LP results

[mj111169]

Hey everyone!

I just got back from my follow up.  The doctor said everything came back normal (thankfully).  He did say that I was positive for o-bands, but I also had o-bands in my blood, so he said they won't worry about that "for now".  He did say he doesn't like to have repeat spinals, but sometimes he will do it.  He said if we have to address that in the future we will.  

He said he wants to see me back in 3 months, and they will schedule another MRI to see if anything has changed since the last one.  

They took my blood pressure, as they always do.  The nurse commented that it was high, and then looked back and said it seems to run a little high.  The doctor noticed too and took it again.  He then asked me if I have headaches.  I said yes, as a matter of fact I have one today.  He asked if  headaches are common, and as I thought about it, I decided they are pretty common for me.  I feel like I have a headache at least a couple times a week.  He thinks it may be due to my blood pressure being elevated.  He also said sometimes headaches can cause abnormal brain MRI's.  Anyway, he prescribed me a beta-blocker called Corgard.  I am a little leary about it, but decided since I have had elevated blood pressure the last 3 times I have seen him, then maybe its not a bad idea.

Anyway, thats it in a nutshell. I guess I am no better off then I was before as far as knowing what the heck my problem is.  But i'm no worse, either.  

Have a happy valentines day!  

Maureen

[COBOB]

The result from the lab typically comes back something like : "Positive for Five Oligoclonal bands in CSF not present in Serum."    That is why they send a tube of blood with the CSF.  They have to compare the two.

Bob

[mj111169]

Hey Shell!

I felt ok about the appointment.  Not great, not horrible.  I did request a copy of my records and they are mailing them.  I do think he is concerned and that is why he wants to see me in 3 months and order another MRI.  I can't remember if he said negative or positive about the o bands. (I have to be careful how I word things!)  I think he said they found them in both, so they won't worry about that - for now.  And he did mention a possible second spinal tap, which I don't know if I would go along with willingly!  

The bp thing concerns me.  I did go today at lunch just for the heck of it to CVS and did my bp 2 times.  The bottom number was consistently elevated. I am thinking I may go see my PCP just to monitor it for a couple days before starting the meds.  I don't know why but I would rather try to change some things in my diet and get back into exercising before starting meds.

Fun times!!!!  : )    

I will check out the labs when I get them and will post them (if there is anything questionable) for some feedback.

Thanks!!!!

Maureen

[sllowe]

Hi Maureen,

Doc said normal, but positive for o-bands? Question here to determine if your tap was positive or negative is to know if the banding was same in both the blood serum and the csf. If they were, the results would be considered negative (maybe that's what he meant by normal). He's not concerned, so I'm thinking that may be the case.

Did you get a copy of the report?

What's key w/obands is the uniqueness of them. For example if some of the bands found in your csf did not match the bands found in your blood serum that would make it positive.

If you take the blocker and the headaches get better that would be good...high bp is def. not good for you :(

You on the wait n see list I'm afraid. How did you feel overall about the appointment?

-Shell