Help!

[boxerdog]

I'm a 28 yr old female and I was diagnosed with optic neuritis about 1 week ago, with no other symptoms, so my Dr sent me for an MRI last week.
I picked up the results yesterday and the results came back that the MRI shows "prolonged T2 and low T1 signals" in 4 different spots on my brain, is this the same thing as lesions? The report notes that it is most likely MS. Are there any other diseases that have the same symptoms, or does it sound like it's most likely MS? I don't see the Dr again until Wed, and I'm very nervous.
My dad and his uncle both have MS.

[bellaf]

Unfortunately i got told my first symptom (optic neuritis) was most likely the beginning of MS and it turned out that it was. Apparently it is a very common first symptom. Thats not to say you definately have it but if you also have lesions there is a high chance. Try not to stress yourself out (i know its hard), wait and see what the neurologist says and then you can deal with it when you have more information. And remember if you do have it, your not alone, we are all here to help. I have had MS for 8 yrs and no body would even know, not everybody who gets the disease is very sick with it, everybody is different.

[LATW]

I am sorry to hear this.  don't worry too much, it will be ok.

ON is how I started over a year ago.  I have a dx now and am being treated. I also have a family history of MS.

Not as strong as yours but I guess that does not matter.

LA

[JonM]

This can be a very anxious time for you.  We have all been there.  It sounds like typical MS although there are more tests to perform torule out other causes.

Let me reassure you that MS is not a "death" sentence or even a sentence to a wheelchair anymore.  It is manageable and you will get back to normal and move on in life.  Don't despair there are good treatments now and even better ones on the way.

If they do DX with it I encourage you strongly to get on the DMDs (Disease Modifying Drugs) ASAP.

Will check back on you.  Take Care
Jon

[sllowe]

Hi there,

Welcome!  Well, what a good Dr. you have there to follow through after a ON dx with an MRI.  I'm glad to hear this.

We have an excellent write up in our health pages that describes how MRIs show lesions in MS.  The HPs are located toward the upper right hand corner of the screen.  You will get the best description of T2 and T1 lesions there. Please read this info through - it's a lot to digest, but it's so useful.

I know you are nervous, but MS is not a death sentence as you must know.  It does however come with it's fair share of issues, symptoms, limitations, etc. How have they treated the ON? With steroids? How are you feeling otherwise?

I'm so glad you found us.  You will find much support, education and comfort here.  We'll also help you bide your time while you wait for your appt. Is this a follow up with an MD or a neuro?

How is your Dad and Uncle's MS? There are a treatment options now and it has greatly reduced progression in MS.

Again, welcome, and I hope to see you around.  Ask anything you like, there is usually always someone around,
be well,
Shell