got my diagnosis

[Military_Wifey]

brief history...I had symptoms for 5 years but doctors never did any testing, they just said it might be this or that and blew me off. After seeing a new pain management doctor in March, they thought I should have some MRI's (1.5 tesla) just to be safe. I had multiple brain lesions in multiple MS locations on the brain MRI. The c-spine had no lesions, just bulging discs. The MRI said most likely MS, so the pain doctor called me and said I have MS and they were sending me to Neuro for treatment.

Thanks to the members here I looked for a Neuro who specialized in MS and made a timeline of my symptoms. The MS doc was wonderful. He ordered blood work to rule out mimics, an LP and a re-do of my c-spine MRI on a 3T machine. I saw him back just 2 1/2 weeks later which was yesterday. He said based on all the testing and the history he is confident in saying I have MS. He says I have had for a few years and is relapsing-remitting form. He wants to start meds immediately.

Originally, he wanted me to go with betaseron but due to allergy risk he decided on copaxone. A nurse will come to my house and teach me how to give the shots. I am happy to know what is happening to me but it's still scarey to think this is the rest of my life. I am grateful to all the members who helped me during my "oh my God, MS..my life is over" panic phase I went into when the pain doc said I had it before they ruled out mimics! And thanks to all the members who helped me to look for a MS specialist, and those who helped me prepare for my first appointment. This is a wonderful site with amazing people!

-Dee

[Military_Wifey]

Thanks for the support! I know how limbo feels! I was just lucky enough to not have to stay there long. I am wishing you both speedy diagnosis of the correct issue by wonderful docs, and successful treatments! Don't give up!

-Dee

[Military_Wifey]

Thanks for the Copaxone help! Needles suck but I know it could be much worse! I have my setting at 6, it should be deeper to prevent sting? Like 8 or all the way to 10?

-Dee

[MsWobbles]

I know how it feels to have symptoms and no diagnosis - horrible!!.

Wish I could talk you out of the spinal tap - mine was horrendous and yielded no positive information whatsoever.

If your current neurologist turns out to be unacceptable to you, I urge you to go to the website called MSNeuroRatings.com which will allow you to read reviews of neurologists who really are good (or even sometimes bad) at diagnosing and treating MS patients (whether diagnosed or undiagnosed).  That way, you will see other MSers' opinions regarding the neurologist before you waste any more time or money on new unknown neuros.  Just locate your state and town and you will see names and ratings which, judging from the names and reviews in my area, have proven to be very accurate indeed!

The website is:  http://www.msneuroratings.com/ratings.php

We can thank Quixotic1 for this excellent MS neuro website!!

Thank you Quixotic1!!!!

WAF

[MsWobbles]

Congratulations on getting a diagnosis!!  Now that you know what you are dealing with, you can make decisions and receive appropriate treatment!!  Getting a diagnosis does not cause or change what you have had all along - rather, it is an enabler!!  As one who currently does not know for sure, I would rather know!!

WAF (a military brat)

[charinka]

I have not been DX or have I gone to the doc.  I just have these weird symptoms and would like to chat with someone about them.

[Lulu54]

All who are working through the hornet nest,
Set your needle as deep as possible if you are using the autoinject pen.  That will help with the stiniging.  I also believe that initially everyone has this discomfort because we are training our bodies to work with this foreign substance.

Also, be sure to wait until the alcohol dries before you do your injection - if yo udon't it will defnitely burn like crazy.

be well and stick with it!
Lulu
dx 09/08, Copaxone user