Denial of Disease Modifying Drugs

I was diagnosed in 1993 with MS.  It was noted on MRI that I had numerous lesions on my brain that were highly characteristic of multiple sclerosis with lesions located in the periventricular white matter.

The results of my Lumbar Puncture which showed that both the albumin and absolute levels of IgG were markedly increased.  In addition I had an increased IgG index and daily rate of IgG synthesis at 45mg/day which are highly charateristic of multiple sclerosis and seemed to support the MRI observations.

I was then in remission until 2007.  In Feb. 2007 I was diagnosed with Paratrigeminal Neuralgia and treated with IV Solumedrol 2 times as well as weaning Prednisone 2 times.  Between February and June 2007 I was off work due to the fact that the Paratrigeminal Neuralgia could not seem to be gotten under control.  In July 2007, I started to have problems with pain in my hands and legs, neuropathic pain in my feet, severe muscle spasms in my legs, trouble with a lack of equilibrium, paresthesia, a bout of severe vertical double vision lasting 10 days.  An MRI was done after the double vision problem and I was called by my neurologists nurse and she said that my MRI was positive for lesions that are characteristic of multiple sclerosis and I was advised to get a second opinion.

I went to a new MS Specialist and was told that from what she read in my file, she does not believe it is MS and that my disease is not active.  She said that I do not meet the criteria for receiving the DMD's and that she doesn't know what is wrong with me.  She has done no further testing and will only deal with me through my family doctor.  My family doctor has admitted to having very little knowledge of MS but she told me she would muddle her way through.

To date, my family doctor, like my MS Specialist have done no further testing to find out what it is that is ailing me.  I am still having neurological symptoms including paresthesia, neuropathic pain in my legs and feet, the drooping left eye has never gotten better since February 2007 Just to name a few symptoms.

My question to you is, I am being denied the disease modifying drugs even though I have had two clear diagnosis of the disease and had one CIS in 1993...should I seek further advice from a different MS Specialist?  The first MS Specialist told me that the problems I was having were "underlying symptoms of MS".  

I don't know what the future holds as far as the MS goes but I don't want to find out in 6 months that I have Optic Neuritis and lose the sight in my eye when this possible could have been avoided.

What is your opinion?

Sincerely

Rena705

[magickat]

I'm no expert, but I would certainly seek another consultation, especially if I were still having troublesome symptoms. It must be very confusing to still have symptoms but to have an earlier diagnosis rescinded.

[Rena705]

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[Rena705]

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[patsy10]

I'm not a doctor but maybe you don't really have MS.  That would be great.  I would be inclined to believe the MS specialist over a general neurologist.  Lyme disease can cause MS-like illness,  including brain lesions, facial drooping etc...  I would at least get tested for this.  However, testing is not very reliable.  It also seems that 14 years of remission would be a very long time for MS.  Most people don't go that long.

[Rena705]

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[Rena705]

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[patsy10]

I would repost this and title it "attention Dr. Abhijeet" so it will catch his attention.