt .  I would see a psychologist though Im just sick of prescriptions .
  Wishing you  , me and all limbolanders a quick exit!!!!

Take Care Karen

[MsWobbles]

Hey chinacat65 - Accentuate the positive!!  You found a neurologist who seems interested, informed, and who cares!!  That is a rarity!!  Why is it "bad news" to have lesions found on your MRI suggesting MS?  Don't you want to know the cause of your symptoms?  I think it would be bad news to spend the money on an MRI and have it be negative - just another dead end.  Focus on the fact that you may be close to understanding why you feel so bad!!  Rejoice!  And you have found a doctor who wants to help you!

I've been in limboland for 5+ years and I'd trade places with you in a heartbeat!!  Although they say I've been ruled out for ALS, I won't really feel like I have until I get legitimately "ruled in" for something else because my symptoms keep progressing.  If you have visible MS lesions in your brain, at least you know you don't have ALS!!

As for feeling like you're crazy, I think most of us here have had (and still may have) that feeling!!  After all, we honestly pour out our symptoms, in great detail, to our MDs and then they look at us like we're crocks, malingerers, hypochondriacs - when really the problem is them, not us!!  Who wouldn't feel crazy in such circumstances??

Still, if you're wondering about whether a shrink could help you sort out feelings, go for it!!   But be advised, it's as hard to find a good shrink as it is to find a good neurologist.  Actually, the psychiatry/neurology medical specialty is a combined package.  Psychiatry today isn't as depicted in cartoons showing a patient lying on a couch with a doctor sitting nearby taking notes.  No, psychiatrists today mainly just write prescriptions after a very brief interview of the patient.  Some psych sessions are only 20 minutes long.  You would only need a psychiatrist if you feel you might need medication.  If you need someone to spend time listening to you (which is what it sounds like you need) a psychologist or a social worker/counselor would be a  better choice.  They don't write prescriptions, but they can be effective therapists (if you can find a good one).  I suggest going to a website called rateMD where others in your area rate their experiences with local doctors or therapists.

You could also just talk with a trusted friend about your feelings or a spiritual adviser - a clergyman of your faith.  Prayer might also help.  Writing down your feelings in a journal can also be insightful and therapeutic.

Like you, I have issues about my dad's death last year and I understand what an emotional weight that can be.

Even though few, if any of us, would choose to have MS, realize that finding out you have MS will actually lighten your load by releasing the horrendous burden of not knowing.  It will also enable you to plan to minimize the effect MS has on your life through the intelligent choice of available MS  treatments and medications.

I wish you a speedy exit from limboland!!

WAF