Latest findings

[MCBCON]

Well, I went to see my neurologist today.

Mainly we discussed my latest MRI.  I sounds good.  according to the the report the lesions in the brain are similar as before and even less prominent.

But, the parts I question are the results in the cervical spinal cord.  I it says: similar foci of increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images are present within the cervical spinal cord.  These are extensively distributed, but appear most prominent on the left in the C1 to C3 region.  There is more but too much to type.

My doctors says their ia no reason to make a change in the course of drug treatment.  But, he has given me a script to have some physical therapy to work on fine motor skills.  Also, he has ordered a bunch of blood work looking for any deficiencies that might trigger any symptoms/exacerbations.  He is checking all my levels but is most concerned with vitamin D, folic acid, and vitamin B6 & B12.

That all sounds good.  But, I am concerned about my cervical spinal cord.  He said he would expect there to be more lesions there considering how long I have had MS.  He seemed to think the lesions in the brain are more important and that the decrease there was really good news.

The other thing he also said is that there is really no benefit to getting a T3 vs. the T1.5 strength MRI.


I want a gold star for typing all this.


My doctors say their should be no change in the course of drug treatment.  But, he has given me a script to have some phyical therapy to work on fine motor skills.  Also, he has order a bunch of blood work looking for any difficiencies that migh trigger any symptoms/exacebations.  He most concerned with vitamin D,  folic acid, and vitamin B6 & B12.

That all sounds good.  But, I am concerned about my cervical spinal cord.  He said he would expect there to be more lesions there considering how long I have had MS.  He seemed to think the leisons in the brain are more important and that the decrease there was really good news.

The other thing he also said is that there is really no benefit to getting a T3 vs. the T1.5 strength MRI.

[Heather3418]

There IS a big difference in 1.5T and 3T.  It may pick up lesions that are not seen on 1.5T.

Your doctor said your brain lesions looked smaller and that was good.  It is.  But also your spinal lesions ARE very important, which he did NOT say.  So Michale, when did you say you were going to be finding a NEW Neurologist?

These spinal lesions are VERY important.  They can make a huge difference in whether you walk unaided or are in a wheelchair or walk with a cane.

I would not be too happy about this appointment if it were me.  Of course, you have to make your own decisions.  But this lady would be worried about the spine and what was found.  That is pretty far up in the spinal space and affects everything below that level.  Hello doctor, are you listening?

Heather  

[MCBCON]

Thank you for responding.

I guess this leads me to a few questions.

At this time do drugs other than copaxone treat leisons on the cervical spinal cord and is there any indication that changing to an iterferon or to Tsyabri will make any difference for leisons on the cervical spinal cord?  I do not react well to interferons.

Who on this forum is he best person to talk with about this?

Also, I am paraphrasing my doctor as best as I can.  But, he did say that he would expect to see an increase in the spinal cord leisions for someone who has had MS as long as me.  Still, I am concerned because he said there was nothing new on my pevious MRI.

I noticed in other posts about durg studies.  Do you know if some of these drugs are showing signs worth talking with a research doctor about being part of a study?

[spastic]

You definately get a Platinum star in my book!  I agree with Heather with the cervial spine lesions, get a second opinion about that. She is so right about it being a more disabling factor. I know you have been having exacerbations and I am definately worried about you.  

I am not knowledgeable enough about this monster, but am doing tons of research. I will try to look into the medical studies and see if I can find out anything for you.

I like being crazy with my friends :)

Big Hugs to Ya,

Ada

[Deb61]

I found something on the web that may help (see below).  It seems to make sense.  My sister, who was diagnosed within a year and a half of me has some spinal cord lesions and her disability is significantly greater.  If it was me, I'd be seeking another opinion about the course of your future treatment.

BTW, my sister's first infusion with Tysabri is next week.  Previously, she took Rebif (2007- present).

Take care,
Deb

See the link below:

http://www2.healthtalk.com/go/multiple-sclerosis/ask-the-doctor/content/is-multiple-sclerosis-worse-in-the-spinal-cord-or-brain

[MCBCON]

Well, I think I need to figure out what is the right thing to do right about these lesions on my cervical spinal cord.  Firstly, are the lesions something that has happened in the last few months to a year?  Next how do react to my neurologist about this.

Do I go on a stronger drug treatment?  I have a couple questions about this that will have an impact on my decision.  If the lesions are recent then going on something stronger seems like a course I need to take.  I react badly to interferon’s; does this matter that much.  Well, they cause me to start planning suicide.  Then there is Tysabri.

My neurologist told me two years ago that my MRI was almost identical to the one I had four years ago.  If that is true then the lesions are relatively new.  Also, this leads me to question his lax demeanor about my most recent MRI and these lesions on my cervical spinal cord.  If these lesions did show up on my previous MRI then he was wrong about my MRI two years ago being almost identical to the one four years ago.  If that were true I might feel a little better that nothing is going on now that is new.  But hey, then he gave incorrect info before and **** things have been going on for a long time.

I read more on lesions on the spinal cord, due to prompting from others on the forum and my own blaring red flags.  The information is not good about such lesions.  I cannot take this information too lightly.  I need to find something I can do.  But, what should I do.  I guess I need to find out which drug plan is best for me.