Need some Direction/Thoughts

[Padro46]

Dec 07 began to have medical problems such as Chest Pain, Ab Pain, Lightheadness, Minor ab pains, Tired, numbing in the back of the head, Brain Freeze, Etc.  No prior medical issue not even a primary Doc.  Have had many test to include the following.  Heart CT/ECHO-Colonscopy/Endoscopy-MRI X 2 C-Spine and Brain-Chest X-Ray (2)- Tons of blood work to include Hep Panel, CBC (2) Chem 7/14  Extra Lymph blood test the abosulte and HIV testing H.Pylori etc.  The only thing the results have shown is back in Jan and again last month my EBV numbers were high, Both my Primary and Infectious Disease Doc say this is not a problem and it will work itself out. ALL the testing and 2 primary Docs and a Infectious Disease Doc and Gastro. Still nothing Finally set up with a Nuero he did the standard testing noted peripheral auditory delay on left with central delay  (left ear nerve damage) which he said could have been due to the early round of EBV, RX me Topamax and would see me in 30days, however my tingling and numbness increased in my legs and ankle area and he has decided to do MRI with/without contrast to compare with the one in May(without contrast that he did not do)  My only symptoms that are still in affect are Lightheaded and numbing from the head,And some minor body tingling, Occasional groin pain and left arm pit node a Little sore.  Minor ab and chest pains,  Any thoughts or suggestions would be helpful sorry so long.

[Lulu54]

hey Padro, the wait can go on and on for many here as you well know.  Don't hold your breath that there will be any answers anytime soon from what it sounds like with your case. 18 months should be enough, but obviously there were no clear answers yet.

Your lab tests should just about be cooked - I hope you get some answers this week.  

be well,
Lulu

[Padro46]

is there any hope for a conclusion?

[Padro46]

Results not back yet wait is very streesful

[Padro46]

Test went ok--Looked at the lab notes laying on the table--this is what I could make out on the testing ordered

Protein
Glucose
VRDL
Lyme titers
Cyntology
Cry-------- (cant remember)
WBC
MS Panel

Should be back in a week to 10 days--

[jensequitur]

It usually takes about three-four weeks.  I'm guessing you've already had the procedure - how did it go?

[Padro46]

LP-Tomm Morning--do they check for everything they can with this--Is there a special type lab or is it just the same as blood testing labs--How long does it normally take 4 results??

[Padro46]

It is only I guess the next step--he has said he does not believe I have MS--But the process was back MRI (above) than possible LP--Than possible IVIG treatments all depending on results of the rest--Have not heard from him yet on back portion.  just having a hard time excepting Post Viral as a Dx 18 months later.

[sllowe]

Welcome back, Padro.

Has the Dr. stated why an LP?  

[Padro46]

Thanks--I am greatful u responded

[jensequitur]

Yup, it sounds like most of your problems are related to the spinal issues.  Lightheaded-ness can be caused by many things... so it's up to you whether you want an LP.  If your symptoms get to the point where you can't stand it, I'd get the LP just to be sure.

[Padro46]

Wont go into the Technique--will skip to findings
Findings:
L1-L2: Within normal limits

L2-L3: Within normal Limits

L3-L4:Mild changes of degenerative disc disease are seen at this level with mild lateral bulging of the disc margins. Mild facet arthrosis is also seen posteriorly. No HNP is identified.

L4-L5: A broad based,3mm, posterior anular disc bulge is present.  In concert with facet arthrosis, there is mild to moderate narrowing of the neural foramina seen bilaterally along with mild concentric canal stenosis.  There is some increased signal present within the lateral margins of the posterior anulus suggesting anular tears.
L5-S1: Mild degeneration of the posterior facets is seen at this level. No HNP or spinal stenosis is seen.

Signal within the vertebral bodies is normal throughout.  The conus ends normally at the T12-L1 Level,

Impression:Impression:
Mild nueral foraminal and spinal stenosis are seen L4-5 level due to a small broad-based disc bulge and posterior element hypertrophy.  There appear to be small anular tears at this level as well.

Thoracic

Findings:  Changes of degenerative disc disease are seen in the mid and lower thoracic spine.  There is a broad based, 3-4mm, central disc protrusion seen at the T5-T6 level resulting in mild spinal stenosis.  The canal diameter has been narrowed to approximately 8mm.  A 2-3mm disc protrusion is also seen centrally at the T6-T7 level resulting in mild spinal stenosis.  Canal diameter has also been narrowed to approximately 8mm at this level.  A broad based,2-3mm disc bulge is seen at the T7-T8 level.  Canal diameter has been narrowed to 9mm, A minimal,1-2mm disc bulge is also seen at T8-T9.

Signal within the vertebral bodies is normal throughout.  There is no evidence of a significant compression fracture seen.  Signal within the thoracic cord is normal as well.  No abnormal enhancement is identified.

Impression:Impression:
1. Mild to moderate spinal stenosis is seen at the T-5-6 and T6-7 levels due to small herniated nucleus pulposus.

2. Mild spinal stenosis is seen at T7-T8 due to a braod-based disc bulge.

[Padro46]

I have a MRI of back and spine this week(Never had those)--I have seena second Nuero who has ordered this, After this he wants to do a LP--and depending on the outcome of this testing Possible IVIG Therapy--Whats your thoughts??

[Padro46]

Last Nuero trip comments

Post Infectious Encephalomyelitis

[Padro46]

Thanks really dont want a LP--However Nuero is pushing that more and not a MRI--Will deal with heart first.  Have had a Echo and CT Scan of heart last year-but will visit this diffearant Doc.

[jensequitur]

That is a low heart rate - mine tends to be either too low or too high.  (Anywhere from 50/70 to 90/120.)  

The first rule is to check the heart first, because it's the most important bit - anytime anybody on this forum talks about chest pain or high heart rate, we always tell them to go to the heart doc, so I think you're doing the right thing.  

A spinal MRI would be a good idea for a number of reasons - if you have impingement or bursitis, then it'll cause some of your problems.  An LP is not always reliable, but it's a way of confirming a diagnosis.

[Padro46]

Did really have a very low Heart Rate 40-45 by the Holter Test--Internal is concerned with that--he thinks it may have something to do with my back of the head lightheaded issues--however did not feel it had anything to do with my thigh burning issues.  advised lp would probable be a good idea--dont want to address that till heart doc has a look.

[Padro46]

your were rightno answers just lets give it another 90 days if no Improvement--lets do a LP

[jensequitur]

Good luck!  Be prepared for no information - with neurological problems, there's a lot of questions and no answers.

[Padro46]

Follow-up with Nuero today--Hope for some answers but not holding my breath.

[Padro46]

The thigh thing is not really new just more noticable now--Thanks 4 ur help

[jensequitur]

Yes, because the virus caused damage to your CNS, which sticks around even after the virus has gone.  If you have new or different symptoms, it becomes another kettle of fish.

[Padro46]

Thanks would rather do that one first if have too--the thigh thing is really ALL that is left--the back of the head thing has subsided pretty good--Can Post Viral really last this long??  I have had 4 docs say yes and 1 say noway

[jensequitur]

Have you not had a spinal MRI yet?  Then yeah, that would be a good idea.  It would help to track down any spine problems, even if MS is eliminated.

[Padro46]

Would not a possible Spine MRI do any good prior to a LP??