Doctor and MRI question...please respond

[luvnGod]

Hi All,

I saw my neurologist a week ago and he was concerned about new symptoms that have come on and symptoms that have seemed to progress.  He scheduled a brain and a cervical spine MRI.  I had them done yesterday and AGAIN no lesions showed.  Something like build up was in my sinus and at C5 and C6 the disk protrusion shown last year looked a little worse.  I just don't get it!  I was convinced lesions would show this time with how my symptoms were coming on.  Anyone else have progression of symptoms and new symptoms and still nothing on MRI?  

My grandmother recently told me about a MS specialist in NC.  His name is Douglas Jeffery.  He is a world renowned MS specialist.  I am seriously thinking of calling his office, getting all of my records/ MRI's and taking a trip to NC.  Anyone heard of him or have advice?  I'm so sick of limboland I just can't stand it.  I guess the fear is if symptoms are progresing which they certainly appear to be, how much more will they continue to progress before I can figure out what's going on?    

For those of you who believe in prayer, please keep me in prayer.  I truly appreciate it!
Blessings
Stacie

[luvnGod]

I will definitely be doing that.  I was charged $13 last time to get some of my records forwarded to my new neuro. and we did have to wait!  I hope to know more come Wednesday when my neuro returns from Christmas vacation.  I am actually hoping that he will still plan to move forward with the LP...however, if I had my choice I would rather that procedure be done with the specialist.  I love my neuro though, I just don't exactly trust the hospital I deal with.  MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

[sllowe]

Hi Stacie,

It's always good to get a 2nd opinion. You can go to the facility you were imaged at, and get the discs and the report to bring with you to the specialist. That way you don't have to wait for the office to make copies :)

[luvnGod]

Thank you all for responding.  I went ahead and called the specialist's office to see about getting an appt.  They told me I would need to get a referral but they would be more than happy to see me.  They want me to get all of my records, which I'm already working on.  The earliest they can see me is Jan. 18th, which isn't too bad, but my neuro is on vacation for the holiday and won't be back until the end of next week, so it looks like things will be on hold until then.

The plan with my neuro now was to get the results of the MRI's back and then plan the LP; I'm not sure if he will go through with it now or not since the MRI results showed no lesions.  

I have never heard of an OCT, I'll google that.  Thanks again!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Stacie

[jensequitur]

I found much better care with an MS specialist.  I had already been diagnosed, but I really had to manage my own care with the general neuro.  The MS specialist was able to recommend stuff for me that I didn't know about.  Plus she sent me for an OCT, which measures the thickness of your retinal nerve fiber.  Even if I didn't have visible lesions, the OCT would be enough for a diagnosis.

[maxthecat9196]

Hang in there.  If I had the need, and the means to look for a specialist in another state, I think I would do it.  

Tammy

[SarahL2491]

If he's like my beloved neuro, I had to book an appt 6 months in advance to get in...........and I went 3 states away to find him!  Sometimes you gotta go where you gotta go............just know you will probably have to make repeated trips...check the bankroll LOL
best of luck to you.  I have not heard of him but perhaps a call to his office could refer you to someone closer to you?