Just returned from Neuro appt.

Well, everything is still inconclusive, due to the fact only 1 of my MRI was on the CD for the doc to see it. Even though the MRI results were typed up from the facility, she likes to read the MRI's herself, and have the MS centers Neuroradiologist look too. So, she called the facility where the MRI was done, and they are going to mail it tomorrow. It will probably take a couple of weeks for her to call back and tell me the results.

She did give me a script for Baclofen for the horrible cramps in my leg and foot. She feels that will help immensely.
She thinks I have 2 different issues going on at the moment. 1) with all my disc degeneration, spine narrowing, she wants to see if there is a cord compression from a bulging disc in my neck. She feels lots of my symptoms, numb, tingling, and most of all my foot drop is from a disc problem If that is the case, she will refer me to a neurosurgeon, who only operates if necessary, to check me out. She feels I probably will need to have something done, to prevent things from worsening. I am very "complicated", due to the fact I am on Coumadin, and don't have a good history of surgery. 2 years ago, I had 2 major blood clots after surgery, hence the Coumadin.

2) If she sees a lesion on my spine, she will diagnosis me with MS, due to the optic neuritis. If she doesn't see a lesion she will label me "at risk" for MS and see me once a year.

So, that is it for now. I do like her, and I like her thoroughness. Interesting point, she said the Neuroradiologist thinks there is a link between bulging discs and MS, and thinks there should be a study regarding that finding. I asked her if most women my age, 41, had a spine MRI, would the findings be similar to mine. She said NO, and preceded to tell me about the correlation they r seeing with MS and Budging discs. Interesting, huh? He told her almost all of her patients have bulging discs, and she and the whole facility specialized in MS.

Thanks again,
Michelle

[doni54]

Hi Michelle,

Sorry you still don't have a dx, but it sounds like you have a really good dr.  That is such a positive thing.

Maybe you won't have to have surgery, I hope that for you anyway.

Yes, the bulging disc thing is very interesting, I've never heard that before.  I'm curious as to what Quix will think about that.

Take care and let us know when you hear back from your neuro.

Have a great Thanksgiving!!
doni

[Fluffysmom]

I'm so glad that you have a neurologist that is truly interested in helping you!  It sounds like a good appointment, even though not all the results were in.  I'm sure that she will know a great neurosurgeon to refer you to, if needed.  

I'm also interested int he neuroradiologist; I have a bunch of bulging discs, and I'm 46. I wonder if it's just his opinion from all the MRIs they've seen, or if there is some more research behind his opinion.  Verrrrrrrrry intersting.

You take it easy and do something that makes you feel good, OK?

Kathy

[michelleric]

Thanks for your kind words. I think the opinion of the neuro-radiologist is just from seeing many MRI's of MS patients. He thinks there may be a correlation.
Have a wonderful thanksgiving,
Michelle

[biowham]

I was wondering about that exact question when I saw your t-spine results because MY t-spine has two disc herniations and above the upper one, there is a "myelopathy." I've wondered if there is any interaction between my allegedly "rare" t-spine herniations AND the arachnoid cyst I have under that myelopathy. I'm 41. I don't have any impingements on my spine or nerves anywhere else.

I'm glad your neuro is thorough, and she sounds sensible. Good luck.

Bio

[michelleric]

Glad to hear from you bio! Life is full of all sorts of things, good and bad. I wish you a happy thanksgiving!
Michelle

[sllowe]

Hey Michelle,

Sounds like this Dr was very thorough, and also told you what she was going to do if she saw a lesion my gosh, this is great news.  I'd be very interested in hearing the neuroradiologist's and Dr.s bulging disc theory or study.

When do you go back?

ttys,
Shell