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Avatar universal

In need of direction-Am I being a hypochondriac?

Over the past year or two, I've noticed I have become weak and very tired. I'm in my 40's, so I've attributed it to age. I've seemed to always have urinary frequency, but urgency has become an issue.Hand cramping when writing. Calf cramping when walking.,etcThis year I began to have headaches and dizziness, and my PCP ordered a brain MRI in June that showed white matter lesions that were not typical distribution of a demyelinating disease.(I recall a MRi 10 years ago being told there was a scar-but there was no treatment, since I was planning on getting pregnant at the time). So recently, I was referred to a neurologist, who felt the headaches were "rebound" from over-using Motrin.800mg 2-3 times/day.( I have not used it since our first meeting in November.) During the  initial neuro exam, I was surprised to see had (+) Romberg,and Hyper-reflexes. The Dr ordered Prednisone and Topamax and a MRA(which was negative.) I felt wonderful on the higher dose of Prednisone-was actually functioning again, but crashed hard when the taper off began. I started putting symptoms together, and noticed I could not perform the "heel to toe" walk. The Dr dismissed my concerns, saying the gait issue and symptoms "means nothing". Since then I have tiny muscle leg spasms,a lot of neck and lower back pain, and my leg gave out on me once.He has given me no explanation for the unusual findings on the neuro exam or my symptoms, but said yesterday he does not feel it's anything serious and ordered no further testing. Am I being a hypochondriac? I'm worried!
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Avatar universal
Hi Moonie,
I would agree that you definitely need a new neuro. I understand it is not uncommon to go through several. I was fortunate to get a good one the first time,

Best of luck to you.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
wow, joiedecour, I'm almost envious of hearing that your MD will look over your MRI with you. When I asked my neuro what my brain MRI said, he answered "Nothing...it's fine"....I went to get infusion treatments for these migraines, and asked the nurse for a copy of my MRI.(she gave me a copy in a heartbeat) I expected to see "Impression:normal MRI", but instead" 2-3 mm T2 hyperintense signals"... and" hyperintense lesions in the white matter ".... "small vessel ischemic gliotic changes." Now- I am aware I am not going to keel over tomorrow because of this, but to dismiss this as "fine"? But I guess now, I can take the copy of the MRI to my new neurorologist...lol...
Helpful - 0
5509293 tn?1428531475
I would totally get a new neuro. How insulting to ask if you are going to nursing school. I am in limbo and somewhat frustrated with mine but he answers questions informatively, listens and looks at my mris with me. I have grown to trust him in spite of initial frustrations. But one who is denigrating is not a keeper in my humble opinion. You have a right to ask questions when it is your health on the line, not to mention your wallet!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
maybe the title should be"Is my Dr an idiot?" instead of the hypochondriac question...I've been so  shaky and have been having eye twitches-he blames the wellbutrin I've been.on for seven years-why would it suddenly.start causing a problem.now? I had tightness in my rib area.Fatigue to the point when during a bath the other day,I had to take a rest after shaving one leg before.starting the other.I have no concentration or energy to clean the house or do hobbies.The symptoms go on.I'm not sure it's MS, but I would sleep better if a Dr would at least address my symptoms.I've  only seen this Dr 3 times.When I questioned him about the abnormalities on the neuro exam, he asked if I "was going to nursing school".
Helpful - 0
1831849 tn?1383228392
Hi Moonie - Welcome to our group.

I agree with MT3. You are not being a hypochondriac. There are unexplained things happening and you should absolutely look for an explanation.

I would start my search by finding a new neurologist. Your current one is an idiot.  :-)

Kyle
Helpful - 0
10624661 tn?1414900629
No. you are not being a hypochondriac. You are merely paying attention and listening to your own body. Don't ever feel bad for that. You are the only one that knows how you feel. I would suggest getting a second opinion. I wasted a year and and a half with a neuro that passed it off as being nothing serious. He blamed fibromyalgia, lupus you name it he did it. I was getting no relief . I asked for a second opinion the first look of my MRI by the second neuro immediately stated "you have MS" by that time it has progressed to far for oral medications or injections. I now that monthly iv infusions to slow down the progression. If you really feel strongly about your syptoms please be persistent and seek out another doctor.You need the best care possible. Good luck and hope you can get some help.
Helpful - 0
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