Topics for the forum

I recently did a "blurb" on the MRI and how it is used to show lesions of MS.  I need to add some stuff and make a few corrections, but it seems to be a useful tool to have floating around.  We also have the Timeline Tutorial (Thanks Wanna!), and we have several new people on the forum who would benefit from one. Would you guys like me to try to address other topics?  I have some ideas which I have listed below.  I would appreciate your comments on which of these you would like me to tackle or others that you suggest.  Initially I would like the topics to be of very wide interest.  Or not, that's important, too.

If we have several of these done, then when the newbies have the question we can answer them briefly, specifically to them and then refer or cut and paste info from the Blurb.  It would save me a lot of time.  I am finding I write the same thing over and over, and then I don't have time for the individual and personal stuff which I really enjoy.

POSSIBLE TOPICS:

Cliniclly Isolated Syndrome - Treating for MS at the first attack (Probable MS)

Just What Are the Criteria for Diagnosing MS and why Doesn't my Doctor Seem to Know About Them?

Optic Neuritis - What is it, How is it Treated and How Important is it in the Diagnosis?

What are the VEP, BAEP, SSEP and how  important are they?

What are the Disease Altering Meds and what should I consider in choosing one?

What are the EMG (Electromyogram) and the NCV/NCS  (Nerve Conduction Velocity/Nerve Conduction Studiy)?

Can you Have MS and have a normal MRI?  Then What?

What other diseases mimic MS?  Why is it all so Confusing?

How do I know if I have had a "Good, Thorough Neurologic Exam?"
**********************

These are some ideas.  Let me know what you think.  I'll do one or two here and there and eventually we'll have an answer database.

Quix

[6-paq]

Yes, yes, yes and yes.....  AWESOME IDEA!!!  :) :) :) :)

I would LOVE to see little "tutorials" on these.  I think every one you've listed so far is great and are questions I've searched for at some time or another in the recent months.

Its so nice and wonderful that you are taking your time to do this!!  You are such a valuable person on this board!  We all appreciate your knowledge and compassion that you bring to this board!

Take care!  Pat :)

[IUMOM]

Very good idea!!! All of them seem like good topics. How about having one on Symptom treatment? It sometimes seems as if people don't always realize that they don't have to have a dx to get medications for treating symptoms. Of course, doctors themselves aren't always good about offering symptom meds.

I'm glad you are here Quix!

[Momzilla]

What I found so interesting recently was how you stated how we all got lumped where we are.  It might have been for a newbie.  So many hundreds of thousands in the US are diagnosed fairly easily.  They have lesions which show up on their MRIs.  Sort of the Gold Standard of diagnostics.  The rest of us end up on this forum because of our shy, tiny lesions.  Not your words.  I loved reading your post.  I told myself I'd read it again.  I've been too busy to.  It was great, though.  I guess that's more an "aside."  But it was great!

Hope you are well!

Zilla*

[Want to feel well!!!]

That is a marvelous idea and it would save you sooo much time!  We all appreciate what you do here and cannot thank you enough.

Wish you well…

Wanna
  

[Want to feel well!!!]

[floridamom2]

You are amazing and Yes Yes Yes!!!!!!

I would love to hear on any and all of these topics and I truly do trust you and your opinion for which one would be best first, second, etc.  You have a way of explaining things that make so much sense and then I usually can go to my relatives an explain to them what I am learning about this area of "no specific dx" that so many of us happen to be in.  (say that sentence 3 x's fast!)

Quix you are a giver and a blessing to all of us here!!!!!!  (those were special exclamation points!!)

Take care and I will be waiting for our first installment with eager eyes!
Kristin

[showdogs]

Outstanding idea.  I echo everyone's sentiments as to your value here on the board and to our appreciation of all that you do.  

I'm particularly interested in "How do I know if I've had a thorough neuro exam," since I will be going in about a week for my first visit to the neurologist.

All the other topics sound great too.

Again, many thanks for your dedication to helping others, and particularly to this forum.

Best wishes for improved health for you.

~Elaine

[doni54]

As usual you have a great idea! I know I haven't been around here long but reading the posts have helped me tremendously.  I have really appreciated all the help you have been to me and I have learned much from the answers you have given other people also.

You are a very special and giving person and all of us here are blessed to be cared about by you. Take care and be well.

I like to give hugs, so considered yourself totally hugged!!!!!!

Doni

[skarey]

We are so lucky to have you on this board.  You do bring so much to this board and I can tell that we all have much faith in your words of wisdom.  Thank you for being so thoughtful and taking your time to help others.  It means the world to us.   I think doing these will be a wonderful assett.
  Thank you!!!!
   Skarey

[Nanners123]

Very innovative and proactive idea. I am still interested in the seeming link between carpal tunnel and MS. I have found one study on this and I wonder if there are more out there that I cannot find.

Here is one such link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10761498&dopt=AbstractPlus