Aa
My Second Opinion Neuro. Appt. today-
Well, today was the day I have been anticipating for months!!...I went to get a second opinion today to see if I possibly have multiple sclerosis...Based on my brain MRI the neurologist does NOT think I have MS at this point in time...he let me talk for about 45 minutes and I was blown away, he seems to finally be the one who will help me, or at least try to. A nurse advocate accompanied me, and she's been a true blessing.
But with that being said, he was concerned about my balance, I have no position sense in the absence of visual input (closing my eyes and I fall down, even when my feet are close together-Romberg's sign), which is common of a classic dorsal column (Spinal cord) lesion (possibly). When I'm in a room with no light, I can hardly make my way through the room and I start staggering and walking like a 'drunk.'
During his physical neuro. assessment, the left side of my body is definitely abnormal as I have problems with fine touch discrimination, position, and vibratory sensation. When he asked me to sit down and close my eyes, and to take my finger and touch his finger, then back to my nose repeating this faster and faster each time, I could NOT touch his finger, nor put my finger back to my nose with my left hand. I was way off each time. Left side of my body reflexes were somewhat brisk, definitely different than the right, but he didn't think they were very hyper-reflexive.
He could tell that the left side of my body was acting different than the right, which would make sense as well because I have the lesions on the right side of my brain, just not typical MS lesions and I fall to the left side during the Romberg's test.
Monday I am getting a cervical MRI to see if there are lesions on my spinal cord or any nerve compression, which would indicate MAJOR balance problems then...if that's clear, he thinks I have permanent nerve damage from my chronically low and untreated vitamin b12 deficiency which was found in October 2008. Although my levels has been back to 'normal' since March. Low levels can cause problems, creating irreversible damage to the central nervous system. We discussed this in detail. My doctors never discovered why I was so deficient in the first place because I am not a vegetarian, and you get B12 from animal-derived products. But, I do have chronic irritable bowel syndrome and that could have contributed to malabsorption of the vitamin in my intestines. Also, I am very very sensitive to alcohol, and B12 deficient people are very sensitive-which explains why even a few sips of alcohol send me into a full blown balance attack! I have done a LOT of research on B12 and the problems it causes. It may be true that I was deficient for a very long time before it was found, and that created the damage. I may just have to live with this and keep pressing onward and staying positive.
I'll be anxious to see what the MRI shows, but he doesn't think it will show any lesions, BUT I did ask him, "Can people have multiple sclerosis with cervical lesions and not the 'typical' MS brain lesions." He said YES, but its not common, but he sees a few in his practice like this. If I have the lesions on the spine, then I will be getting a lumbar puncture (spinal tap).
If it's not MS, he says this will have to be something I live with for life, since the damage is irreversible, but I am meeting with him again once I get the MRI reports and we will go from there to discuss any further treatments (if any). He wants to continue to monitor me for potential MS, and if any new symptoms occur, he wants me to continue having the MRIs done. He encouraged me to get a cane, which I think is appropriate at the times of my balance problems and to be safe, in preventing any further falls, especially going through nursing school.
Will keep you posted, but I feel a lot better emotionally knowing I have a neurologist who did NOT dismiss my symptoms! Upward and onward...I hope...
Blessings,
A
But with that being said, he was concerned about my balance, I have no position sense in the absence of visual input (closing my eyes and I fall down, even when my feet are close together-Romberg's sign), which is common of a classic dorsal column (Spinal cord) lesion (possibly). When I'm in a room with no light, I can hardly make my way through the room and I start staggering and walking like a 'drunk.'
During his physical neuro. assessment, the left side of my body is definitely abnormal as I have problems with fine touch discrimination, position, and vibratory sensation. When he asked me to sit down and close my eyes, and to take my finger and touch his finger, then back to my nose repeating this faster and faster each time, I could NOT touch his finger, nor put my finger back to my nose with my left hand. I was way off each time. Left side of my body reflexes were somewhat brisk, definitely different than the right, but he didn't think they were very hyper-reflexive.
