Diagnostic MRI for MS

[kerrtelli]

I have a question...as usual.

I saw the MS Specialist last week, he said probable MS.
He then order MRI's of the brain w/contrast and neck w/wout contrast.
Did that today.  Started to get a little claustrophobi after 45 minutes.
My next appointment with him Is July 11th.

Question is.....why wait so long for me to see him if he thinks i have MS?
Its an awful long time to wait.

Do you think he is having me wait to see how my symptoms pan out over the next
month or is it just a scheduling issue.

Thoughts...experiences....advice.
My husband wants me to call him and see if i can see him sooner or ask if I can start meds.
I tend to agree but I sont want to rock any boats and seem pushy.

Thanks as usual everyone.

Kerri

[Sumanadevii]

I think if the MRI shows something, you will hear from the neuro way before your appointment.  When he calls I would ask if he can't see me before that date to prescribe something for the symptoms.  I am sure he would be happy to do so.

Just my take.

[twopack]

I know neuro time moves slow but life zips by far too quickly for me to feel comfortable with test results sitting idle in a folder for over a month.  Six weeks between visits when you could be starting treatment seems like wasted opportunity.  But I admit patience isn't my personal strong suit.  

Kerri, the very least thing you seem is pushy.  If you don't mind waiting there isn't a thing wrong with that.  I'd still ask to be placed on that doctor's cancellation list though.  People cancel all the time.

Mary

[kerrtelli]

Hello,
This was actually the MS Specialist.  I saw him last week and he said its PROBQBLY ms.  He set up this MRI and i will see him july 11.

I think i am going to call and ask if the MRI he just had done was enough for a diagnosis.  When he told me probably he said if it looks like a duck......it's a duck.  It ooh that as a "you have ms.". He said that therapy and meeds would get me better.  

Maybe he can prescribe something for me to start if he feels comfortable with that.
After reading HVAC's answer, i tend to gree.  I think he's just super busy.  I don't want to see anyone else.   D trust him.  He actuqll has MS himself.

Thanks for the info.  The purple haired nurse was a little bit of a head case for me.
In this case, I'll stick without he neuro.

HVAC

I agree that it is time constraints with the doctor.  I think getting to see him in july probably pretty quick.  I am only rushing because my husband is upset that i have to wait another three weeks after waiting eight weeks to see him the first time.  

I have to admit that it was well worth the wait.  He made me feel completely comfortable and validated all of my symptoms by explaining them.  In lay terms, i didn
T feel like i was totally nuts.

Once again thanks everyone.  I appreciate your words of wisdom and experience.
Kerri

[twopack]

I don't have an answer for you Kerri but I wanted to let you know that I wondered this same thing when I read your report of that first visit.  (I think it was one of the posts I read but never got back to answer.  Sorry.)

I'd be tempted to call the office and get some input about how flexible appointment scheduling is.  Wasn't this the one with the purple haired nurse?  I think she gave you good info in the past.

Let her know if your symptoms are increasing again and how eager you are to get started on fighting the thing that has a grip on you.  You might even point out that you want to optimize the limited time off from work you have during the summer (you teach, right?).  If you end up setting up a DMD protocol it would be nice to get it in place sooner rather than later.

If nothing else, you may be able to get placed on their cancellation list.  Sounds like the husband may be a good guy to take along when you go.  Good luck!

Mary

[HVAC]

Kerri,
  I know this is unbelievable but July 11th is not a long time in Neurology time. My MS Specialist has thousands of patients it is just mathematics in many cases, how many he can see in a day. My new one schedules MRIs months ahead and you get the MRI early in the day and then see him.  With other Neurologist I have waited months for test results. Now that I am diagnosed I sometimes do not see my Neurologist for a year or more he is so busy. I thought this is serious why aren't they doing something quickly?

I got faster service when they though I had something that would kill me. Then when they ruled out the three fatal things. I went into the slow lane.

  It is unfortunate but many of us do not get diagnosed quickly all my MRIs were abnormal and I was told I would be diagnosed with MS, it had to be MS, it could not be anything but MS. That went on for two years.

  No test rules MS in or out. Neurologists like to look at us with months elapsed to measure changes.  I felt better once I knew I was not just being dismissed.

Hopefully you will get an answer soon. Of course I take the prize. I saw a team of Neurologists in 1965, kept seeing Neurologist. and was diagnosed in 2009.

Call and ask if they will call if they have a last minute cancellation. Keep your appointment. Sometimes you luck out.

Good luck.

Alex