newly diagnosed.. hElp!!

[kjleedy]

hello to all.. i was just diagnosed this year. i only have 1 lesion on my brain mri and i have 3 well defined bands csf. is this enough to be diagnosed with MS? i have been put on 44 of rebif and been on it a few months.. please advise..

[essdipity]

Hi, KJ. Glad you've joined us!

I don't know how 'normal' it is to have more than one autoimmune disease, but it's certainly common. We have loads of members here with 2 (or more). The most common of all autoimmune disorders is, I believe, hypothryoidism, Hashimotos, which I also have. Graves disease is more rare but still not rare overall. I have 2 family members with Graves and 3 others with Hashimotos.

There does seem to be a genetic connection but it is not fully understood. However, it seems certain that that's far from the only cause of MS.

When Quix mentioned ruling out other autoimmune diseases, she was referring to those with MS-like symptoms, particularly lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Thyroid disorders can mimic MS as well, but with your test results and evaluation, it seems quite clear that you have both.

Please keep in touch and ask any questions you like.

ess

[kjleedy]

thank you so much for the information.  When you said other aotoimmune diseases, I also have Grave's disease, hyperthyroidism.. Is it normal for a person to have 2 autoimmune diseases attacking their body at once?  I have both MS and Graves?  Thanks a million..

[Quixotic1]

Hi, and Welcome to the forum.

MS is mostly diagnosed by the history of attacks and the neurological exam which needs to show that the central nervous system has had some damage.  Only then should the MRI be looked at and an LP considered.  the other thing that HAS to happen is that other reasons for the person's neurological problems have to be excluded.

So, if you have had 2 or more attacks of things like numbness, altered sensations, weakness, stiffness, dizziness, optic neuritis, double vision, clumsiness, paralysis, and there are many others.

And if you have abnormalities on your neuro exam like hyperactive reflexes, altered sensation, poor balance and/or coordination, problems with eye movments, etc.

And, they have worked to make sure you don't have any of the MS Mimics like other autoimmune diseases, neurologic infections, certain deficiencies, and a few others,

THEN, absolutely a single MRI lesion and 3 Oligoclonal Bands which are unique to the spinal fluid are definitely enough to cinch a diagnosis of MS.  The MRI and the LP are used as tools to provide further evidence and should  not be used primarlily to make the diagnosis.

I am a physician with definite MS and I also had just one brain lesion and I only had one O-Band in the LP.  However, I also had a markedly elevated IgG Index in the CSF. Later they found 6 spinal cord lesions using a higher power MRI, but they had already made the diagnosis.

Rebif is an excellent med for MS and has a good track record.

I invite you to join us and tell your story.  The first years after diagnosis can be full of questions and doubts.  We are a great source for info, support and hearing others' experiences.

Quix, MD