Well, I think I need to figure out what is the right thing to do right about these lesions on my cervical spinal cord. Firstly, are the lesions something that has happened in the last few months to a year? Next how do react to my neurologist about this.
Do I go on a stronger drug treatment? I have a couple questions about this that will have an impact on my decision. If the lesions are recent then going on something stronger seems like a course I need to take. I react badly to interferon’s; does this matter that much. Well, they cause me to start planning suicide. Then there is Tysabri.
My neurologist told me two years ago that my MRI was almost identical to the one I had four years ago. If that is true then the lesions are relatively new. Also, this leads me to question his lax demeanor about my most recent MRI and these lesions on my cervical spinal cord. If these lesions did show up on my previous MRI then he was wrong about my MRI two years ago being almost identical to the one four years ago. If that were true I might feel a little better that nothing is going on now that is new. But hey, then he gave incorrect info before and **** things have been going on for a long time.
I read more on lesions on the spinal cord, due to prompting from others on the forum and my own blaring red flags. The information is not good about such lesions. I cannot take this information too lightly. I need to find something I can do. But, what should I do. I guess I need to find out which drug plan is best for me.
I found something on the web that may help (see below). It seems to make sense. My sister, who was diagnosed within a year and a half of me has some spinal cord lesions and her disability is significantly greater. If it was me, I'd be seeking another opinion about the course of your future treatment.
BTW, my sister's first infusion with Tysabri is next week. Previously, she took Rebif (2007- present).
Take care,
Deb
See the link below:
http://www2.healthtalk.com/go/multiple-sclerosis/ask-the-doctor/content/is-multiple-sclerosis-worse-in-the-spinal-cord-or-brain
You definately get a Platinum star in my book! I agree with Heather with the cervial spine lesions, get a second opinion about that. She is so right about it being a more disabling factor. I know you have been having exacerbations and I am definately worried about you.
I am not knowledgeable enough about this monster, but am doing tons of research. I will try to look into the medical studies and see if I can find out anything for you.
I like being crazy with my friends :)
Big Hugs to Ya,
Ada
Thank you for responding.
I guess this leads me to a few questions.
At this time do drugs other than copaxone treat leisons on the cervical spinal cord and is there any indication that changing to an iterferon or to Tsyabri will make any difference for leisons on the cervical spinal cord? I do not react well to interferons.
Who on this forum is he best person to talk with about this?
Also, I am paraphrasing my doctor as best as I can. But, he did say that he would expect to see an increase in the spinal cord leisions for someone who has had MS as long as me. Still, I am concerned because he said there was nothing new on my pevious MRI.
I noticed in other posts about durg studies. Do you know if some of these drugs are showing signs worth talking with a research doctor about being part of a study?
There IS a big difference in 1.5T and 3T. It may pick up lesions that are not seen on 1.5T.
Your doctor said your brain lesions looked smaller and that was good. It is. But also your spinal lesions ARE very important, which he did NOT say. So Michale, when did you say you were going to be finding a NEW Neurologist?
These spinal lesions are VERY important. They can make a huge difference in whether you walk unaided or are in a wheelchair or walk with a cane.
I would not be too happy about this appointment if it were me. Of course, you have to make your own decisions. But this lady would be worried about the spine and what was found. That is pretty far up in the spinal space and affects everything below that level. Hello doctor, are you listening?
Heather