He could tell that the left side of my body was acting different than the right, which would make sense as well because I have the lesions on the right side of my brain, just not typical MS lesions and I fall to the left side during the Romberg's test.
Monday I am getting a cervical MRI to see if there are lesions on my spinal cord or any nerve compression, which would indicate MAJOR balance problems then...if that's clear, he thinks I have permanent nerve damage from my chronically low and untreated vitamin b12 deficiency which was found in October 2008. Although my levels has been back to 'normal' since March. Low levels can cause problems, creating irreversible damage to the central nervous system. We discussed this in detail. My doctors never discovered why I was so deficient in the first place because I am not a vegetarian, and you get B12 from animal-derived products. But, I do have chronic irritable bowel syndrome and that could have contributed to malabsorption of the vitamin in my intestines. Also, I am very very sensitive to alcohol, and B12 deficient people are very sensitive-which explains why even a few sips of alcohol send me into a full blown balance attack! I have done a LOT of research on B12 and the problems it causes. It may be true that I was deficient for a very long time before it was found, and that created the damage. I may just have to live with this and keep pressing onward and staying positive.
I'll be anxious to see what the MRI shows, but he doesn't think it will show any lesions, BUT I did ask him, "Can people have multiple sclerosis with cervical lesions and not the 'typical' MS brain lesions." He said YES, but its not common, but he sees a few in his practice like this. If I have the lesions on the spine, then I will be getting a lumbar puncture (spinal tap).
If it's not MS, he says this will have to be something I live with for life, since the damage is irreversible, but I am meeting with him again once I get the MRI reports and we will go from there to discuss any further treatments (if any). He wants to continue to monitor me for potential MS, and if any new symptoms occur, he wants me to continue having the MRIs done. He encouraged me to get a cane, which I think is appropriate at the times of my balance problems and to be safe, in preventing any further falls, especially going through nursing school.
Will keep you posted, but I feel a lot better emotionally knowing I have a neurologist who did NOT dismiss my symptoms! Upward and onward...I hope...
Blessings,
A
Thank you SO much for your opinion Quix, I most certainly appreciate it!! I meet with the neuro. again on July 28, and I am going to ask him for both a thoracic and an LP. I have not even received the results from my cervical MRI yet...it's taking forever, but he told me he would be out of town and wanted to personally call me with results, so it could be a while.
Hi, I'm finally in to weigh in on this.
First, I'm not an expert on B12 deficiency. I do know that low levels (and yours were NOT that low) can cause irreversible damage throughout the CNS. So, if the B12 thing was at fault here, it is a plausible explanation. However, it appears that this neuro is being a little quick off the draw to make the conclusions he has. Think about it. The "normal" lower level is 208 and your level was 202. Is he really trying to tell us that one would be okay at 208 and then horribly and permanently disabled as that level fell 6 points more?? That is patently ridiculous.
The number of people who have spinal lesions only is not "rare." Just because he only has seen it once or twice - he should consult the literature. It is somewhat less than 20% or so. And you DO have brain lesions. It's just that they are small and at that size (less than 3mm) usually don't count officially. They still have to be held in mind as one considers all of the data.
I would ask him to include the thoracic region in the MRI as recommended. You can always use the "I have a friend who is a physician with MS..." line and see where it gets you.
"Muddy the waters????!" Well, yes, he sounds like someone who has made up his mind and doesn't want HIS waters muddied. Too bad. He needs to do a little more thinking. I would recommend that you still ask for an LP.
You seem to have this doc's attention and he seems considerate, but I'm not sure at all that he is being as thorough as is needed for someone your age and with your level of disability. Try to get as much as you can out of him (MRIs, LP), but you may have to look further to get the full picture drawn out.
I hope all this didn't come too late.
