ARGH ... Can't blame my phone for missing an entire word ... Meant mental HEALTH dx. Sorry :(.
Most Neurologists like to follow you over time. With my MS Specialist he did not take the word of other doctors. He took a year and a half to diagnose me this is common. I had been seen by several other neurologists who said I would be diagnosed with MS but they would not diagnose me. I thought it was nuts. I either have MS or I don't. My very first MRI showed MS, every test for MS was abnormal, all other tests were negative. I know it is frustrating. Hopefully you will be diagnosed soon.
Alex
I did a psych referral early on (honestly, in my mind a mental dx would have been better, vs a chronic degenerative illness). I was, in fact, pretty sad that I was fine :P.
I've also been in limbo 2.5 years. My ms neuro fully thinks what I have looks like atypical ms, and has told me. However my LP finally came back fine and he said, no, you should have had bands. Not ms. Everything else ruled out (almost -- I have another idea which I asked him to pursue testing for and he finally agreed).
You can't help but keep looking with no answers and when your quality of life is hindered.
I have issues similar to you, in clear episodes; also had four months of double vision and trigeminal neuralgia for six weeks (presenting episode). Limbo is awful. Ms wouldn't be a party either, but as issues keep popping up it would be good to have a plan.
In this with you; stay strong!
Thanks for the responses guys. I do understand the radiologist just reads the MRIs, however, I just kinda thought that if one had appendicitis, then the doctor would agree... never knew too many who would say .. no ... and yes MS is a lot more difficult to diagnosis... I've been in limbo for two-three years... I was relieved last month when he said MS.. because it had been suggested for 2 years.. I have done my research on it (among the other things they suggest) and to finally have a diagnosis would be a relief. I do not mean to sound mean in my writing, but again, I am frustrated.
I will do a second opinion and am willing to accept whatever diagnosis a doctor will make, just wishing they would make one...
The neuro in his speech about quality of life and being never pain free spoke for a sec (as all his speeches) about psychological issues.(depression/anxiety/stress associated with diabilitation) One might not have any BEFORE they start this process but definately end up with issues during and after the process...
I have had problems i.e. fatigue, gait problems... right side weakness.. foot drop, (have a brace)... foggy brain.. to name a few for about 2 years.. they aren't constant at times vary from once a month to 7-8 months apart... GP has suggested MS for a while but also treated for things like... gout, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, seizures, restless leg syndrom etc. to name a few... all with normal blood work... I have been tested for lyme disease also... I switched GPs a immediately sent me to a neuro who ordered the MRIs. No one had ever ordered one til him...I am not pushing for a diagnosis of MS I would like like an answer instead of being brushed off... The neuro I have did not set with me from my first visit but giving him the benefit of the doubt, I have continued to see him. He is the type to rush in... shake hands mumble and leave. I am stuck in nowheresville with no one around!!!
That's pretty common. I've stuck with my second opinion and he has yet to diagnosis me. My first and second set of mris in 2013 met the McDonald criteria (2010) for ms, with no other options listed -- yet I stay in limbo.
I was also told migraines early on ((don't even get head aches lol). There a couple of mimics I'm still wondering about and I've had to beg him to do the tests -- says everything else is ruled out however won't commit.
If your lesions aren't textbook, even with clinical signs, it can be a slow journey just because there really are a lot of mimics that look like me. What led you to have the mris done?
Radiologists give there interpretation or suggestions. Like immisceo says it is the neurologist who diagnosis. I would get a second opinion with a MS Specialist. Not all neurologists are MS Specialist. I went to one who was a headache specialist so that is what she centered on. She said I definitely did not have MS. MS Specialists could not believe she missed it.
Alex
It is the neurologist who diagnoses. A radiologist just reports what they see. That being said, I would be looking for a second opinion at this point. Even if you don't have MS, I would wish to know in more detail why they thought not given whatever clinical history the report mentions.