Just Getting Started w/ Possible MS

[triplecranch]

Last year I went to regular Dr. for my annual anti-depressent check-up and asked if he thought I had allergies/sinus problems because my head is killing (yet, I am laughing and functioning just fun).  He suggested an MRI (I did not think much of it, in fact wasn't going to go until his nurse scheduled it for me).  Report came back with liesions on brain could be Lyme, Migraines, or MS.  Did the Lyme test --negative.  Told me to se a neuro.  Say here and told me that I needed more sleep and to change diet come back in six months, I did things were fine for a while and then in July headaches were back, fatigue, tingling on the top of my right foot, not that I thought much of it but I have had difficulty in swallowing my food for the last two years (I thought it was the lexapro causing dry mouth).. but it has gotten worse, I have to take a drink with every bite.  At work, I have become a complete ditz, can't remember one thing to the next.  Days off I wonder around the house, almost as if I am lost.  I have vertigo now (for the last 5 years I get car sick, sick in elevators, or amusements rides -- what is up with this).  At times, my toes, and fingers look as though they have frost/bite even in the summer months they look pasty-whiteLastly, I have bladder issues and have for 17 years (problems urinating frequently).
I just went for my follow up check and have a few more leisions on the ole` brain.  (I'm 35 mom of two boys -- am I going nuts; I feel like a big baby).

[NrssAngel]

Check out my timeline (Angel's timeline).  I have had terrible headaches since childhood, so for many years and esp. the last year or so, I take daily pain relievers/anti-inflammatory. (usually aleve, I like it because it doesn't upset my stomach the way ibuprofen ust to.)  I take a muscle relaxer called Robaxin for shoulder, neck and back pain and spasms, which seems to be helping alot with the pain and keeps me able to work.  I have also always gotten extremely car sick from a very early age (not sure how sig. this is to MS)  I read somewhere that ibuprofen helps with Alzheimer's lesions.....I wonder how it might help MS???  I am mustering up the courage to get a Neuro consult and I say muster for the simple reason that I know something is going on and quite frankly I'm a little scared to face it.  I would then have to make a decision to take meds or not.  One of my co-workers was diagnosed with MS, she is 27 and also an RN.  Nurses really can't afford something like MS, anyway just me being scared and putting it off.  Really am going to get a huge life insurance policy before I go....not kidding about that!!!  

[triplecranch]

Thank you for all the information, and support.  I will be contacting my neuro and request a follow-up to see what my options are.  

Best of luck to everyone.  

Kit ~  I will be thinking about you in the next two weeks for your spinal.

[AussyRose]

If you do have MS, then even 6 months can be a long time to "wait and see" especially if symptoms are coming back, so the fact that your neuro noted lesions and sent you on your way concerns me.  Now that you have even more lesions, is your neuro seeming more concerned?  It's past time to get on the ball!!!

Did you get an epidural with your boys?  My neuro says spinal tap is not as bad (invasive) as an epidural...although I am not scheduled for a spinal for two more weeks so I can not vouch for that personally.  My neuro also believes that one should have a spinal tap following MS Eval MRI on the record, with or without noted lesions.  So "need"-maybe not.  I would go with "ought to have"...but maybe that's just me.  I myself would like to have as much info as possible to confirm diagnosis as well as map progression over time.  And, just becuse a spinal tap is neg. doesn't mean you don't have MS, so I believe anyone would be better off with an actual dx so they can follow with preventative treatment...don't you?

Best of luck...we feel you.

KIT
Aussy

[triplecranch]

My doctor says to do nothing except watch my diet, get rest and exercise.  Call her back in six months unless I need to talk to her sooner.  At the time of our discussion, I did not want to believe what I was hearing and thought I that I did not want to go back.  I am deathly scared of the spinal tap.  Scared to even be diagnosed... then I have to play the insurance will/ or will not cover you game.  I'm not on any medications although I did go back on Lexapro.  Do you think I need to do the spinal tap?  Can you do a spinal tap too soon for MS to show up?  

[JI Jo]

You need a diagnosis.....I am not a Dr but it sounds supiciously like MS especially if you have lesions from so long ago and it's not Lyme.

Why isn't your Neuro concerned?? Are you on medication?

[cdvzfr]

What did your doctor say at the follow up about the lesions? And what is the plan?
Rae