Quix
First, I'm not an expert on B12 deficiency. I do know that low levels (and yours were NOT that low) can cause irreversible damage throughout the CNS. So, if the B12 thing was at fault here, it is a plausible explanation. However, it appears that this neuro is being a little quick off the draw to make the conclusions he has. Think about it. The "normal" lower level is 208 and your level was 202. Is he really trying to tell us that one would be okay at 208 and then horribly and permanently disabled as that level fell 6 points more?? That is patently ridiculous.
The number of people who have spinal lesions only is not "rare." Just because he only has seen it once or twice - he should consult the literature. It is somewhat less than 20% or so. And you DO have brain lesions. It's just that they are small and at that size (less than 3mm) usually don't count officially. They still have to be held in mind as one considers all of the data.
I would ask him to include the thoracic region in the MRI as recommended. You can always use the "I have a friend who is a physician with MS..." line and see where it gets you.
"Muddy the waters????!" Well, yes, he sounds like someone who has made up his mind and doesn't want HIS waters muddied. Too bad. He needs to do a little more thinking. I would recommend that you still ask for an LP.
You seem to have this doc's attention and he seems considerate, but I'm not sure at all that he is being as thorough as is needed for someone your age and with your level of disability. Try to get as much as you can out of him (MRIs, LP), but you may have to look further to get the full picture drawn out.
I hope all this didn't come too late.
Quix
So I have been reading on the effects and damage that B12 deficiency can cause, ever since the neurologist mentioned that I may have damage from it, and I came across this:
Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord is caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency. Subacute combined degeneration primarily affects the spinal cord, but it can also damage the brain, the nerves of the eye, and the peripheral (body) nerves. At first, the disease damages the covering of the nerves (the myelin sheath), which speeds nerve signaling. It later affects the entire nerve cell.
How a lack of vitamin B12 damages nerves is unclear. However, experts believe the lack of this vitamin causes abnormal fatty acids to form around cells and nerves.
You have a higher risk for this condition if you cannot absorb vitamin B12 from the intestines or if you have:
* Pernicious anemia
* Disorders of the small intestine, including Crohn's disease
* Malabsorptive conditions, which can occur after gastrointestinal surgery
Symptoms include:
* Abnormal sensations (tingling and numbness)
* Weakness of the legs, arms, middle of the body, or other areas
These symptoms slowly get worse and are usually felt on both sides of the body.
Other symptoms include:
* Clumsiness, stiff, or awkward movements
* Unsteady gait
* Change in mental state such as irribility, apathy, confusion, ordementia
* Decreased vision
* Depression
* Sleepiness
* Speech impairment (possible)
I had/have many of these symptoms, so would this show up on the MRI?? I think it 'could' especially on a CERVICAL MRI since the Dorsal column of the spinal cord is what is effected with B12 damage...I get my MRI tomorrow, so I'll let you all know what happens!
Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord is caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency. Subacute combined degeneration primarily affects the spinal cord, but it can also damage the brain, the nerves of the eye, and the peripheral (body) nerves. At first, the disease damages the covering of the nerves (the myelin sheath), which speeds nerve signaling. It later affects the entire nerve cell.
How a lack of vitamin B12 damages nerves is unclear. However, experts believe the lack of this vitamin causes abnormal fatty acids to form around cells and nerves.
You have a higher risk for this condition if you cannot absorb vitamin B12 from the intestines or if you have:
* Pernicious anemia
* Disorders of the small intestine, including Crohn's disease
* Malabsorptive conditions, which can occur after gastrointestinal surgery
Symptoms include:
* Abnormal sensations (tingling and numbness)
* Weakness of the legs, arms, middle of the body, or other areas
These symptoms slowly get worse and are usually felt on both sides of the body.
Other symptoms include:
* Clumsiness, stiff, or awkward movements
* Unsteady gait
* Change in mental state such as irribility, apathy, confusion, ordementia
* Decreased vision
* Depression
* Sleepiness
* Speech impairment (possible)
I had/have many of these symptoms, so would this show up on the MRI?? I think it 'could' especially on a CERVICAL MRI since the Dorsal column of the spinal cord is what is effected with B12 damage...I get my MRI tomorrow, so I'll let you all know what happens!
