Could a single UBO being a sign of MS?

[freefallin]

I have been experiencing a wide array of neurological symptoms for several years. I have seen four different neurologists and have been given the usual "It's just anxiety/depression/a somatoform disorder" rundown from each of them.

For the most part, I just do my best to ignore the symptoms and tell myself that they're just in my head and not real like the doctors have all said. Then I have days like today, and I just can't ignore the fact that my gut is telling me that something is very wrong. My skin has felt scratchy and numb to the touch all day, my head has been throbbing nonstop, my eyes are unfocused, and I feel confused like I hardly have any clue what's going on around me. I'm sorry if I'm not making much sense now. I just feel really spacey and out of it; I'm trying my best to explain myself.

Anyway, there was a small spot that showed up on the MRI I had a year ago, and the neurologist said it was too small to really mean anything. He humored me and ordered a second MRI six months later, and the spot hadn't changed any. He told me it would have grown or there would have been more spots that showed up if it were MS, so he said my problem was obviously just that I had a mood disorder and should go to a psychiatrist.

I wanted to know if anyone could weigh in on whether that spot could be a sign of MS or if there's no chance that it's MS unless I have multiple, larger lesions show up on my brain. I know something is wrong. I feel too sick for this to all just be anxiety. :/

[SarahL2491]

I don't see it yet and you may have to wait until another lesion shows up (keep copies of these MRI's).  I went thru 3-4 neurologists before I found a good one.  It took years and was frustrating.

But MS is like a slow moving train!  I agree with the others who have chimed in.    Don't wish it to be true!  I've now had it for 31 years according to my wonderful neuro, but it wasn't proven until 2011, as I too was dismissed with similar psych suggestions.  

Keep a time log when you do notice problems that you can't pin on something else; it might prove valuable when you do go neuro searching later on.

Welcome to our corner

[freefallin]

okay, nevermind.

[immisceo]

Having medical professionals suggesting depression, anxiety, and/or somatoform disorder is NOT the same as being shrugged off. It's saying "we can't find a physical aetiology for your symptoms, but they are potentially consistent with other issues relating to mental health.

What they are also NOT saying is, "ignore these symptoms. They're just in your head. They're not real" Mental health symptoms are every bit as real and important to treat properly whether through medication, therapy or various combinations thereof. Anxiety could and does cause all of your symptoms and then some. Anxiety and depression have almost endless physical manifestations, almost all of which lead to vastly reduced quality of life if left undressed.

Is it possible you have a physical issue that has been overlooked? Of course. However, I'd at least try to approach treatment for what has been repeatedly suggested as the cause. And if that doesn't help, then you'll have more evidence that you have a physical issue. This can help you when you discuss your symptoms with medical professionals.

Oftentimes the patient-physician relationship becomes adversarial or irrevocably broken down when mental health issues are posited as the root cause. I feel this has to do with social stigma and the outmoded notions that a mental health issue is brought upon one's self. It is NOT. And there is help. In fact, as the science catches up, we understand better that mental health issues are indeed physical issues in and of themselves in the form of chemical imbalances, or brain anomalies.

I am in no way advocating that you passively accept what your doctors have been telling you, rather please inform yourself about the realities of what depression and anxiety can do to a person. Then make an informed decision of if you wish to pursue another opinion or not.

I say all of this to you as someone with Multiple Sclerosis who has struggled far more and far longer with my issues with depression and anxiety. I don't have to deal with my MS symptoms on a daily basis. My mental health is a constant struggle to maintain. I take medication for MS once a month. I take medication for depression every day. I have never had to modify my work environment because of MS. I have been unemployed for years due to anxiety and depression.

For me there is no "It's JUST anxiety/depression/a somatoform disorder". For me, it's the health issue that has dominated my life in ways my MS has never come close to.

[Lulu54]

Greetings.  Anything is always possible, but giving your post a read doesn't tell me much.    The MRI lesions don't necessarily 'grow' so the neuro got that one wrong.   But I tend to think one UBO doesn't help to explain your symptoms.

It is always possible you have MS developing in the grey matter of the brain where it is not seen by traditional MRI, and it might be years before other signs on your imaging tests give proof.  

That said, please remember your instinct says something is wrong and that could include "anxiety/depression/a somatoform disorder' as your doctors are suggesting.  Did they offer you treatment for that problem to see if it would resolve with help (therapy or rx)?  

I am no medical expert, but to me the one UBO is not screaming at me that you have MS.  Good luck in getting answers - feel free to come around and ask all the questions you might have. ~Laura