What now?

[coulditbestress661]

So I got my MRI results today and the nurse said it was NORMAL. I was kinda disappointed because I felt relieved after so many years I finally have answers and  I'm going to move on with life, but now I'm back to square #1. Don't get me wrong I am glad my results are normal but Im back to doubting myself and being frustrated. To me it doesn't make any sense but my neuro still want to see me to find out whats going on and perhaps do more tests but I'm feeling really happy,sad, mad, and frustrated. Is this normal to feel this way? Is it possible to still have MS with a normal MRI? I don't know I'm just venting. I would love some feedback.
Thanks ♥

[coulditbestress661]

No, I didnt get an MRI of my cervical spine. Only of the brain w/ and w/o gadolinium. My dr. seems to be on my side and my husband is going with me to my next appt so we will have some ammo for him. Also, I asked the office to mail me a copy of the report cuz being a nurse I always want to see all reports. I think cuz I know how dr. and tech are regular people and are often distracted by cell phones and facebook. So sad but its true.

[Sumanadevii]

Okay, my usual always asked question....(drum roll)...Did you have an MRI of your cervical spine and was the machine used a 3t?  If it was done on a 1.5t there is a good possibility that lesions were missed.  The 1.5t does well with showing brain lesions but not so well with spinal lesions.  The spine is a very confined space.  You need something a bit more powerful than a 1.5.

Does the 1.5t often miss lesions on the spine?  I am here to tell you yes!  So ask the neuro if it was done on a 3t.

I wouldn't take any dx unless it made absolute sense to me.  Ignore the rude remarks from family and friends ,,,get in full battle gear and fight for a dx.  If it ain't MS it sure the hell is something.  Don't give in!!

[coulditbestress661]

I dont take those meds anymore cuz they weren't working. But
I feel good Happy with occasional ups and downs cuz i feel like crap but like you said it could be worse and stop complaing. I'm really gonna try that and forget about all the symptoms and just enjoy my husband kids and my dogs.
Thank you ♥

[classiechic]

You surely didn't give me the impression as being rude.=) I know what you mean. It's those who have no idea or understanding what it's like to be in pain or have crazy symptoms. I know all too well. I have been told that It's all in my head,(of course it is) I'm a hypochondriac...You can about imagine. I take lorazapam and xanax also. It's helpful. I've tried the zoloft and prozac....I had terrible side effects from them. Again, I understand how you feel with the age and should be having fun, living a pain free healthy life. I'm young also, I seperate myself from it when I can. I also, think and pray for those who have it worse than Myself. I think of those children and babies who are very sick with cancer, Chiari. and other terminal, and chronic diseases and pain =( So, really....what I have isn't all that bad. I'm just trying to stay positive and stop feeling sorry for myself. Forgive me for rambling. =/

[coulditbestress661]

I didnt mean to come off as rude and you didnt offend me. Its when other people say it and have no idea what Im going through. Im at my prime age and should be having fun, running around, and not worring about aches and pains and so on. You are very supportive and thank you for that. I'm hoping its as simple as stress but I've been on paxil, zoloft, xanax, and lorazapam

[classiechic]

Thanks, I am so sorry If I offended you. I surely didn't mean to insult you. I agree with what you are saying. I can relate. No matter what mood I'm in, where I am or what I am doing. My symptoms arise without warning, and like you are spread out. I wish you all the Luck in finding out exactly whats going on. I wish I were better help. xoxo

[coulditbestress661]

sorry to hear you suffer from Anxiety and panic attacks but I dont I haven't had a panic attack in years and I know what they feel like my symptoms are not all together they spread out and can happen at anytime no matter what mood I'm in. My symptoms started 6 years ago when I was 21 and is now getting worse. I m a strongminded person and I feel insulted when people say its stress because I've been through stressful things and I knoiw how to deal with things.

[classiechic]

Wow....I have all of your symptoms and then some. To be Honest, I also suffer and have daily Anxiety and Panic Attacks. Stress, and Anxiety also cause alot of those symptoms. I can almost promise you that it is STRESS!!

[coulditbestress661]

i have the cd-rom of the mri with and w/o contrast and I have an appt with my neuro in 2 weeks.
My symptons are:
Headaches & eye pain when moving eyes up , down , and side to side- went to Opthamologist and tests were normal Tingling pins and needles,burning sensation, & numbness on skin sometime extremly painful ( buttocks,groin, thigh, hip). Severe fatigue, Muscle pain & weakness in arms, palms, hands, and legs.
Frequent need to urinate and urinary hesitancy (comes and goes). Cultures done  both NEG.
Cognitive problems (Thinking, paying attention, word finding, lossing train of thought, forgetfulness and or confusion)
Tingling/numbness hands & fingers shake and one time had no function for a second.
Spots and cloudiness in vision
Muscle tightness or spasm on sides of neck .        
Jolts of shock  pulsing in body & feel very lightheaded (like I'm about to faint), get a tingly or pins and needles feeling on my scalp, face,& jaw.
Trouble sleeping and moodiness
Legs feel heavy at times & sensitivity to heat

[classiechic]

I know exactly how you feel, Trust me. I thought for years I had some kind of cancer, or I was just one of those Mystery Diagnosis cases....where they would never figure out what was happening to my body, I was going crazy. In fact....I still am. I had my MRI a year ago, I'm scheduled to have my other this Friday. I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation after years and years of crazy symptoms. People accused  me of being a hyperchondriac. When I heard my diagnosis....I was feeling exactly like you, I still do. I knew for sure they'd find something. In your case, they found your MRI to be normal..That's Awesome. If all of your blood work and MRI's come back normal, you are healthy. Accept it. You may just have Fibromyalgia. It's very possible. With fibromyalgia....from what I understand, all test come back normal. You just ache and have terrible symptoms, but It's not life threatening. I wish you the best, Good Luck to you and God Bless you! P.S....I don't know you're whole story or your symptoms. I just pray that from here on out, You get better and stronger everyday. Although if you feel, cause we know our bodies more than any Dr or nurse. Keep trying to find answers, Never ignore your symptoms. Find one who will listen, Much Love, Casey

[johnniebear]

sorry I have a typo

Meant to say,   that yes you may have a clear MRI & still MS.


that's a bummer I know.

[johnniebear]

Hello,  and sorry to that, THE LESIONS CAN BE INVISIBLE ON THE MRI .


If could take a look at our health pages their is more detail for you.

here's the link

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/How-Can-a-Person-with-MS-Have-a-Negative-MRI/show/161?cid=36

Did you meet with the Dr?  do you have a copy of the report?

Take Care
Johnniebear

[lilmissmedic]

I don't really have any answers for you in regards to your MRI findings, because I'm right in the boat with you, however, I can tell you that what you're feeling right now is not weird at all. I understand being so frustrated. It has been a long road for you to finally get where you are and hitting a brick wall is devastating. I don't get why it's soo difficult to diagnose MS or why they are so hesitant, requiring so much time between attacks etc. I wonder if allowing symptoms to go on soo long not being treated can lead them to be irreversable? I have a somwhat positive MRI and was waiting for the LP results which I just knew would be positive. I thought I was finally going to get treated. It came back today and was negative and honestly after everything, I felt like jumping off a bridge. All I can tell you is to educate yourself on the Mc Donald scale and don't let your neuro off the hook. What have your symptoms been?