Thanks for the advice, and I am considering the T MRI as well as the C one that I am getting done on Monday. I am just overwhelmed right now with everything...all of my medical issues, preparing for my nursing semester in the fall, scholarships, work, personal issues, etc. I feel like I can only do so much at once, and I just wish this was easier. I'm having a frustrating day/night trying to understand everything I've been told. I have a question....with all the symptoms I have indicative of MS, do any of you ever get numbness/tingling even when you cross your legs even for a few minutes? This happens without crossing my legs, too, but is more profound when I cross my left leg over my right...plus I have lots of muscle twitches, too...my mind is absorbing things left and right, and I just need to slow down and take a breather...
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Muddy the waters!? I would think that more tests would help clear things up, and that is what the desired outcome is, to have a clear understanding of what is causing your symptoms.
I'm heading for my 4th neuro. Sometimes even the nice ones look for the easiest answers, or make a decision in the first few minutes.
I think that it's a very good idea to have a list of issues and questions to discuss with him at your follow-up appt. I'm sure your Mom would be happy if MS was off the table, but sometimes continuing to fight (or assert one's right's to the best care available) is the only way to get to the real answers.
It would be best to have the C and T spine MRIs before deciding that you don't have any lesions that count.
Take care,
Kathy
I'm heading for my 4th neuro. Sometimes even the nice ones look for the easiest answers, or make a decision in the first few minutes.
I think that it's a very good idea to have a list of issues and questions to discuss with him at your follow-up appt. I'm sure your Mom would be happy if MS was off the table, but sometimes continuing to fight (or assert one's right's to the best care available) is the only way to get to the real answers.
It would be best to have the C and T spine MRIs before deciding that you don't have any lesions that count.
Take care,
Kathy
Cheeser, the next time someone says you are looking for a MS dx just tell no you are looking for a dx.
A,
Geez, louise, your only asking for MRI's. Everyone here is right. If that is STANDARD diagnositcs for MS than I dont think it is too much to insist on having the thoracic as well as the cervical MRI. Whats the big deal? Its not like your asking for some obsure test. I would fax him a note requesting this as well if you cannot speak to him. If you put something in writing it will have to be addressed. You can state your thoughts on this and fax to him. You may be suprised, he may just say "ok fine, we can do that too".
m.
Geez, louise, your only asking for MRI's. Everyone here is right. If that is STANDARD diagnositcs for MS than I dont think it is too much to insist on having the thoracic as well as the cervical MRI. Whats the big deal? Its not like your asking for some obsure test. I would fax him a note requesting this as well if you cannot speak to him. If you put something in writing it will have to be addressed. You can state your thoughts on this and fax to him. You may be suprised, he may just say "ok fine, we can do that too".
m.
You are the 3rd person to tell me to get tested for CD. When I was in High School, this is when I started having the stomach problems, but, ever since I've been taking Acidophilus (probiotic supplements) it's helped a little bit. I am still interested in that blood test.
I will state here, that this neurologist was very personable, though...he let me ask any questions I wanted and wants to continue to monitor me. I have another appt. with him after I get the MRI results from the cervical spine, and everything you have all stated here, I am going to state and ask. I am at a loss for what I need to do. My Mom tells me I need to stop fighting and ranting about an MS Dx, because I am NOT a doctor, and 2 neurologists have told me that they don't 'think' I have MS at this point in time, so I just need to accept it...which, after yesterday, I have, but I don't know what else to do....
I will state here, that this neurologist was very personable, though...he let me ask any questions I wanted and wants to continue to monitor me. I have another appt. with him after I get the MRI results from the cervical spine, and everything you have all stated here, I am going to state and ask. I am at a loss for what I need to do. My Mom tells me I need to stop fighting and ranting about an MS Dx, because I am NOT a doctor, and 2 neurologists have told me that they don't 'think' I have MS at this point in time, so I just need to accept it...which, after yesterday, I have, but I don't know what else to do....
