Help for understanding

[slethomp]

Hi, I am a 27 year old female who has been diagnosed with MS by my general doctor and the neurologist said that she was almost positive that it was MS, but it just doesn't make sense.  All I originally wanted was muscle relaxers for my neck.  How could I have gotten it?  I wish they knew more.  I know that it is likely I mean I have lesions on my brain and my spine that have been attacking my myelin, and my spinal lumbar test says that I have a high IgG index and they have found OC bands in my blood.  But my WBC count is normal and so all my proteins tested were normal.  That is a good thing right?  But could it be something else?  I have done internet research and that is probably one of the dumbest things I could have done.  I looked at all the symptoms of diseases that are related to MS or supposedly related to MS and the "do you have trouble sleeping symptom" came up and all I can think is I do now because I am freaking scared.  My doctor has put me on prednisone and I can't tell if it is helping.  I know I feel crazy, and my mouth is dry and I keep coughing and my legs get tired, but I am less irritable and the muscles in my back do not hurt as badly.  I am just looking for somebody to help me understand a little bit better.

[Amyloo]

Hi,  I am glad you have posted.  Try your best to stay calm and factual (I know it is hard; it took me a while to get a grip).  Stay on this forum.  Stick with your doctors; they seem to be on target with helping you.  MS (if that is what it is) is not a "wheelchair" disease and is different for everyone.  Tons function every day.  God bless you, Amy

[essdipity]

Welcome to the forum. We'll do our best for you! I strongly suggest you read the MS Health Pages by clicking in the far right column. There's lots of info there that should answer many of your questions.

It takes a while to diagnose MS, given that there are so many mimics. If you haven't had all the rule-out tests, you should, as soon as possible. MRIs are important, of course, but the contrast part is for showing new lesions, and so is most useful to compare with old MRIs. If you have lesions at all then they have to be explained. Evoled Potentials are also very helpful tests that should be scheduled for you.

If there is lingering doubt that you have MS then make sure your neuro is an MS specialist. Many people here will tell you there's a big difference. And if you do have MS, prednisone is all well and good on a short term basis, but that's about it. You need to be started on an MS disease modifying drug.

So read up here and feel free to ask questions. It's a lot to take in all at once.

ess

[santana8]

Hi, and welcome! First let me start by saying that I am not dx yet. I have been stuck between two dx's for two years. ADEM and MS. I have had five MRI's , the first one showed about 10 lesions in the white matter/ Myelin. The four repeat ones done every six months showed no change in these lesioon, no enhancement, and no new lesions. My LP one year ago showed no O banding and was negative. All blood work so far has been normal. My VEP( visual evoked potenial showed slowing).

There are some mimics with MS, and those should be ruled out by your neurologist. Has he told you that he has ruled out thing like Lupus, Lyme, Adem, ect? He may have checked these things in the spinal tap(LP). They don't know what causes MS, but is not something you can catch from someone else. It is sometimes a long road to the correct DX and all you can do is to try to stay on top of your Neurologist to make sure they are doing all they can to give the correct DX.

I will say that the lesions on both brain MRI and spine sounds like MS, but I am not experienced enough to give this information. There are a lot of people here who are dx with MS and a  lot who have had it for years. And then there are people like me who are still undxed and what we call it here in limbo land. Some of the more experienced members will come along soon to try to help you understand what is happening.

It is normal to be scared and freaked out. It is a shock when you are not expecting to hear about a possible MS dx, I know how this feels and so does everyone here. All I can say is try to calm yourself as much as possible and the people here will help you to understand this. Hang in there!

Santana

[marez]

Hi,
I am undxed as of today and just learning myself. Now first don't freak out I know easier said then done if it is Ms it really is not the end of the world as many here will tell you. There are lots of things that mimic MS, and well you are waiting for some one with more information here, please go to the top of this page right hand and click health pages. lots of information LOTS to keep you busy.

If you have the energy write back with a little of your history, symtoms etc.. and the others will be here soon to help you.

Sending you big hugs just hang in here with us, many are tired tonight but you will get lots of help here so don't give up!!!
Mary