Just an Update - PIOG

[Sidesteps]

I thought I'd give an update. I had my appointment with my MSologist today. I
also saw her resident physician who did ghe exam and spent about 30 minutes going over my history. The bottom line is:

After examination, the doctor indicated I have symptoms that indicate an issue in my t-spine. I have right foot weakness and decreased sensation as well as MS hug symptoms but she felt that since my symptoms are mild it would be a "fishing expedition."

I have a couple questionable areas on my MRI. My friend "spot" is a periventricular lesion but she said it's not specific. It's not nodular and isnt in a typical presenting location. It was 'something' though. She looked at the other sequences and explained the other areas to me. I could see she wasn't happy with my MRI at that point because she mentioned getting a new full MRI's for comparables under MS protocol with t-spine to the resident and me.

She also mentioned a SSEP and explained what all these tests do. She went into detail about diagnosing in absence of obvious MRI's findings so her plan is the cost effective and fastest approach considering I have already had so many MRI's.  She doing the spinal tap next Wednesday and getting a referral to a Neuro-Opthm. because the Neuro-Opth can see things they can't. If the spinal is negative then full MRI's again and SSEP. If the spinal tap is positive we move to treatment.

I was super happy with both doctors. I left knowing what they "saw" wrong with me and reassured that they are going to run more blood work alone and against the spinal tap to rule out the more elusive mimics, infection and cancer. She also told me that the good news while frustrating for me is that it's not *obvious* I'm sick and my tests are relatively ok with abnormalities scattered. It means that if this is MS it's caught early enough and its not likely a life threatening issue if it's not.

I have spent the better part of this year questioning certain issues going on but my doctor with one question to me about my right foot, confirmed I'm spot on. I have right foot weakness. I noticed it dragging while I was walking and didn't say anything about it. She caught it on my tip toe test. I am in the right place now. Thank the Lord!

So, while no diagnosis, I feel she is suspicious, seeking answers and going to figure this out. She assured me that even if nothing definitive shows positive right away, she will continue to run MRI's periodically and other tests. Follow me.

There was more but ultimately, she is working on dx in the absence of obvious MRI findings.

[sarahw244]

That is excellent news!  Finally someone to take you seriously!  Good luck with the spinal tap.  Hopefully she doesn't change her tune if the results are negative.  It seems as though that is where a lot of people have been getting hung up.

Keep us in the loop!  :-)
(((hugs)))
Sarah

[illinwithoutacause]

dear sidesteps,

thank you for filling us in on the outcome of your appointment.  it's wonderful to be heard and have your symptoms validated, and it sounds like both the MSdoc and the resident are motivated to do the right thing by and for you.

congratulations!

please keep us posted,
many blessings.
binx

[slightlybroken]

So happy for you. May this lead you to your answers...and finally to treatment. :)

Looks like you are finally on that right track!!

[Jacksmom516]

Wow - so glad you found a doctor to listen and be as suspicious of your symptoms as you are - hopefully between the two of you some answers can be found!  Not just dismissing what you say and moving you along!  

That is very encouraging news  - keep us posted on your tests!

Summer is almost over - sad but happy the heat will be gone!

Take Care
Jacksmom