Thank you for ALL of your input here...I guess with research I have done on B12, it 'would' make sense, although, I really do think I have many classic MS symptoms, he just didn't think based on my neuro. assessment that it was that 'drastic' of findings. I am trying to sort all of this out as best as I can. I'm 22 and feel like I need a PhD to understand everything I've been told, etc. I do have IBS and chronic bowel issues, so I'm wondering if I am having continual B12 issues, even though my levels are 'normal' now in the blood...I really don't know. The lesions in my brain are 2mm, and from what he told me, those lesions are discounted for MS, and are probably a result of many things, although, I have no history of trauma, but my Mom does tell me that I was born frank breech, and almost didn't make it during birth...she was the one to let the neuro. know that. He also said that demyelination can come from B12 deficiency, as well. I have heard that many people have been Dx with cervical lesions only, and none in the brain...so, maybe the MRI will show those?? I don't know, but he seemed VERY set on telling me that if the MRI shows nothing, that I don't have MS, and I can go ahead and get a LP too, if I want, but he said more tests may, "muddy the waters." It seems as if I don't have a lot going for me right now with getting the Dx, and will probably have to just endure this until my symptoms get much worse...I don't know how else I can get a Dx, if I don't have the lesions?...
I'm with Heather here. You need more investigation and should not be brushed off with low B12 or who knows what. MRIs of brain, cervical and thoracic spine are quite standard in assessing possible MS. You would not be pushing things to just ask.
Personally I'm stunned that this doctor refuses to diagnose MS in you based on atypical brain MRI alone. You have so many classic symptoms! Before MRIs, which is not all that long ago, someone presenting as you do would have been diagnosed without question. And it's not as if you don't have brain lesions, anyway. They just don't fall into the average-for-MS category. Well, lots of things aren't average. Every MSer presents uniquely. The CNS is a big place.
Also, and this is another BIG also, he's decided against MS without even imaging the spine at all! So he doesn't even have complete data. I wonder why he's even bothering with the cervical, since his mind is made up.
Now as to B12, your lowest readings were just barely out of range. I too have read up on this quite a bit because of a family history of pernicious anemia. While I have no pretense of being a doctor, I would *strongly* doubt that a mild deficiency such as yours could cause your symptoms, especially when rectifying the situation has not helped. I think he was grasping at that as a convenient excuse. Had you not handed him that he would have found something else, but that way was easier.
The more I type here, the more incensed I'm getting, as is probably obvious. But I've been here a long time, and have heard of many MS-specialists (which by the way can be a self-designation only), who have turned out to be very poor doctors. It's understandable why you feel better with him based on your past experience, which was worse. But I'm betting he's wrong and that you clearly have MS.
That may sound like the voice of doom, but really it isn't. It's treatable. And much better than some-kind-of-nerve-damage-which-is-untreatable-and-you'll-have-to-live-with-it-the-rest-of-your-life.
After that rant, I send gentle hugs.
ess
Personally I'm stunned that this doctor refuses to diagnose MS in you based on atypical brain MRI alone. You have so many classic symptoms! Before MRIs, which is not all that long ago, someone presenting as you do would have been diagnosed without question. And it's not as if you don't have brain lesions, anyway. They just don't fall into the average-for-MS category. Well, lots of things aren't average. Every MSer presents uniquely. The CNS is a big place.
Also, and this is another BIG also, he's decided against MS without even imaging the spine at all! So he doesn't even have complete data. I wonder why he's even bothering with the cervical, since his mind is made up.
Now as to B12, your lowest readings were just barely out of range. I too have read up on this quite a bit because of a family history of pernicious anemia. While I have no pretense of being a doctor, I would *strongly* doubt that a mild deficiency such as yours could cause your symptoms, especially when rectifying the situation has not helped. I think he was grasping at that as a convenient excuse. Had you not handed him that he would have found something else, but that way was easier.
