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MS Confirmed by MRI this Morning

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Posted 6/30/2009 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
HI All

It's me again. I had my brain MRI yesterday, and I picked up the scan and the report this morning. Here's what the report said:

According to the report I have 'multiple, small, periventircular T2 hyperintersities, with the two largest abnormalities lying adjjacent to the trigone of the left lateral ventricle spanning 1cm and 2cm respectively. Appearances are consistent with demyelination of MS. None of the lesion show enhancement following IV contrast administration. There is possible a similar 1cm abnormality in the proximal cervical cord.'

'Appearances are suspicious for MS'

As most of you know, I am having my cervical MRI next week, so I guess that will confirm the suspicion of any lesions on the cord there.

Is this enough evidence to avoid having to have a spinal tap done?

Thanks
MM
Posted 6/30/2009 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

If you don't mind me asking what were the symptoms ? Did the doctor right away have an MRI done, or were there other tests? I am so sorry about your news, I wish you the best. Is it worse if its on the cervical cord?

Posted 6/30/2009 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Smoochie

You can read my story..so to speak, here:

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=32&m=1490505

Mine is not your typical MS situation, but have a look, it may be of some help.

SP
Posted 6/30/2009 12:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Macs

My good wishes are with you. I really like your spirit, which is evident from your signature "They're not brain lesions, they're 'BRIGHT IDEAS'.

Keep your spirits high. Take care and keep on smiling.

PS
Posted 7/1/2009 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks PS

After I read the report I cried for a while, and then I got angry at the Dr's who told me it wasn't MS or it was 'all in my head'

Then I came to realize, that after losing two family members to brain cancer within a year....my MRI could be a lot more scary. There are worse things out there besides MS, and maybe the MS is my body's way of telling me to slow down and start looking after myself for a change, instead of everyone else.

I'll let you know how I made out with the neurologist this afternoon.

MM
Posted 7/1/2009 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
Oh MM,

I am so sorry!!!  I am so sad when I hear of someone else being diagnosed.  Please know we are all here for you.  Please ask  many questions, vent often and let us know how you are. 

I hope finding answers brings some relief.  I wish you the very best of luck.  I hope you stay and feel comfortable enough to let us get to know you.  I look forward to that and supporting you as you may need.  Love and prayers,

PS - I LOVE your new quote.

Posted 7/1/2009 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
MM,

One more thing, I don't think you need that spinal tap/lumbar puncture.  See what your doc says.  I would avoid it if you can.  It is not a lot of fun. 

Posted 7/1/2009 8:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Gretchen

Well, I met my neurologist today and I like him.

He says that I've got RRMS and that it's relatively mild, but I've had an 'aggressive attack' The timing of the attack so soon after my spinal surgery is purely coincidental. I've got 7 lesions on my brain, and one on my cervical spinal cord, but I could have more, we will know more after my scan next week. I have a lack of coordination in my left leg, and when the Dr held some vibrating instrument up against my right big toe - I didn't feel it. My hubbie said he tried three times, and I didn’t even notice. I'll be going to the local hospital for an hour a day for 3-5 days to receive steroids by IV which should reduce the severity of my current symptoms. A nurse will then come and teach me how to inject myself with my medication. I’ve chosen to use Copaxone ~ as it seemed to have the least side effects, and it wont interfere with the anti-depressants I on ~ which I wonder if I need any more.

He wants me to have an evoked potential test even though I've had no vision issues. He said that even MS patients without vision issues, normally have an abnormal results. He did mention a lumbar puncture, but I said no thanks - Ive had enuff unnecessary stuff done to my spine recently - he didn't argue - and left it at that.

Based on what I told the Dr about my weird symptoms over the years, he thinks I’ve had it for about 10 years, but there’s no way to be sure.

Here's the kicker.....just for fun, I had the neurologist look at a CT scan taken back in 2007 as I was complaining of vertigo and a weird sensation behind my ear, like I had a pencil tucked behind it - bit I didn't, anyway he spotted two lesions on it, so my question is...why didn't the radiologist?

Is it ok to say I am soooooo looking foward to saying 'I told you so' to my GP tomorrow?

Thanks @ my signature, I should call them my bright ideas that backfired LOL

Speak soon
MM
Posted 7/1/2009 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hey MM,

Ok so let me tell you about the solumedrol.  That is the IV steroid deal that you are going to start.  It might give you some relief. It might do nothing.  It is worth a try.  It is NOT a treatment for MS, it only relieves a bit of inflammation.  You will need a sleep aid for the first night at least.  You will also need a strong heart burn treatment.  Get on that the day before start the solumedrol and stay on it for at least a week after you stop.  The heartburn you experience is BAD from the solumedrol.

The solumedrol can make you feel great or it can make you crazy!!!  If you don't like it, don't take it!!!  It won't lessen any of the disability you are now experiencing, it only makes you feel better.  Does that make sense?  Symptom relief only.

The copaxone is a piece of cake.  I love it.  The nurse will show you how to use do it.  Make sure you know both ways to inject.  There is a little tool called the "auto-inject" that will inject for you, or you can do it manually.  I didn't like the looks of the auto-inject so I only do it manually.  The needles are very fine (small) and short.  It is so easy!!!  Please email me if you have any questions.  My email is in my profile.

I wish you the  best of luck!!!  You sound a lot like me as far as this being mild.  Please do contact me if you need anything.

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