Thoughts

Hi yall,
I finally got the courage to type a post I have only been reading comments and reading more about MS. A couple months ago I started experience some blurry vision and feeling really imbalanced at work.  It would come and go but about a month ago I lost my sense of balance, I felt like I was drunk at all times or on rocking boat. I finally broke down and saw a Dr. who sent me in for MRI which came back clear. She later sent me to a neurologist who was not 100 percent was going on since my gait was so bizarre. Since then I have had several MRI's and MRA's which all have came back clear.
I did have a spinal tap about month ago that tested positive for 3 CSF bands only in the CSF and not in the serum.
My neuro Dr also said she was surprised at my protein level in CSF was 45 since that was at the top of the range given my age and health. So I guess I'm still in limbo land, since my MRI's have came back clear she said that she would not diagnose me yet which is fine.
Last week I did start 5 days of Iv steroids of solumedrol which seem to really work and now I'm on two week tapering dose. It's kind like a double edge sword happy they work but to my understanding this is something they would give someone who has MS?
Since my initial symptoms I have been having numbness in my left foot and right check, and my right hand and arm has progressively gotten weaker. So I'm not sure what to think at the moment. MRI 's are clear with and with out contrast , any thoughts would be helpful ????
Thanks for your comments in advance

[Sailorsong]

While I'm not a doctor from your description of your symptoms, the o-bands, and your response to the steroids it sure sounds like MS to me.  Your doctor would have to rule out the mimics, but your don't have to have lesions in your MRI to have MS. Was the MRI of just your brain or also your spine as you could also have lesions there to indicate MS.

Dennis

[steph74]

Welcome to this group.  I'm one of the many in your shoes with fairly clear MS sx, all the mimics ruled out, and a clear MRI, so I am undx...  I've also had a number of rounds of solumedrol that seem to help some (though not all) of my sx.  

Please keep posting and commenting!

[figuerpa]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

The symptoms you have described do resemble MS, however most neuros won't give a dx with a clear MRI. Can I ask how strong the MRI was? Sometimes they use machines that aren't strong enough to pick up lesions.

Also, have they tried ruling out other causes, they have to first rule out all other causes before they can make an MS dx. Multiple Sclerosis is a wait and see game. Docs have to rule everything else out first because MS does not have a specific test to say for sure that is what it is.

Can I also ask if your IgG index in your CSF was elevated? I have been told that more than 2 bands and an elevated IgG index is a positive test, after they have ruled everything else out.

I really hope you start feeling better soon, dont' give up and keep talking with your doctors, communication is very important in these situations.

(((HUGS)))

Paula

[Lulu54]

Hi houseofallboys from someone who grew up in a houseofallgirls!  Welcome to the forum here - I'm glad you took the leap and introduced yourself.

Getting a neuro to work through a dx of MS is not for the weak or faint - it takes time, perseverance, and belief in yourself that something is wrong and you want answers.  

What you are describing could be MS but could also be caused by many of the other mimics.  Don't let the doctors dismiss you - you have something going on and definitely need some answers.

In the meantime, welcome again.  I hope we will see you around more.

be well, Lulu

[houseofallboys]

Thanks everyone for the comments....Not sure how strong the MRI machine was it doesn't say but this is the place my Neuro recommend so I'm assuming they are decent?  As far as my igg index it was .58 ratio out of .28-.66??? I guess it's in normal range..I also have had a lot of blood work done not sure what all she has tested for I 'm going to get copies of that the next time I go in a few weeks to see her. I'm assuming she is ruling out everything I will clarify with her . Thanks for the words of encouragement I guess I will hand on for the ride. I got to say at first I didn't like neuro Dr. I was given a lot of wrong information about my results mainly from one of her nurses so needless to say my last appointment we had a heart to heart and cleared up that situation. She now is on board with me and I feel comfortable that we will be able to figure this out..I guess I can say I'm a luck one with my Dr. reading other peoples comments about their Dr. experiences.. Thanks again

[RedFlame]

Hi and welcome to the forum!   Forgive me if this has already been answered I read through but....

Do you know if they used MS protocol.  That would mean extensive MRI with and without contrast also using FLAIR, Sagittal and other views.  It's important to have all of this done.  

Red