The more I type here, the more incensed I'm getting, as is probably obvious. But I've been here a long time, and have heard of many MS-specialists (which by the way can be a self-designation only), who have turned out to be very poor doctors. It's understandable why you feel better with him based on your past experience, which was worse. But I'm betting he's wrong and that you clearly have MS.
That may sound like the voice of doom, but really it isn't. It's treatable. And much better than some-kind-of-nerve-damage-which-is-untreatable-and-you'll-have-to-live-with-it-the-rest-of-your-life.
After that rant, I send gentle hugs.
ess
A. How low were your B12 levels? Mine have been in the low-normal range, but no one think that could be causing my problems. I've been taking extra B12 on my own, just in case.
Do you have any other low vitamin or mineral levels? You might want to get tested for celiac disease. [After 6 years of chronic anemia (that no one really made a big deal about when I was pregnant, even though it caused multiple problems for me and the babies), when I was anemic and NOT pg, I finally started getting some answers. Even with a ferritin level of 1, at least one PCP just wanted to assume it was from heavy periods, even though I don't have heavy periods...! Luckily I had a great gastro that thought to test for it. Biopsy confirmed it and I've been GF for 18 months - gained weight back and no longer anemic.] Just a possibility, even though there are many causes for B12 deficiency.
Great that the neuro took you seriously and listened to your concerns!!
Do you have any other low vitamin or mineral levels? You might want to get tested for celiac disease. [After 6 years of chronic anemia (that no one really made a big deal about when I was pregnant, even though it caused multiple problems for me and the babies), when I was anemic and NOT pg, I finally started getting some answers. Even with a ferritin level of 1, at least one PCP just wanted to assume it was from heavy periods, even though I don't have heavy periods...! Luckily I had a great gastro that thought to test for it. Biopsy confirmed it and I've been GF for 18 months - gained weight back and no longer anemic.] Just a possibility, even though there are many causes for B12 deficiency.
Great that the neuro took you seriously and listened to your concerns!!
I have been taking the sublingual B12 since I found out about the diagnosis back in October 2008. The only symptom that seemed to have left me after taking the supplements, was the loss of feeling/strength in my right hand to be able to write. That doesn't happen at all anymore, although, at night I lose my grip sensation when I try and clench my fists. Also, the tingling is much more evident in my hands and feet. The fatigue never really seemed to have left me even with taking the supplements...but, I would understand that if I was deficient for a LONG period of time, that there may have been this "irreversible damage." My levels were 202 and the range is 208-936. As of March or so, my levels were in the 700s, so it seems as if I would be okay now, right??
Heather, well, how would I go about asking for the thoracic as well? Calling his office and leaving a message? I mean, I guess I didn't think of it at the time, but the cervical MRI would make sense to check for lesions there because of my neuro. assessment findings, and the bad balance symptoms. Since I have a positive Romberg's sign which is used to assess the dorsal columns of the spinal cord, which are essential for joint position sense (proprioception) and vibration sense, it would make sense to get the cervical areas checked on MRI...since I especially have no sense of my space and position in areas that are pitch black...
I'd appreciate all the input here...
Heather, well, how would I go about asking for the thoracic as well? Calling his office and leaving a message? I mean, I guess I didn't think of it at the time, but the cervical MRI would make sense to check for lesions there because of my neuro. assessment findings, and the bad balance symptoms. Since I have a positive Romberg's sign which is used to assess the dorsal columns of the spinal cord, which are essential for joint position sense (proprioception) and vibration sense, it would make sense to get the cervical areas checked on MRI...since I especially have no sense of my space and position in areas that are pitch black...
I'd appreciate all the input here...
Your appointment sounds hopeful that this neurologist will pursue a cause of your symptoms. Heather makes a very good point, though. Let's see what your MRI shows.
