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Correct diagnosis
by Mindy1965, Jul 17, 2008 03:03AM
I am a Iraqi Freedom Veteran, 2003. I had a severe reaction to the third anthrax vaccine.
Since I have had waxing and waning symptoms or flares. My case is confirmed and tracked by the Vaccine Health Care Center - through the military.
I have seen a Doctor who believes my situation was caused by the vaccine. So much so that the other doctors on my care team - which include the VA - look toward her diagnosis of CFS/Fibro/IBS.
I do not respond to pain meds or any attempted therapies although bodywork helps.
STILL - I think something more is going on. Veterans for some reason DO have higer rates of MS, especially gulf theater vets.
Last week after increasing jaw pain and eye blur/pain - I had an attack that felt like the right side of my face had been hit by lightening. I went to the VA ER. (Doctor was wonderful)
They did a CT scan with dye - it was normal. 2 years ago I had a normal MRI with no lesions, because the numbness stuff seemed beyond a little fibro tingling. After my most recent ER visit the VA Doc put me on steriods and I responded almost immediately. My eye issue resolved, I can see again, it is not vision degradation! I have also had 3 GI work ups, swearing it is my gallbladder. No test are fine.
I do have tender points - I also have numbness of which I had a flare where I would wake 4-5 times a night to bang around on the offending extremity. Fatigue is unbearable. I thought carefully and I have had 3 bouts of possible optic neuritis(?) and yes they were all during the summer months. I have had hip and leg pain which has made it difficult to climb stairs. Muscle spasms. Headaches. Slurring of speech. And lately cognitive decline which is frightening.
I have talked with and met other Veterans with stories so similar to my own - who eventually after years did get an MS diagnosis.
Still I show no lessions on the brain. The eye issue, "shocking" face pain episode and response to steriods lead me to think more aggressive neurology testing should be done. (also white blood cell count elevated more than 1 1/2years) I have an appointment with an optometrist the end of this month - will he be able to confirm if this is optic neuritis? Should I have the MRI with contrast of my spine? The spinal fluid test?
I am sick, and feel exhausted having to advocate so for my care. Even the intake nurse at the ER said to me - they have got to start looking at MS. Talk to your doctor about it. Yet again - normal head scans, so this is a fight.
Please advise.
With my complecated situation what is the recommendation to insure I in fact have the correct diagnosis?
Since I have had waxing and waning symptoms or flares. My case is confirmed and tracked by the Vaccine Health Care Center - through the military.
I have seen a Doctor who believes my situation was caused by the vaccine. So much so that the other doctors on my care team - which include the VA - look toward her diagnosis of CFS/Fibro/IBS.
I do not respond to pain meds or any attempted therapies although bodywork helps.
STILL - I think something more is going on. Veterans for some reason DO have higer rates of MS, especially gulf theater vets.
Last week after increasing jaw pain and eye blur/pain - I had an attack that felt like the right side of my face had been hit by lightening. I went to the VA ER. (Doctor was wonderful)
They did a CT scan with dye - it was normal. 2 years ago I had a normal MRI with no lesions, because the numbness stuff seemed beyond a little fibro tingling. After my most recent ER visit the VA Doc put me on steriods and I responded almost immediately. My eye issue resolved, I can see again, it is not vision degradation! I have also had 3 GI work ups, swearing it is my gallbladder. No test are fine.
I do have tender points - I also have numbness of which I had a flare where I would wake 4-5 times a night to bang around on the offending extremity. Fatigue is unbearable. I thought carefully and I have had 3 bouts of possible optic neuritis(?) and yes they were all during the summer months. I have had hip and leg pain which has made it difficult to climb stairs. Muscle spasms. Headaches. Slurring of speech. And lately cognitive decline which is frightening.
I have talked with and met other Veterans with stories so similar to my own - who eventually after years did get an MS diagnosis.
Still I show no lessions on the brain. The eye issue, "shocking" face pain episode and response to steriods lead me to think more aggressive neurology testing should be done. (also white blood cell count elevated more than 1 1/2years) I have an appointment with an optometrist the end of this month - will he be able to confirm if this is optic neuritis? Should I have the MRI with contrast of my spine? The spinal fluid test?
I am sick, and feel exhausted having to advocate so for my care. Even the intake nurse at the ER said to me - they have got to start looking at MS. Talk to your doctor about it. Yet again - normal head scans, so this is a fight.
Please advise.
With my complecated situation what is the recommendation to insure I in fact have the correct diagnosis?
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