My neuro visit today

[figuerpa]

I went to see my neuro today, he went over everything and sat there and really talked to me. He explained to me that the reason he hasn't started the DMD's is due to my insurance. I have 2 lesions but only 1 Oband so he said in order for my insurance to approve the DMD that I need to have more lesions over the next 6 months. He said the insurance is a tricky thing and some will cover it right away and others want absolute proof that MS is there. Ok well that makes sense to me.

He tested my reflexes and said that they are now hyper.... forget what word he used lol before they didn't exist in my left leg now they jump all over the place.

Anyway I go Tuesday the 14th for another MRI of my spine because with my symptoms he believes that we will find them there more than my brain. I told him that the l'hermittes is much worse now so he decided that he would just do the C spine and go from there. He said we will do one every few months until we get the proof we need.

He proceeded to ask how my sister is doing and what DMD she is on. I told her she is doing amazing since she started the Avonex he said well that is great and said that is what we want for you. I told him that mainly her upper body is affected and he said that is due to where the lesions are and that my lower body is affected because of lesions in my spine.

Anyway I really felt like he went in depth with me today, which is unusual unless I ask a million questions, but today I didn't have to he was just talking away. I felt good about todays visit and I go back to see him on the 29th to review the MRI results.

Paula

[figuerpa]

HVAC,

Thanks for reinsuring me that the insurance is the problem. I believe him but hearing someone else with the same problem makes me feel better :)  He is a caring docotor now that he knows what is going on and that I am not making it all up. He is the only nuero I have seen just because I know that this is a hard disease to dx and decided to give it some time to see where it took me and here we are waiting for more lesions to show so that I can get on some DMD's per my insurance.

Babbs,

I thank you for your kind thoughts of me getting back to the way I was but I have been like this for 2 years so I am pretty sure this is my new normal and I am just dealing with it. I have learned to live around the MS and just rearrange my life to accomodate it since it refuses to leave lol. Good luck with your LP and let us know how it goes, make sure to rest rest rest and drink lots of fluids.

Thornygates,

That really ***** that you have a $200 copay for tests, especially with ruling out MS cause there are lots and lots of testing involved. See if your neuro can run all the tests on one day at the same place so you only have to pay $200 once, will that even work lol I am trying to help, can't hurt to ask.

I would be whining also if that is what I had to pay for my tests too and you aren't being selfish lol.

Paula

[thornygates]

Yeah my neuro told me that insurance wouldn't pay because MRI was inconclusive and insurance wouldn't pay for father tests without more documentation.

Now he wants me back in feb. Setup a LP. We just had insurance meeting for new plan to start in jan. I am thankful I can still work and have insurance but it will now be $200 copay up front for tests. I don't have it. Oh well. How it goes.

Anyway I was being selfish and whining. Hope you have a much better experience.

[babbs620]

Good luck to you Paula, I hope your insurance approves it without more lesions :) and that your neuro is just assuming it will be denied like Audrey said.

   I go in tomorrow for my Lumbar Puncture but Mri's of spine will be sched later. i understand about work I have been off for 5 weeks now and drs agree weakness in legs and tremors that  I cant work yet ( Im a dog groomer) but still so slow with answers.  

I hope you get back to where you were before your attack, I dont know if thats possible and I hope that doesnt sound ignorant due to my lack of education in this area, But everyday when I wake up I pray my legs will fill normal and Im back to 100 percent again hasnt happened yet but I hopefully soon.


      god bless Barbara

[HVAC]

My MS diagnosis had to be absolute for insurance as well. I would not have gotten the diagnosis had I not had 12 O bands. All my tests had been positive for MS and Negative for everything else, plus all my MS symptoms over time as well as lesions in different areas, and classic reflexes etc. I had six Neurologist think it had to be MS but I had to have a positive LP for the insurance. Heck if it were not for Insurance companies, people could be diagnosed without LPs or MRIs.

I am glad you have a caring doctor.

Alex

[figuerpa]

lol i know i shouldnt wish this but i hope the find more lesions tuesday so that i can start a dmd. its just wrong to wish for more lesions lol

[Audrey_M]

Paula:

As long as you are in agreement with your doctor's assessment, then I'm behind you 100%.

I, too, wish that you can get approved for DMDs ASAP because they do make a huge difference in the progression of MS.

I'll wish upon a star for you.

Hugs,

Audrey

[figuerpa]

Jen,

I will mention it to him to see what he has to say about it. Thanks for the info.

Audrey,

I understand where you are coming from, but my insurance is really crappy lol. Since I have been off work due to not being able to be on my feet I have had to get help through the state so you know they won't pay anything if they don't have to.

I wish they would approve it cause I know how vital it is to treat this disease as early as possible.

Paula

[Audrey_M]

Paula:

It was heartening to read that your neuro took great time and care to explain things to you today. At the same time, if I read you correctly, when he explained how tricky insurance can be, you were told some would cover and others would not given your current tests results.

That explanation leaves me feeling a bit cold. If he told you that he has dealt with your particular insurance company several times with patients who have similar test results and all were denied, fine. Somehow, I got the sense that he won't even try at this point and does not know whether or not your insurance company is one of those that would approve or deny the request.

That's my take on what you posted. Is this a misinterpretation on my part? If not, then you might want to consider telling your neuro that while you understand the request might be denied, you still want to pursue it.

Especially because there is no guarantee that test results may be any different in 6 months time in spite of worsening symptoms.

That's my two cents, for whatever it's worth. I guess hidden behind my feelings here is a tremendous disappointment in the power that insurance companies now have which interferes with the medical profession's ability to treat patients as it deems appropriate.

I hope that you can get on some medication that will give you relief from your symptoms.

Hugs,

Audrey

[jensequitur]

That's great!

Hey, is there anything the insurance will cover that might help?  For example, will it pay for estrogen therapy?  When I was on birth control, my MS symptoms were much more controlled.