I'd take sublingual B12 and folic acid forever if I were in you shoes. Be well.
I'd take sublingual B12 and folic acid forever if I were in you shoes. Be well.
A,
I agree with heather why not push for the thoracic as well, you'll already be in the machine for goodness sake!, for sure. And why not say you would like to have it done and not necessarily "ask". In a non-threatening but assertive way:o)
As for living with "it", I think he means the supposed B12 damage correct? I wrote u another PM. Please answer promptly:o)
M.
I agree with heather why not push for the thoracic as well, you'll already be in the machine for goodness sake!, for sure. And why not say you would like to have it done and not necessarily "ask". In a non-threatening but assertive way:o)
As for living with "it", I think he means the supposed B12 damage correct? I wrote u another PM. Please answer promptly:o)
M.
MS lesions are also typically found in the thoracic spine. See if he will order the MRI using MS PROTOCOL of the cervical and thoracic spine. It's better to get the entire picture of where a spinal lesion might be, rather than to repeat the test for the thoracic region later. Many of us diagnosed here on the Forum have lesions in the thoracic spine.
This is really important to ask your doctor. It could mean the difference, between seeing no lesions in the cervical spine, but having lesions in the lower areas. I would hate to see him give up, if there are lesions lurking elsewhere. I don't know why doctor's stop at the cervical spine. When looking for MS, I believe the entire spine should be viewed and most importantly using MS Protocol.
With your obvious abnormal physical exam, I do not see how this doctor could rule out MS and tell you that you just may have to live with it. This is a red flag to me and I would be looking for another doctor, if this was me. "Just living with it" and having no answers to what it is - is totally unacceptable. Totally! Sometimes we have to push HARD to get the answers that we are seeking. Would this same doctor tell his loved one that is presenting with the same symptoms, that they will just have to live with it, it's permanent? I think NOT!
All the best dearheart,
Heather
This is really important to ask your doctor. It could mean the difference, between seeing no lesions in the cervical spine, but having lesions in the lower areas. I would hate to see him give up, if there are lesions lurking elsewhere. I don't know why doctor's stop at the cervical spine. When looking for MS, I believe the entire spine should be viewed and most importantly using MS Protocol.
With your obvious abnormal physical exam, I do not see how this doctor could rule out MS and tell you that you just may have to live with it. This is a red flag to me and I would be looking for another doctor, if this was me. "Just living with it" and having no answers to what it is - is totally unacceptable. Totally! Sometimes we have to push HARD to get the answers that we are seeking. Would this same doctor tell his loved one that is presenting with the same symptoms, that they will just have to live with it, it's permanent? I think NOT!
All the best dearheart,
Heather
Sounds like you at least getting somewhere. He at least took time with you instead of rushing through! i pray you'll know something for sure soon! God bless you!
I'm glad you received some answers, even if they're not definitive, and most importantly you found someone to listen to you and follow your care.
Warmly,
ren
Warmly,
ren
Sounds like you had a great appt. It is reassuring to find a doc who will take the time and listen to you. Sounds like he has a good plan, and I hope and pray he will be able to give you some answers and find the cause of it all.
Warmly,
Michelle
Warmly,
Michelle
I hope he gets you some definitive answers. Even more than that, I hope he finds an effective treatment.
Since you've been receiving treatment for the B12 deficiency, have you noticed any difference? Just wondering. Several friends insisted I have my B12 tested, so I did and it was fine. I've been receiving hormone replacement therapy for a couple of months, and notice no differences at all, though my oldest brother said it made a new man out of him.
Since you've been receiving treatment for the B12 deficiency, have you noticed any difference? Just wondering. Several friends insisted I have my B12 tested, so I did and it was fine. I've been receiving hormone replacement therapy for a couple of months, and notice no differences at all, though my oldest brother said it made a new man out of him.
I also wanted to mention that this neurologist is MS board certified, and a specialist in the area.
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