Spinal Tap Phobia

[cin68]

I saw my MS Specialist yesterday and he has ordered yet another test.  A spinal Tap.  I am scared of those.

I understand and appreciate that he wants to me make sure it is MS before he starts treating me, but what else could it be?  What else mimics MS?
Because my EMG was normal and the visual part was normal I believe he is starting to doubt me.  I wouldn't make up these symptoms.  I do not want them.  They are ruining my life.  
I apologize because I frustrated and confused.
What if there are no antibodies in the fluid, does that mean I am crazy and none of these symptoms are real?
Does the lesion on my brain mean something else?

Sorry guys, I do not know what to think anymore.

Cin

[LoveMyBostons]

I know, the emotions are very confusing! I cried when the doctor first mentioned MS. But after the initial shock wore off, part of me was almost excited to have a name for what was going on.

I'm sorry you have a headache! I had a mild one for about 5 days or so. It didn't interfere with my daily activities though.

Happy Birthday! I'm sorry you had to spend it this way.

[HVAC]

It is normal to fear the results. Either you went through the test it came out negative and you are back at square one or it is positive and other tests have to be performed to rule out other illnesses and then a possible diagnosis of MS. The diagnosis is mixed first it is good because you know what is wrong. It was bad in my case because MS is crippling and incurable and in my case little can be done. A lot more watching and waiting to see what happens next has happened since my diagnosis almost a year ago.

Alex

[skyeblues]

So sorry you are going through these tests and all the emotions that they stir up. This is such a crappy feeling which I understand all too well...

I had my first MRI on my birthday two days after my my first neurologist appointment in September.  It was abnormal and pointed to MS.  My spinal tap came out negative.

It's hard to puzzle out the conflicted feelings generated by the diagnostic procedure.

A clear answer means a positive result and the diagnosis is made.  A negative result is inconclusive and starts the journey into limbo land.  A friend of mine asked me: "you don't want to have MS do you?"  I wanted to scream at her but held back and answered "of course not."  I just want an end to ambiguity whatever it that means.
It's hard to wrap your mind around it all.  Once you get on this train it seems like you can't get off.

At this point in time awaiting my follow up MRI, I am just trying to give myself some slack.  I am not one to accept disarray in my life. So I am working to accept these confusing emotions.  It requires a certain kind of patience that I don't seem to have much of.  I am doing little things to improve my health. It gives me a tiny sense of control. It can't hurt to work on diet and do exercises to increase flexibility MS dx or not.

I hope you get the answers you need and that you find good support in your life to help deal with the process.  

As for your question about shaking hands and legs... I don't know what's normal anymore.  In my own experience the stress of the last few months led to all sorts of oddities of sensation and  twitches.  Also so many things I have always just ignored over the years have turned out to be symptoms of MS.  Now I am hyper aware of them.  

I suggest that you keep track of your symptoms (I am using the tracker available on this site) and mention them to your neurologist at your next appointment.  Unless of course something occurs which you think would merit a phone call.

About the headache, I hope your doc gave you instructions on when to call or where to go if it seems like you need the blood patch.


Take care.

skye

[cin68]

Good morning to everyone!
Please tell me this headache will go away.

I need to express my feelings regarding my results from the LP.  I cannot think of a better place to do it but here where you will understand.

I am scared and I cannot decide if I am scared that it will come back positive or negative.
If it is negative, then what is wrong with me?  My specialist said that if it came back negative he would just send me back for more MRI's of my brain and monitor them.  Which means no treatment and I have to walk around with no feeling on my left side and now the right side is starting the same path.
If it is positive, then I have to accept and deal with my life ahead of me, but atleast I will have an answer.
Am I making sense?
Friday, the day of my LP was my birthday and it was the worse weekend/birthday I have ever had.

Quick question and then I will shut up, I have been shaking (hands and legs) all weekend.  Is that normal?
Cin

[HVAC]

My back was really bad the first night, not so bad the next, then o.k. after that. The headache lasted a week slowly getting better.I would sit up awhile a few days out then have to lay down. It does get better. If not do not hesitate to call the doctor.

More people have the headache than doctors let you know. They do not want to scare you to death before hand.

Alex

[cin68]

Hello guys,
The back is not as bad as last night, but oh god the headache.
I went back to bed with a big cup of coffee, my sweet dog who will not leave my side and I rescheduled the photo shoot.  They are pregnancy photos, she has a few more weeks to go, so I will do it next weekend.  She has had a spinal tap and completely understands.
Ok I am laying back down to some easy listening 70's music (great idea MIke).
Love my 70's music.

Take care my friends,
Cindy