feeling unheard

[sockmonkey054]

Hi I am new to this site so bear with me.  I am a 34 yr old female with a history of bi-polar disorder II that is well controlled.  12 years ago I began a down ward spiral over a 3 month span were I became extremely forgetful, unbalanced to the point of needing assistance walking and had severe tingling in my legs.  I got past most of that except the tingling in one leg.  Over the past several years I have experienced the same symptoms except the balance part isn't as severe and the relapses are becoming more often, about every 2-3 years with symptoms lasting 3-6 months.  My family doctors find neurological problems during a simple exam but every neuro I have seen automatically says it's just because I am bi-polar.  This time things are so bad that my kids and husband are tired of me repeating my self or forgetting what I just said or what they just said and the tingling in my leg is worse.  I see a new neuro next friday.  How do I get him to listen?

[sockmonkey054]

MRI scheduled for Tuesday. EEG and VER were done Thursday   Now just the waiting game. Thank you to each of you for your support

[SarahL2491]

I had to chuckle, MS being easier to diagnosis, oh but we wish it were........its a tangled web of many uncharted streets and branches and perhaps you will be lucky enough for it to be easy for you.  For some it is.

The rest of us have spent many, many years tossing neuro's away like candy wrappers, swearing under our breath sometimes as we do..........til we find the magic one.  If you have a good one, treasure him/her!!

Keep us posted and welcome to our little corner.

[supermum_ms]

Hey there, i'm really glad your whole self is being assessed, unfortunately many people with dx mental health conditions, commonly have all their health issues passed off (with out assessments) as being caused by their mental health. Yes sometimes thats very true but not always, there is no mental health condition that makes you immune to other medical issues, none!

My mum has bipolar, and she's had many medical issues ignored until its gotten really bad, and then shes gotten the correct treatment for the physiological condition(s) that she's also living with, its so so wrong but it happens. Its wonderful that you've found a neuro that is going to investigate possible causes, beyond mental health, it could take a while though so dont expect answers straight away, it can take time before the right answer is clear.

Please let us know how you get on, and if you have any questions just ask, we'll do what we can to help you through this ;o)

Cheers...........JJ    

[sockmonkey054]

My bad it should be DID mention Chronic Fatigue   SORRY

[sockmonkey054]

Met with the neuro today really liked him, didn't even mention my bi-polar disorder.  He is sending me to have the Visual Evoked Response test Thursday and an MRI is being scheduled.  He does believe given symptoms and history this could be MS but didn't mention Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  MS being the easier to rule in or out.  So  thank you to everyone for helping me with my questions this week,  I will let you know how the test goes.  It was nice to not be dismissed.

[HVAC]

Sockmonkey,
  I was diagnosed as Bipolar because the Doctors did not know what else to call my illness years ago even though it had a Neurological aspect. I spent my youth hospitalized and on some nasty drugs. I was never classically Bipolar.

I finally got some good Doctors who looked beyond the label. It took 5 MRI's, Evoked Potentential, LPs, lots of blood tests to rule other tests out, eye tests and finally I was diagnosed with MS. Now my health care team says the MS causes the mental and always has. I have a health care team who respect me and listen to me. If a Doctor does not respect me I move on.

Keep searching for answers until you are satisfied.. You may not have MS. There are many other things which cause Neurological symptoms.

Alex

[SarahL2491]

Since you have posted on a MS site, assuming you think it might be MS related.  Be prepared for a lot of tests as there are many diseases that mimic MS which are neuro-related.  Many things have to be ruled out first.

There are also many good reading sites, listed on the right side, which may help you but I agree with the others who have spoken, follow your gut instinct and don't take NO for an answer til you get some answers!

Good luck

[maxthecat43]

Hello and welcome to this forum.  I am sorry you're suffering so much.  I'm glad you are seeing a new neurologist.  I think I (this is just me...) would begin the conversation with the facts.  It's true, bi-polar disorder can cause neurological deficits, but it doesn't make you immune to other diseases does it?  After he does the exam, if he doesn't order an MRI- ask him to do it.  I would even point out (tactfully) that it's your insurance and your money- so what would it hurt to just check it out?  Maybe even say that it would really put your mind at ease if he would just do this for you.

Best of luck to you.  And please let us know what happens, okay?  I'll be thinking about you, and will check back on this thread periodically.

Tammy

[saucygrl]

Hi and welcome.  Many of us have had issues getting our neuros to listen to us.  I recently switched for that very reason.  FIRMLY stand your ground and tell him in no uncertain terms that you AND your family doctor believe it is more than being bipolar.  A friend of mine told me to be a "squeaky wheel" until someone listened to me and that's how I was finally diagnosed.  Make sure you take a list of your symptoms and how long you've been affected by them.  Do your best to be prepared.  Ask about other testing that should be done to figure it out.  If possible, have your husband or someone else go with you.  He is less likely to ignore you if you have a paper to shove under his nose and someone sitting with you to back you up!

I know it can be so difficult, but hang in there and be strong!  You are your best advocate so "squeak" away!!

Best of Luck!
Chris