New Neuro is a Keeper

[momto2grls]

Ok, after being made to feel like a nut job by my previous Neuro., I found a keeper. This Doc actually looked at my MRI results with me in the office and explained what he saw as he went along. Previous Neuer. relied on the radiologist's report and concluded MRI was normal.
Well, today I found out that I have 4 possible white matter lesions, one he is highly suspicious of. He ordered a Thoracic MRI and Lumbar Puncture (something I requested from the other doc and he refused saying it was not necessary).
I certainly am not excited about the possibility of an MS diagnosis, but just like many here, need an answer to the fatigue, pain, weakness, numbness, etc...
On exam the doc noted obvious left sided weakness and hyper reflexes. I am so nervous, some days I just try to block this all out of my mind and on others I am in tears over the possibility of this being MS.

[momto2grls]

Thanks for your response.
That's a bit of a relief knowing it's not as bad as the epidural. I will just pray they only have to stick me once - yikes!
I'm sorry to hear you had to endure the spinal headache, I'm sure that was no picnic. How long after the LP can the headache develop? I'm 43, so I guess there is a very good chance I will be in for the same unwelcome experience - ouch!

[SickMomma_PDX]

re epidural vs LP:

The LP was easier by far for me. And the anesthesiologist who did mine said that it always should be easier than an epidural because the LP requires a much smaller needle than is used for an epidural. Of course, it helps if you have a good doc doing your LP who doesn't need to stick you multiple times.

For me, the LP wasn't pain-free, but it was tolerable. Depending on what relaxes you, you might want to bring an iPod or something to help distract you. What works for me is having someone talk to me; since I'm a former news reporter, I simply started asking the doc about his history and why he chose to specialize in anesthesiology and about changes he's seen in the specialty since his early days.

Also, don't hesitate to call your doc if you develop an LP headache. I waited longer than I should have (five days), and the blood patch I finally got was a godsend. I don't know how old you are, but the anesthesiologist who did my LP said that in my age group (early 40s), almost half of women getting LPs end up with the headache.

Good luck, and congrats on finding a keeper of a neuro. Wish I could find one!! :-)

[momto2grls]

Thanks everyone for your responses.
I am so nervous about the LP, and it isn't even scheduled yet. I had epidurals with my 2 c-sections. How does a LP compare with an epidural? Please don't say it's way worse - yikes!! I'm not looking forward to it, but I know it must be done. As I get older I become a bigger baby about this stuff. I used to be much stronger - lol.

[Karen99]

A neurologist IS NOT worth his salt, a patients time and money if they do not review the MRI and other tests themselves.  It is a sign of ignorance, laziness etc. when they rely solely on a radiologists written report.  This is true for other specialties as well.  I've seen my share of neurologists.   The keepers ALWAYS look at the films themselves, the non-keepers never do. Without fail, this has been my observation.  

Good for you to have found a keeper.  How wonderful that neuro would take you step by step on the MRI.  Our fears can be squelched with info and education through our neurologists.  Yes, a little hand holding goes a long way during the diagnosis process.  It also allows us to develop confidence in our neurologists (doctors) and why they believe what they do, in our particular cases.  

As LuLu said, the statistics on MS are encouraging.  Each days brings new hope and progress in slowing the disease.

Take good care of yourself.  

[Guitar_grrrl]

I'm so glad you found a neuro who cares and listens.

I got a relatively rapid diagnosis with my "old school" neuro.  Yeah, I had lots of old lesions on my brain MRI, but he also did a careful history and thorough neuro exam.

So many others here on this forum are told such horsehockey as "Negative LP means no MS" and "Your lesions didn't light up with the contrast, so you can't possibly have MS", and other such things.  It's not an easy disease to diagnose to begin with, and a well educated neuro who keeps up on her/his reading is worth his/her salt!

Stick with us - you'll learn lots, just as I have.
Cheers,
Guitar_grrrl

[deborah0904]

First, I want to say how glad I am that you found a Neuro that you like!!!!  That is so important.

Second, I'm sorry that you are having problems that are possibly MS.  I remember 3 years ago that I was told there were no lesions on my MRI and that I didn't have MS.  I was so relieved to hear that and was so horrified at the possibility that I could have had MS.  December will be a year that I was actually diagnosed with MS after Lesions were found in my brain and on my spinal cord.  When I got the diagnosis, I was actually relieved.  Today, there are a couple of things that do scare me about MS however; knowing what I have helps me to move on.  God has given me the Grace that I need to deal with this disease.  Grant it, some days are more difficult when I just don't have energy or the strength to pick up a bowl.  It's so hard to comprehend just what MS can do to ones body.

I pray that you find the strength to move forward if you are indeed diagnosed.  Some days I wonder about things because I don't know what to expect.  This is a great place to find help and encouragement.  God is the greatest source of my strength but this is my next source of encouragement!!  God Bless You and best of luck!
Deborah

[Erin0313]

Congrats! You should be celebrating!!!!

Many people here have been through 1/2 dozen neuros and still don't feel that they have a keeper.

There is a lot to be anxious about but you just took care of one of the biggest goals - a keeper for a neuro - yay!!

Erin :)

[Bob368]

I'm glad to hear you found a good neurologist. Some doctors believe that they are the only one out there, you have no choice but to see them, and the diagnosis they give you is what your stuck with. Thats when i tell them, your terminated as my doctor, i will find one that meets my expectation. I have always found a better one.

Glad you found a keeper,

Bob :)

[HVAC]

Glad you found a good Neurologist. Try not to get scared by unknowns. There are many folks here who understand your anxiety. We survived it and so can you.

Alex

[Lulu54]

Hi Mom....
Its so good to hear of others finding good neuros to turn their care to... congrats on finding a keeper.

Yes, there is lots to be anxious about, but just keep in mind having MS is not the worst thing that could happen to you.  The stats on ms these days are very encouraging ....

hang in there,
Lulu