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 guys for being so supportive! Don't worry, I am not going anywhere...you're stuck with me now!! Hahaha!

-Dee

[Guitar_grrrl]

I'm so glad you have answers, now.  I'm still trying to integrate my own diagnosis and the whole idea of living with unpredictability.  One Day at a Time.  

Wishing you lots of luck, and heartfelt good thoughts,
Guitar_grrrl

[Ufrustrated2]

congrats! if that is even warranted for such a journey.

nevertheless, you are now on a therapy course and that beats the neuro merry-go-round blackhole any day.

Damn the torpedoes & Godspeed

[Fluffysmom]

I'm as grateful as you are to have found this forum.  I'm glad these people helped make your journey easier.

I'm one of those still in limboland, even with an MS specialist (notice I didn't say good or even competent).  I keep plugging away, and hope to someday find an answer.

I appreciate your sharing your journey with us, and will be here with the rest, supportive and caring, even if I'm not participating.  As a limbolander, I don't know how it feels, what it's like to use Copaxone, etc, so I might not have much to contribute.

Just know that I'm another caring forum member that feels for you.

Someday I may be going through the acceptance process, and will learn from you what to expect.  Thank you.

Take care,

Kathy

[fdmh]

And my sx have only been going on 9 mos that I know of ( I would say 2 different occasions).   I have a feeling my next check up in September won't be much more helpful as far as answers

[fdmh]

I hope my new neurologist who I think is an MS specialist will be as proactive and helpful as yours.  My sx are only sensory it seems.  I have no diagnosis and would be considered as in limboland.   Also, does anyone know how to find out if your doctor really is an MS Specialist?  It says so on the Dean provider page, but how do I know for sure.  Best wishes to you and I hope your treatment starts out and goes ok.