Thoracic MRI

Tomorrow I am scheduled to have an MRI of my thoracic region done.  I already had a c-spine last year around this time, only thing found was a bulging disk.  My brain MRIs have been normal.  I'm concerned though that the neuro didn't write on the script with contrast.  It is also in an open MRI, she has written on the diagnosis part== leg parasthesia.  I am finally after seeing her for almost a year now, this was my fourth visit, having blood drawn to check my B level.  Isn't that usually one of the first things that they test for when people have sensory symptoms?  Thanks for listening.

Jen

Gretchen, thanks for the response.

I had the thoracic MRI this morning.  When the technician came to take me out he asked if I ever had a lumbar MRI, I said yes, and told him it was normal.  He just said, huh.  Then he asked if I ever had an EMG, I said no, my neuro doesn't feel that it necessary.  I am thinking that he didn't see anything wrong with my thoracic MRI, even though he's not the radiologist, they do this stuff everyday, and he should be able to tell if there was anything wrong.  After all, it was him who told me last year that I had a bulging disk, but wouldn't say where in my cervical spine.  He knew that I was worried about lesions, and it was on a Friday, and I knew the girl that worked at the desk.  So he told me not to go bungee cord jumping until I talk to my doc.  I don't know where to turn next, both brain MRIs were normal, c-spine, and lumbar, normal, and by his reaction, this one was normal also.  After 7-8 years with these symptoms my neuro told me that if it was something serious that by now, I would be diabled or dead, nice , huh?  Then she asked if I would like for her to refer me to a university hospital because she has done everything that she can, all she did was a brain and thoracic MRI and bloodwork, as far as a LP, she said they don't do them unless there were lesions on the MRI. 

Thanks all, Jen

Hey Jen,

I can "hear" your frustration.  I am sorry you still have no answers.  This must be very tiresome.  Sometimes doctors can be a bit insensitive to what is going on.  You appear normal on many of your tests, yet clearly you are suffering with these symptoms.  I would take your doctor's offer to go the the university.  Also, question the lumbar puncture deal again.  Lumbar punctures can rule out or rule in many many things (infections and such).  They are not just a tool for diagnosing MS.  Good luck and again, keep us posted.

love and prayers,

Hey Jen

No, i wouldn't think she needed an lp done. She apparantly has enuf clinical signs to go along with the brain lesions for the doc to dx her. The lp would be a bit redundant at this point. I"m sorry to hear of her dx, but yes, it CAN happen that quickly, tho it's not typical. Hang in there and keep on with u'r search for u'r health answers, but i'm not so sure i'd suggest an lp for u unless the doc felt it'd be revealing. Yes, it can give u closure to at least the ms hunt, but it would seem that's already done. Maybe talk to u'r doc and see what they suggest as u'r best next step. That best next step may well be waiting and watching again. I"m sorry ur going thru all this, but know we're here praying for u and hoping for the best. Take care and let us know how u decide to proceed.