Probable diagnosis

[kerrtelli]

Question:  in all of your experiences, how likely is it that an individual has MS if the MS Specialist says you probably have MS based on MRI, blood tests, exam on the first visit?

Just wondering.

Thanks.

[supermum_ms]

She's meaning that there was 'nothing' abnormal in her blood tests to indicate it was something other than MS, eg Lupus, menapause etc

So the blood test have ruled out mimics + her abnormal MRI + abnormal neuro exam + MS specialists suspicion = probable MS

Cheers........JJ

[ArtistLike]

As someone who's not even officially in the "limbo" of probability (after a year and symptoms increasing in severity and breadth, I just had a normal brain scan and a C-spine scan that shows disc damage as well as increased signal intensity, and the rad center is giving me a new scan just to make sure that the signal isn't a flaw of the scan...being very careful not to misdiagnose), I want to thank you for posting another kind of experience.  From what I've read about this disease (even if I may not end up having it), I've been really moved by it.  I can't believe how variable and inconsistent it is in how it manifests, how it's diagnosed, how it progresses, what one expert knows versus another, etc.

But I also have one question: you mention that the doctor made the "probable" call based partly on blood test results.  Does MS affect blood chemistry in such a way that it would throw off anything on a CBC, lipid panel, hormones, etc.?  I'd appreciate knowing that, because I just had a crazy-thorough blood test and only a couple of things were very slightly off...

[kel1lost]

Very well said Shell!!!  U r si right

Kelli

[sllowe]

Hey there,

There are some really good docs out there. Not to say those that have to wait longer for dx don't have good docs, it's just that everyone is different. Everyone's MRIs will be a bit different, not all symptoms will be exactly the same - none of us are exactly alike for sure.

But, these specialists see many more MSers because of their specialty. They are use to variety, i.e., typical, and non-typical cases.

I was dx'd quickly too. We are in the minority amongst our forum family here. This quick dx does come w/it's fair share of disbelief because 1) we aren't so versed in MS and what it's all about 2) took so many much longer - what makes us so unique?, and 3) it's probably just in our nature to want that 100% certainty.

Truth is, even some specialists  leave that 1% chance something else is the culprit. It is what it is unfortunately - until there is 1 definitive test for it - It's just not that kind of disease though and I'd say we will probably never have that one test in our lifetime - too much variety.

It's important to leave no stone unturned where MS is concerned, but nothing dictates that it has to take forever to rule in, or out. Docs mention of probably means he's not done yet. But, there must be some strong evidence that's not being overlooked.

So, not sure if this helps....
-Shell

[jensequitur]

Pretty likely.  They get a lot of unclear cases that need further testing.  If the specialist is willing to sign off on a diagnosis at the first visit, they're pretty sure.

[HVAC]

It happened to me but the Doctor was leaving town and closing his practice and the Neurologist he sent me to  confirm the MS said it was not MS. Then the other Neurologists after her said I would be Diagnosed with MS in the future so I ended up with tests every six months for two years. Each case is different.

Alex

[kel1lost]

tHAT'S ALMOST EXACTLY HOW MY DX WENT!!  iN A MATTER OF 3 WEEKS I WAS DX.  THAT WAS 2 MONTHS AGO AND NOW I AM ON REBIF.  SO THANKFULL I WAS DX AND DIDN'T HAVE TO WAIT.

SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN WAITING ON A DX FOR SO MANY YRS.  

KELLI