Neuro Appt Monday, getting nervous

My Neuro appointment is Monday and I've gathered all records to this point, completed my info and need to think about the additional information.

I've been reading many entries over the past two days and have a few questions, just things I keep seeing over and over again.

My situation is a Neurogenic bladder no one has stated or said they think it is MS except for the two Dr friends who that was their first thought.  My MRI lists Neurogenic bladder (though PCP only had me do a Lumbar MRI leaving the rest for the Neuro).  At this point, all seem to think it is Neurological in nature.

My bladder has been whacked since early June.  I had about 2 weeks where I wasn't having to cath or if I did it was about every 3 days.  But the last two weeks, I'm back to having to cath everyday sometimes 2-3X a day.  I have hesitancy, slow flow, stop go and seems like I have to go all the time now as I'm retaining.

I see many people have had multiple Neuro's, is it because MS was not their specialty or second opinion ?

Weakness, how does one know they have weakness or how is that tested?  I glossed over all the subtle issues and now as I complete the questionaire I've had quite a few symptoms over the past year (timeframe they are looking for).

Lets say I pass the Neuro with flying colors what next?  (I seriously doubt it, I know a few deficits, especially in my legs and one hand).  

It just seems like a very scary, and emotional draining process (a roller coaster of sorts) to get an dx of any sort.  It seems so many have the symptoms but don't get a dx.  

My issue came up out of the blue,though Dr thinks it has been brewing and trauma of surgery brought it to the forefront.  Did others have an issue like this and then started connecting the dots?

I'm already emotionally spent having my life turned upside down with this almost 3 months ago, and one by one hopefully getting closer to an answer but the process of elimination just cranks me.  It seems come Monday, I may get a clearer picture of suspicions, but still won't be any closer, more than likely additional tests and waiting.

Thank you for any advice, thoughts wisdom.

Quix I'm female and 40, in good shape, used to be an athelete but can tell I definitely have muscle weakness.

[JonM]

You seem very anxious about this appointment and have already some negative expectations.  Yes some Nuero MDs are less than worthy, but that is the exception, not the norm.

Go in there with an open mind, and a strong desire to get to the bottom of your issues.  Don't lead the doctor or throw out your theories on what’s wrong with you. This is not appreciated.  You do want to be thorough with your symptoms and timelines, and aggressive about seeking out the truth, but give them a chance to do their job.  If you think this is MS, towards the end of the evaluation, go ahead and ask "Hey Doc could this be MS?"

Good Luck and let us know how it goes!
Jon

[3boyzmom]

Thank you for your response.  I am anxious, no doubt about that.  I really don't have negative expectations at all, other than my world has been turned upside down in a sense.  I'm lucky, I've been moving through this fairly quickly, and I've also been referred to a very good Neuro Dr, whom I'm sure will get to the bottom of this.  I have no theories about what is wrong, though I know what has been ruled out.  So far my surgery, anatomy, issues within the bladder, spinal stenosis/cord compression have all been ruled out.   MS came into the picture as it was the first thing my two Dr friends asked and I guess a Neurogenic bladder seems to be highly suspicious.  At this point the Dr's believe it is Neurological in nature.

I apologize if my post came across the wrong way, I guess I've read to many entries here recently where people are having to see multiple Neuro's and I wasn't sure why.  And, everyone seems to be emotionally drained trying to find the answers to their sx's.

Thanks again for your insight and also your reminders.