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]

Thank you and I wish you luck in getting an answer! I am so glad that it only took 1 neuro(who specializes in MS) and 2 appt's to have a diagnosis and start meds. I have read the horror stories on here of other's diagnosis journey's and was terrified. I see you are among those. I am sorry, and will pray for you to have answers and treatments very soon!

-Dee

[PastorDan]

It wouldn't be quite right to say I am envious of someone having MS, but at least knowing must be a big weight off of your shoulders.  I feel I am getting closer, finally, maybe.  I will pray that your treatment exceeds all expectations.

[HVAC]

Glad you finally got an answer. I have been on Copaxone for three weeks. I had some side effects the second week but they went away.

Good Luck Alex

[roncart]

Hi, I am new to this forum and must tell you how lucky you really are!(not that you have ms) obviously but that you had doctors who told you the same thing. I am in the dilemma that 2 years ago I too had the brain mri which showed lesions on my brain which the radiologist said were the pattern of ms. My doctor(who called and told me that I had ms) sent me to a neuro and he said well you have back and neck problems I am not sure you have ms. my family doc sent me to phila. and they said they were not so sure but they suggested I have a spinal tap. that was 2 years ago I never had the spinal and since that time I have gotten so much worse. my legs are in constant fasculations, they are on fire most of the time, now I have nightly spasms . I just went to a new neuro and he could not believe they said not ms. His words to me were this is a classic ms brain pattern. He ordered new mris of neck thorasic spine and lumbar because the films I brought to him were 2 years old. He has put me on zanaflex 4mg. 2x a day for the spasms. In the meantime I had an appointment with a neurosurgeon for a neck problem. I brought him all my films and he looked at the brain and said "I don't care what any of them say it is my professional opinion that you have ms. now I am a surgeon I do not treat ms". but you need to follow up with a neurologist. I wish I could get a straight answer. I am having a spinal tap and a cervical myelogram next wek. I am hoping to get diagnoised!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck to you.

[Military_Wifey]

Thanks for the well wishes! It definitely is bittersweet. But, like you said, at least now I know the cause and can have meds to help!

-Dee

[deborah0904]

I'm sorry about your diagnosis.  It is somewhat of a bittersweet moment, I'm sure.  It's always good to know what is causing the problems so that you can treat it.  I hope the medication helps you.  Take care of yourself!!!!
Deborah