Speech pathologist evaluation and exercises....

[tjj3761]

Good morning everyone,

I just went and saw a speech pathologist yesterday for my swallowing issues.  It was very informative for me.  She gave me a number of tongue and swallowing exercises to increase strength at the base of my tongue.

She also is suggesting to my neuro a modified barium swallow to see where things stand.

I go back to my neuro next month for followup.  I am hoping with my last relapse/attack in the summer and the onset of my acute swallowing problems, my neurologist will give me a "definite" MS diagnosis, instead of, benign MS.  All of my symptoms are clinical examination findings so far, except for my EMG being normal, although I had the clinical thumb-in-fist weakness sign, right hand.

I am praying he starts me on something, because I feel that each year a new and permanent symptoms suggest progression, and I need a disease-modifying drug at this time to slow the progression down.

Any insight is much appreciated....

terri

[twopack]

IMO treatment takes priority.  Waiting to start a DMD until there is certainty about what subtype of MS a person has could delay that treatment forever.  It's kind of like waiting to see how far a fire spreads before getting the hoses out.  The window of effectivness can close as he watches and waits.

I understand the importance of having a doc who has been willing to treat symptoms instead of sending you on your way with nothing but a pat on the head.  Still, I find that I run out of patience with docs who are willing to be overly cautious about using disease modifying agents when it is the patient who really takes all the chances.

What diagnostic code does he offer the insurance company when he submits the bill for your treatment?  340.0 is MS I believe.

Mary

[HVAC]

Terri,
  Progression of MS happens with out symptoms. Is this Neurologist an MS Specialist?  If you are diagnosed you need the option of a DMD.

Alex



I

[tjj3761]

hi n thanks for info.

My neuro has treated all my symptoms and pain for last 7 years thankfully.  I think the reason he has not started me on disease modifying is because he is not sure yet what stage I am in.

I guess I will know more next month.

This info above is very helpful.  I have never found this in all my research.

Thanks wiggles.

Terri

[wiggles94]

The National MS Society’s National Clinical Advisory Board recommends that treatment with an immunomodulating drug (such as FDA-approved interferons or glatiramer acetate) be considered as soon as possible following a definite diagnosis of MS with active disease (i.e., recent relapses and/or new lesions on MRI), and may also be considered for patients with a first attack who are at high risk of developing MS (known as clinically isolated syndrome). Because at the time of diagnosis and for some years thereafter it is impossible to know if disease will be benign or more active, this recommendation holds for people who present with a mild disease course.

(From the National MS Society's website)

[wiggles94]

Hi Terri,

Glad you had a good session with your speech pathologist.  I hope the exercises she gave you will help.

I'm not sure why your neuro isn't treating you if you are MS?  Is there really such a thing as benign MS?  And if there is, it doesn't sound like you have it.  Have you had MRIs?  

I'm wondering if a new neuro is in order if you aren't getting clear explainations that make sense to you from your first.
Good luck to you!
Carol