Finally Diagnosed!

I am currently in the hospital.  I had a full spine and brain MRI yesterday with and without contrast on a 3T MRI.
Neurologist came in this morning and said spine was clear but based on my history, clinical presentation and brain MRI, he is pretty sure it is ms.  I am starting solumedrol today in the hospital and he is starting the paperwork to get me on copaxone.  He said it cost 44,000 dollars a year so I am hoping my insurance will cover it.

Nonetheless, I have a neurologist I trust and believed and listened to me.

He was also a little impressed with my knowledge of ms related things.

So...that's the story.  Last week I was losing hope and today I am diagnosed.

Limbolanders...., don't give up!

I almost did but thanks to everyone here on the forum, I stuck it out.

Kerri

[HubbyHugs]

Thank you Kerri, my husband is in Limboland at the moment, I've just joined to share his story. I'm glad you're finally diagnosed, it keeps others like us going a little.

[rondoo]

How did you get the doctor to admit you for tests??  I have come very close to going to ER and trying to get admitted when my symptoms are at there worst.  So glad you finally have answers.

[Sidesteps]

(((Kerri)))

I bet this is a HUGE relief for you...on many levels. I am SO very happy for you, except you are sick and need to get better girl. I want to start seeing you post again (since you know you aren't imagining things now. *wink* Silly arrogant docotrs.

I received some confirmation today myself. (It's on another thread.)

Hang in there and FEEL better soon. (hugs)

[Lulu54]

Welcome up over the mountain to the other side.  I know that climb felt like Mt Everest to you...  take it slow and digest this and then we can talk through more of your questions.

hugs,
L

[Deb61]

Happy to hear that you have answers.  I'm sure, though, your brain is twirling with lots of thoughts now that you know what it is.  It is a huge relief to know that you will get treatment to help stop the progression of something you knew was not good; however, I bet you have another side of you that is now facing the reality of knowing what you're up against.

It is a fight, but now you have hope and weapons to fight what now is in the light.  Someone cannot fight something without knowing what the enemy is and not having the weapons to do it with.  

Deb

[RedFlame]

As scary as it is to have MS----I'm happy for you that this part of your journey is over.  I think being in limboland is actually more difficult.  It's the not knowing and feeling 'heard' that was painful for me.

So, welcome to your fellow MS friends.  And yes, for those not yet diagnosed, take heart, you will find out someday what is wrong.  Don't give up.

Hugs,   Red

[drsdonthelp]

Kerri,

I am so glad you have an answer. It may not be an answer anyone really wants to hear, but now you can treat it properly and have your focus on getting your life back and not trying to be heard my these darn drs. YOU HAVE BEEN HEARD!!!!

Hugs, Pam

[kerrtelli]

Thanks everyone.

I had my first dose of solumedrol tonight and three attmepts made at LP.
On the third try they brought me to radiology.

I am hoping to go home tomorrow but the doctor ordered three to five days on the steroid.  Maybe they'll let me go home and come back for the infusion.

[Jifr]

Hiya.

I bet it's a relief to be able to say you have an answer!  :-)

Something to keep in mind - I don't know if anyone has mentioned it yet - but all of the drug companies have some kind of "co-pay assistance" type programs.  

Usually you have to apply and be approved for it.   It's really kinda odd the way that they work.  I got assistance for my Betaseron and only had to pay a  VERY minor amount for it.  I got the same thing with my 2 Tysabri infusions and I've been "'approved" for whatever program Gilenya offers.  (I haven't had to use it yet because I'm at my out of pocket maximum for the year).

So - make sure you check out the assistance programs.  They might come in handy!

Welcome to MS.  I hope you're able to get it and keep it under control!

Jen

[HVAC]

Glad you finally have a diagnosis!

Alex

[ku111]

I am so happy for you that now you know.  It's hard in "limboland".  I hope the medication helps and wish you the very best!

[sllowe]

Hi Ker,

Way to stick it out. I hope the steroids simmer things a bit for you. Glad your docs are confident and not afraid to make a dx.
Welcome to the next phase of this :) not an easy road, but relief in knowing what and how to battle it.
-shell

[michelleric]

So sorry for you DX of MS, but I know there is some relief in "knowing" what it is, and that you are finally validated of all your symptoms.  I wish you a speedy recovery and hope the steroids work there "magic!"

Michelle

[kelly97]

I'm not glad that you have MS, but I am glad that you finally have a diagnosis. Thanks to a "neurologist I trust and believed and listened to me."  Is that crazy how that works?  ;-)

Good luck with the Solumedrol.

Take care,
Kelly  

[kerrtelli]

Thanks everyone.  I spoke to the neuro this morning.
I asked him if he was actually "DIAGNOSING" me with MS and he said yes.

He said he is 95% sure it is ms and that is enough for me and enou for hi. To take me on and see me through the euro clinic which is fantastic.

I am hoping my life will get back on track now.
There is a sadness underneath about having this diagnosis but the neuro said he thinks I will do well with treatment and I believe him.

Thanks everyone.  To everyone still in limbo..Last week I posted that I had lost all hope and a week later I am getting the help I need.
Keep the faith.  Your time will come.  Keep pushing.

With love to all,
Kerri