New Problems

Do you all have trouble deciding when to accept if a new problem is just MS or if you should follow up with internist???  For example,  I am having pain in between shoulder blades and is worse when I eat. Very fullness feeling of stomach too.   So my thoughts are ...reflux....gall bladder....ms, muscular.....pancreas....or craziness is always an option.  No really, how do you determine whether to bug a Dr about things?  I am taking aciphex and does seem to be less but I don't have symptoms of typical reflux. Had a massage and did not see any change.   Did have blood work done.  Amylase, lipase normal.  Liver enzymes a little out and WBC low  2.5(5-10 normal). I am guessing these are affected b/c of interferon though.  Any one have 2 cents of advice?  

[T-lynn]

If you are not sure then its good to check with Dr,not all is associated with MS.I have terrible stomache problems I take nexium twice a day.I beleive mine can be medication related.

My last blood results were ast and alt a little elevated common with rebif.

When in doubt see your DR.I see mine on Monday for stomache issues.

[Quixotic1]

Hi, Welcome back.  We've talked before here or on the Neuro forum.

People with MS get the same range of things that go wrong with their bodies as every one else.  Personally, I think this is UNFAIR and that once we sign the contract for MS, we should be Guaranteed of no other, extraneous problems.  I'm waiting on the aoppointment to discuss this with someone.

The pain of gall bladder disease "typically" is felt in the middle to right upper abdomen and radiates thru to the back to the tip of the right shoulder blade.  It, of course, can vary.  But, you should discuss new stuff that happens with your doctor.

I wish I remembered all that you and I talked about.  When were you diagnosed?  Which med are you on.  Will you stay and join us?  I recognized your nickname and immediately thought of you as a friend.

Quix

[que03]

dx'ed 12/05  On Rebif ever since.  Added IVIG in Mar every 6 weeks.  Considering Rituxan.   I feel like IVIG has been helpful.  I have not been "typical"  MS picture which is probably why IVIG has been most helpful. I appreciate this forum.  I like to learn from others experiences but am afraid I will dwell on disease if I get too involved.  I will be checking in every now and then.  Thank you for the personal invite.
Back to orig question, How do you discern when to call/or go in?  I don't want to be calling wolf and making them sick of me.  When Internist, when neurologist or simultaneous. Thx. Que

[Quixotic1]

You should call your internist.  These symptoms sound GI.  Could be MS, but why take the chance.  We do a lot of things rather than focus on the illness.  Though we'd love to hear your atypical story and I am very interested in the use of IVIG.

Quix

[que03]

Thanks.  I hope I did not come across rude.  Computers can so easily have a tone attached.  Anyway, thanks for the shove.  Now I am on my way to oncologist and probably 10000 more dollars of testing to say they can't explain.  I did make sure and ask if IVIG could be causing low wbc which they said no.  Oh well..... another new Dr to muddy to all up.  You know you have been to too many doctors when you don't flinch at the word oncologist.  
P.S. I think we should have a fund to pay Quix for the added knowledge we all are benefitting from.  Or maybe med help can give you a stipend?  Que