Doesn't look like MS

[johnnymutt]

Well, after many discussions with my Dr., and him not taking me seriously about my symptoms, he finally sent me to have a CT for my urination problems. Everything checked out fine with my bladder and kidneys. However, there is a growth in there, sitting right on my adrenal gland. I have no idea how big it is, I'm going for a MRI on the 13th. I got to reading about tumors on the adrenal gland, and found dang near every symptom that I have been experiencing for the past several years, even symptoms of Bipolar Syndrome. Good news is, apprx. 99% of tumors of this are benign. So, we shall see, there may actually be some relief from this madness.

[MsWobbles]

Dear Johnnymutt (love that name!)

Congrats on possibly getting an answer to your symptoms - especially one that may allow you to finally eliminate your symptoms!  Whoopee!  Hope the MD's right on this one!

Regarding doing an MRI to include abdomen and spine:  Sadly, I don't think that is ever done. First of all, they'll want to be able to charge you for two different tests.  Secondly, I have never ever heard of such a thing - an MRI that includes abdomen and spine.  No way!  Never heard of it - and I've seen a lot of medical stuff.  Sometimes on a chest x-ray they can see other things, organs etc, lower down out of the chest.  But an MRI of the abdomen is exclusively of the abdomen (often combined with pelvis if so ordered) and a spinal MRI is just that - of a portion of the spine - and they usually divide the spine up into 3 different focal areas.  In other words, MD doesn't just order "MRI of spine" but, rather, MRI of cervical, thoracic, and/or lumbar spine.  

I have had two different spinal MRIs done:  Cervical and thoracic.  It is odd that, with my symptoms of lower extremity (legs) weakness, ataxia (gait issues), balance issues, weakness, and falling etc. no MD has ever ordered an MRI of my lumbar spine. ????  Yes, it's true that MS lesions don't tend to appear in that area, but I could very well have some other problem there like bony encroachment on the spinal cord.  Maybe it's best I not know about my lumbar area, because after my horrendous spinal tap experience, I would never agree to any surgery on my spine - not ever!!

So, if you get your answer with the MRI of the abdomen, you won't need spinal MRIs. Remember, MRI studies using contrast will reveal more than those without contrast (even tho contrast does pose a risk to kidneys - but if you don't overuse it in multiple studies, you'll probably be okay with it).  

If you don't get your answer from the MRI of the abdomen and you do want spinal MRIs, remember, insist on using an MRI that has 3.0 Tesla strength - you'll have a better chance of seeing any MS lesions, if you have any, with that strength magnet.  Facilities are reluctant to provide you with the information about their magnet strength, but if you persist you can get that important data.  Don't settle for a 1.5 Tesla!!  A 3.0 can mean the difference between diagnosis and no diagnosis.  

Good luck to you!

WAF  

[johnnymutt]

I am really hopeful, thank you  for wishful thinking.

I do have a question, since they are doing an MRI, can I have them check my spine just in case. I'm not sure how that whole process works. I mean, does the MRI focus only on that one area, or can it scan my whole abdominal area, spine included?

[Wobbly]

Let us know how things go... I hope it all works out and you find the answers that take care of your symptoms... keep us updated

take care
wobbly

[Quixotic1]

I do hope that this is the answer, and not a red herring.  No one wants a herring or any color on their adrenal gland.  The MRI will tell alot more.

Thinking about you,

Quix

[Mike_Shuswap]

Good luck to you! I hope this will be the answer.

Mike

[twopack]

So you're in a new wait, test, consult loop.  I can't imagine the mixed emotions you must be having right now since you've come to this fork in the road.  It's a good reminder for us of why we need to look at all possibilities and not fixate solely on MS.  I hope this turns out to be the fixable origin of all your problems.

Mary

[essdipity]

I so hope this works out well for you.  Please keep us posted at each step in the process.

ess

[HVAC]

Hope it it is the fix let us know.
Alex

[Lulu54]

Oh, Johnny.  That would be great news.  But remember that Rita and I will still have a field trip to make up I-75 one day!  I hope this is really your answer and you recover quickly.

be well, L