Lesions disappearing

[Cammyj2014]

I feel so lost, and so tired of living in severe pain on a daily basis.  I am struggling to get through college because my memory has been impaired.  I have had in the last 2 years almost 10 MRI's, at the same location so I am assuming the same technique was used each time.  The MRI's were with and w/out contrast.  My first MRI showed a lesion in the C 1 and 2 region, the following year, another lesion was detected at the C 4 and 5 level I believe.  My latest MRI showed NO lesions, therefore, I can't get anything other pain management.  I am tired of being tired. I currently take: Tramadol 100mg every 4 hours, Tizanidine 12 mg daily, Amitriptyline 40mg daily, Meloxicam 15mg daily, Zertec, and Prilosec.  Now my Neurologist is adding Cymbalta to that pile of medication, and some kind of injections into the muscles.  

My Neurologist says that with the lesions disappearing, it can not be MS.  I have read otherwise.  She says she will treat me for fibromyalgia.  

I need help!!  

[HVAC]

Yes especially at the beginning of MS lesions can disappear. That is one way they knew I had MS I do not believe but I could be wrong lesions disappear for other diseases.

Alex

[Cammyj2014]

Thank you all very much for taking the time to help me out.  To date:  I have no brain lesions detected.  Only the lesion in 2012 that disappeared in 2014, so was detectable for 2 years.  Then the 2nd lesion was noted at the end of 2013 and also disappeared in 2014.  LP she said was fine in 2012, but she said it could have been normal due to it being in the early stages.  I was suppose to be put on some type of MS medication and possibly a steroid on my last visit, and evaluate the other medication I am currently on, but she said the lesions were gone so she no longer thinks it is MS.  I have numbness in the left arm, intermittent blurred vision, my memory loss came prior to being put on any of the current medications, ( I was in my 3rd year of college with a 4.0 GPA, suddenly I began to struggle with memory), I have an abnormal gait, muscle weakness.  My pain, the best way I can describe it, is they ache/sore to the touch like the flu, and there are days that pain is sharp and radiating.  I have spastic muscles 24/7.  I will look up transverse myelitis!  

[supermum_ms]

Hi and welcome to our little MS community,

My first thought, is that you really need a second opinion, preferably with a neuro who specialises in MS, to find out if you do have MS or not.....

You don't actually mention having brain lesions, and when there are only spinal cord lesions and they are of a large size, it is 'possible' the lesions are not MS but due to similar and associated condition called Transverse Myelitis. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/transversemyelitis/detail_transversemyelitis.htm  

MS absolutely can cause demyelinating brain lesions to shrink, to fully or partially heal due to remyelination (sp) and they can seemingly disappear when they are no longer seen on subsequent MRI's, though some haven't actually disappeared but they've become black holes.

MS spinal cord lesions are suppose to be more static, the 'least likely' to disappear, so having multiple or all your spinal cord lesions disappear completely and within a very short time frame (months since last seen) imho it really needs to be questioned, because something just isn't adding up.

To be honest, the things i would be checking up on is (a) if the latest MRI was done with MS protocol or not (b) if the latest MRI was done on a lower strength MRI eg 1.5 T than your previous ones (c) if there was any prior MRI evidence of these cord lesions actually shrinking over time.

I think you might really benefit from being assessed by a pain clinic or pain specialist, because your taking a lot of meds and whilst not relieving your pain, these medications could 'potentially' be causing you a lot more fatigue and cognitive issues than you other wise would, a pain clinic might be better at getting you the right medications that work for you!  

Hugs..........JJ

[Joiedecour]

My understanding is that lesions can heal to the extent that they become less visible or visible in a different way -
Ie black holes showing as dark areas on T 1 scans. But that appearing and disappearing lesions point to MS. I also think that spinal lesions are pretty much indicative of MS in combination with brain lesions. I was told not much else produces spinal lesions. I have one 'resolving/resolved' lesion which is less visible than before as well as others still present, and I am still considered possible ms. Hope that helps some and I hope others will add comments since they probably know more than me.

[calamfred]

I'm sure one of the well versed people here on the forum will be along to offer some insight soon. Lots of great people here.
It's my hubby who has MS, and I'm the one who posts.

I know from what I've read here and elsewhere, if you can get into an MS Specialist, that's usually a huge help.
Do you have other symptoms besides extreme fatigue, pain, and memory issues? Have you had any other tests besides all the MRIs? Like nerve conduction tests, lumbar puncture, etc...

I can't say if MRIs are done the exact same way each time. I know sometimes it's a different Radiologist who interprets them...

Also some of the meds you're on have fatigue and cognitive side effects. Which is a catch-22...

Hope you get some answers and relief soon
Regards,
C