Quix, anyone....What does Clinically definate MS mean???

[LATW]

I am trying to figure out my MS doctors letter... She said I am at significant risk for "developing more clinically definate MS."  What does she mean by more definate?  More symptoms?  

She dx'd me as early MS and is treating me in order to stop progression.  I know I should not worry about this, but I am.  Not so much that I might develop more symptoms, I am on Avonex to help, but a DX of MS is a DX of MS,,,,, isn't it?

LA (confused)

[gollie]

I meant to say
neuro has sent me to a urologist and
a opthomologist for further work up.
sorry about the typos, I must have been
really tired.

Gollie

[gollie]

La

I am doing great with the copaxone injections.
no problems at all. today will be my 5th day,

nero sent me to nurologist today because of symptoms
and also is making me go to the opthomologlis monday
because of my eye symptoms and bilateral vep, so
here we go again.

the testing goes on, im so tired out lol                         All My Best Gollie

[LATW]

Thanks Gollie, I really needed to get some peace of mind about this.  
Hey, how did you do with your injection?

LA

[gollie]

La

dont be preplexed. It is your right to know what they are
saying. I know its hard, to understand what theirl ingo means.
and you should be asking these questions. All it means
is that you getting pro active. and that is a good thing.

I get a report from my specialist for every appointment.
just to keep a check on things.

In my opion, it does sound like she is saying that you are
at high risk, for more clinical (physical) symptoms. to develope
Since you have the ON and a lesion, and the reflex stuff,
and whatever other things are going on.

She actually just sounds as tho she is firmly backing up
your MS Dx.   (not actually meanning your in for a whole
bunch of other symptoms and disability)
So keep up with the avonex for slowing the progression.

                                                            Hope this helps             Gollie

[LATW]

Thank you Gollie and Ess,
I know I am letting myself worry about this and I should not.  There is no other reason for what is going on with me.  MS is the only logical answer. I should probably NOT be trying to figure out a note from one doctor to another.  I have no medical background and have no way of knowing what she is saying.  

Gollie, I have the clinical history for sure.  I had ON this summer with a lesion in my frontal lobe white matter. Then a second attack of ON this January......Ok. I guess that does answer my question!

However, I am still a bit perplexed by her saying I am at high risk for going on to develope more definate clinically MS.

I can only take that to mean an increase in symptoms or something disabling?

LA

[gollie]

Clinically definite multiple sclerosis.

Attacks and clinical evidence of two separate lesions.
Two attacks, clinical evidence of one and paraclinical evidence of another separate lesion.
Laboratory supported definite multiple sclerosis:

Two attacks, either clinical or paraclinical evidence of one lesion, and CSF immunologic abnormalities.
One attack, clinical evidence of two separate lesions and CSF abnormalities.
One attack, clinical evidence of one and paraclinical evidence of another separate lesion, and CSF abnormalities.
Clinically probable multiple sclerosis:

Two attacks and clinical evidence of one lesion.
One attack and clinical evidence of two separate lesions.
One attack, clinical evidence of one lesion, and paraclinical evidence of another separate lesion.
Laboratory supported probable multiple sclerosis:

Two attacks and CSF abnormalities.
In each of these above situations and attack is defined by neurologic symptoms and signs lasting more than 24 hours. Second attack must be separated by the first by at least one month.

Clinical History
Clinical history of MS usually is complaint of numbness, weakness or visual disturbance of some sort. When the presentation is sensory, the symptoms can be paresthesias, burning, tightness, diminished sensation, etc.. Many times the distribution of complaints is not conforming to anatomic territories which make it seem puzzling. When the presenting symptoms are weakness, it can be in one or both legs or can be hemiparesis. Optic neuritis is a common presentation of MS, complaining of monocular visual acuity loss or central scotoma or loss of color vision. Less frequently, symptoms can include vertigo, gait ataxia, diplopia, tremor, or even sexual dysfunction.

I found this.  This should help sort things for you         Gollie

[gollie]

Hi La

I cant be sure but i think clinically means what the doctor observes
in your exam (physical)  

Was your mri and other lab testing abnormal?

Im pretty sure I read that somwhere about that. (now im going to see If i can find it again).
Mean time im sure someone who is more versed on the subject than I am
will be along soon.

                                         Gollie

[essdipity]

I don't blame you! You have MS and are on Avonex. That should be enough. But in your shoes I'd call the neuro and 'wonder' if she can clarify what she wrote.

ess