Confirm or start treatment?

[momofthreewaitingforanswers]

First post here but I've been reading for a long time.

I've had symptoms for 41/2 years with MS a possibility. Got pregnant 4 years ago, things got better. Changed jobs, life was busy.  Last summer things got worse - numbness, problems with hand, double vision, eye pain, blurry vision, weak legs, fatigue.  Went back to the neuro in the fall.  I've had every test in the world and have ruled out everything that could be ruled out via blood test and have had CT angiogram, TE echo - all fine, VEP show some variance but still in normal range, spinal tap clear, MRI shows one lesion on frontal horn and some mild arthritis in C7 but not enough to cause symptoms.  Had two rounds of solumedrol that worked like a miracle to clear up symptoms, once in Dec and once at end of Feb.  Since then have been much better.  Take thyroid, calcium, vitamin D, and Topomax.  After most recent MRI, neuro says 90% sure MS and wants to start an ABC drug.  Am I crazy to want a confirmation from a specialist?? or should I be thankful for a diagonsis and start the treatment?  I always tell everyone to get a second opinion and I'm sure this is MS, but my tests are pretty good yet and then I'm afraid what if another dr. tells me it's not.  Help please!  Thanks.

[Heather3418]

Welcome to the MS Forum.  You've come to the right place for compassion and understanding and hopefully some answers, based on our experience.  Non of us are doctor's but we try to give everyone the benefit of some of our experiences with MS.  We do the best we can, but always encourage you to follow through with a thorough talk with your doctor.

I believe the only thing that will ease your mind is to get the opinion of a competent MS Specialist.  If they concur with the first impression of MS, then I WOULD start on one of the DMD's.  Hopefully your spine has been imaged with and without contrast dye.  Since you say that you have some mild arthritis in your spine, I would suspect that the MRI has already been completed.

The one comment you make tips me off to possible MS.  That is where you speak about how things got better when you were pregnant.  That is what will happen with someone with MS.  Usually within six months of delivery, the symptoms will start again.

I do hope that you will seek a second opinion before deciding on a life full of the DMD's.

Again welcome.  Pull up a chair and join in on the many discussion.  Your experience thus far, can help many others in a similar sittuation.

Glad you joined us.  We look forward to more of your posts.

Blessings and Friendship,
Heather

[cjacks]

Mom of 3

Welcome , glad you're with us . So sorry about the problems you are encountering .
as you know this is the best place for answers and comfort.

I don't know much about interpreting tests and putting it all together , but it does sound like ms should be considered . Your doc seems be be right on with the testing so far , there are others and there are mimics that need to be ruled out . Others will be along to give more in depth help. ( I'm just barely slogging along myself)

I don't think you're crazy for wanting a 2nd opinion from a specialist.  I'm waiting for a couple more tests and expect to get a diagnosis and if he says ms, I'm going to a specialist for peace of mind . I REALLY don't want to take any ABC drug. I will do so only if  I'M positive.   My tests are like yours , inconclusive/normal  ..  except for mri with non-classic lesions .

Good luck   and welcome    

Jo

[Want to feel well!!!]

Hi and welcome!  However, sorry for the circumstances that bring you here.  I do not feel comfortable enough to give you an opinion, but someone else will be along at some point to help you.

It does sound like you are in pretty good hands, but again I am sorry this has happened to you.  Hopefully you will get the treatment you need so you can take care of that family of yours!

I wish you wellness...
Wanna :o)