New Neuro!!

[freddie2]

Hello all,
I'm going to see a new neurologist on Monday. He specializes in MS (thank God). I'm a little apprehensive, however excited because I don't know what to expect, and  I'm hoping for a Doc to be honest, and not throw me out of his office. I've been experiencing symptoms for 3+ years now. My old regular Neuro told me she didn't know what to do with me-so she recommended me to see a Psych. And the Neuro's I've seen lately have all been in the hospital,-where they've mentioned that it's possible that I have MS,--then hang me out to dry. My cat scan & MRI stated that the CSF spaces appear prominent for my age with a degree of parenchymal atrophy.  I guess I'm asking, what can I expect from the Doc on Monday, and what can I do, to finally get some results?
Thanks,

[freddie2]

Thanks you so much summerluvr & Lu,

I really do appreciate you all so much for hanging in there with me as I go onto this "wonderful journey". It's really nice to know that you're not alone with these things,--and you don't make me feel "crazy". -Like some of the previous Doc's have done. And yes, I am female, 44 years & counting. I have a crazy sense of humor however I've learned as I grow older that being polite is the best way to be. (thanks you for relating)
And you know what Lu, I thought possibly the same thing. Why did the Doc tell me he was probably going to do an LP right after he told me it maybe the anxiety thing?

Anyway, I am persistent and prayerful,-and grateful to know that there are people here, that can be just as concerned in me, as themselves.

God bless,

[Lulu54]

if he's so convinced it is anxiety, he would not be ordering an LP.  In fact, he probably just was blowing smoke at you about the anxiety so that you are preoccupied with worry while you go through the next round of tests.

Now if I'm ready this wrong and he really meant that about the anxiety - you need to find another neuro - but AFTER you get the tests done.  You and I both know it is not anxiety and you deserve answers.

summerluvr is a perfect example of why you don't ever stop looking for answers when you know something is wrong but no one is listening.

hang in there,
Lu

[summerluvr]

bit of a rant here....

I'm so tired of hearing... "oh it could be anxiety".

Let me guess are you female, about mid age, and somewhat polite and well educated, soft spoken?

I am

I now see a therapist to help deal with my diagnosis/ future (For me it turned out to not be MS but a serious bone marrow cancer called multiple myelama)

My therapist told me to stop being so "Canadian" and so "female" and speak up for myself at the doctors after I was pissed off how the doctor (not my regular oncologist) treated me at my last follow up and I once again got all my symptoms and concerns brushed aside

So as a Canadian (I guess we are known for being polite eh ;) ) and a female (prone to hysteria and anxiety *rolling my eyes here*) I know what it's like to be brushed off by doctors for years when in fact you are really sick!

[freddie2]

Thanks Shell,

The Doc stated that it's maybe the anxiety issue. ---This is what I've been told for years now,--I'm so tired of it. The general rule out of all,--anxiety.  What I don't think that he realizes is that anxiety will cause a "flare up" on me. Anyhow, my tests are scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

Thanks

[sllowe]

Hey there,

Glad the appt. went well. Maybe the docs are catching on to how so much google symptoms re. MS fits so nicely into just a variety of issues.

The additional tests should help reveal what's the matter. Had the doc said this was only or definitely anxiety, I'd have told you to move onto another doc.

Onward to the tests is right. When is the follow-up scheduled?

-shell

[freddie2]

Hello all,

So I went to the new Neuro today, and did as everyone told me to.(Thank you so much!!). After shaking my hand to greet me, & after reading my symptoms I wrote down in the chart, Doc asked me, "so are you working"?--I was floored. 'gotta tell you!. Anyway he did numerous tests where he made me touch his pen with my finger & then back to my nose,--boy ,-did I blow that one. -Also mentioned that he did see the tremors on me when he was checking my eyesight. So he scheduled me for a BAER & VER test this Thursday. Sometime after that, I'll have an MRI done at his office. However what really gets me (and maybe I'm a little slow)--hahahah, is that he said to me "I don't think it's MS, so I'm telling you this because I don't want YOU to worry that this is MS, ok"? He told me that it's probably anxiety and may want to try & up my dosage of Lexapro slightly,-however he said he wasn't going to change any of my meds around right now. So, after that comment, he asked if I've ever had an LP before, I said no,-& he said he's probably going to get that done. He also said for me not to worry, and that "he'll fix me". Other than this, I don't know what to say.
"Onward Christian soldier..........

[Lulu54]

Hi Freddie, Whatever you do tomorrow DO NOT mention that you have read anything on the internet.  That is the quickest way to be dismissed - they will think you are shopping for a dx, which we all know is far from the truth.

Be yourself, try to relax.  answer the questions that you are asked and try not to add too much to the story.  The doctors like to be in control.

Good luck and we'll wait to hear your reaction tomorrow.  

Lulu

[freddie2]

Thanks Shell,

I have all of my information ready to go. Hospital paperwork, including blood work that they've done, also I have all of my symptoms written down, (simply because I will forget). I have a copy of my cat scan as well. I'll take your advise that yes, this is a new Neuro, and go from there. No one will be going with me to the appointment, However I'll post what happened, and what's his plan going forward.

Thanks again,  

[sllowe]

Hi Freddie,

Good luck to you tomorrow. You can expect a complete neuro exam, and a re-visit of your history. Try your best to forget all you've been through with the other neuro that way nothing will interfere with this docs investigation.

Have you gathered up copies of these findings you mention? If so, bring them with you. It is important because your not starting from scratch. Doc should take this info and results of clinical exam and add on to it and search for a cause of what's happening.

Let us know how it goes. Is someone going with you to appt.?

-Shell

[freddie2]

I mean, an answer!!.........sorry, I'm having a "brain moment". LOL

[freddie2]

Thanks Bob,
I'll do just that. And hope for the unexplained.

[COBOB]

At 44, brain atrophy needs to be addressed.  It could be related to MS or another cause.  That is a huge clinical sign demonstrated by CT and MRI.  I would approach the Dr from that point of view.    Brain atrophy is a fact and can cause your symptoms, what is causing brain atrophy.  I'd avoid even mentioning MS too much.  My Dx was more related to my concern over my Optic Neuritis, not my worry over MS.  And I see a Psychiatrist.  It may be a good idea so that your Neuro can use that as a lever against you.  Sometimes the Neuro notices an axis change that is relevant to a disease process.  They are Medical Doctors after all.  My Psychiatrist is also board certified in Neurology.

Bob