Puzzled...again

I just picked up copies of my latest c and t spine MRIs, and according to the reports there is no evidence of demyelination. I know that the neuro will interpret them for himself in February (I am impatient, lol), but it doesn’t look like there is anything there from the reports. I am tremendously relieved, but at the same time pretty puzzled. I am not dxed, but was treated with Copaxone for 9 months until my previous neuro became unsure that I had ms.

 

The ms neuro I now see is an imaging expert/researcher. After the exam, he said he knew where the lesion in my brain was, simply based on my abnormal exam responses. He also said he believed I have at least one lesion on my spine, also based on exam and history. He actually said something like “these other symptoms are coming from your spine, not your brain.”

 

Despite the fact that I had just had a c-spine mri 2 months prior to my appointment, he ordered the new c and t spine mris. I am not sure all of the reasons why he ordered them. I continue to have problems with my left hand and arm, but that started with my first “attack,” and seems to be brain-related. However, in addition to a bunch of sensory issues, I know I do have hyperactive reflexes in my knees (neuro kept shouting out “brisk, brisk, brisk” lol), my gait was off, and I could not hop on my left foot. I previously had clonus in that left ankle, but it was no longer there at this last exam. I also had a period of time this summer where I had problems urinating, which he seemed to consider significant.  

 

Anyway, I know I will just have to bide my time until February to find out more (this is the appt where we will discuss diagnosis and treatment), but any insight would be much appreciated.

 

Sunny

Hey Sunny,

So you broke the age-old rule 'don't read your test results before the doctor'.  I can relate.  I know you were wanting answers.  Try to be patient and hold out hope that your February appointment will offer some help, treatment and relief.  Hang in there buddy.  We will be waiting with you. 

Love and prayers,

Sunny, I can understand why you are so confused. February does seem like a long time to wait for some answers. I know that the problems in my left rib cage are due to a lesion in my thoratic area. Hopefully, you will get some answers in February. I just wanted to say hang in there and do not allow G to boss you around to much this weekend:)

Hey Sweet Friend

I know u'r confused and anxious now, but try to hang in there and not let it bug too much. As the others have already said, the radiologists and doc's all interpret these reports differently...try not to worry until u get to that appt in Feb. I'm so here with u and keeping u in my prayers and thoughts. U WILL get answers, but the hardest part can sometimes be the waiting.

As for g...well u know the plan. ;) MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! (used without permission)

Sunny,

Hi, I had this same thing happen. The reports showed nothing at first, but as upppity mentioned above, even a month can turn a previous mri (old). Also now that these reports that you've read show no signs was also a place I was in.

I found out pretty quickly that sometimes the symptoms preceded the lesions. The lesions or findings were delayed as far as showing up clearly. That's why alot of it is based upon clinical examination. IF (and of course i dont know him) he is a reliable and good neuro, I think that he will explan to you how the "findings" sometimes come later. It was explained to me as : scarring can be delayed by up to 3 months.

Id stick with him for his own reading of the films and also, as long as he treats you way better than that other depressed doctor (he had to be the depressed one), this newer doctor can help you see things through. As your symptoms change or worsen (God-Forbid), he can keep track of what's going on without it becoming more confusing by leaving and beginning again later.

We all know that going home with the "your ok , you dont have ms" feels so good when we walk out , and continues to until *smack* an episode that asks "were you nuts? Id showed you I was here" hits! Then later when you have so many symptoms you dont even make it out the door with that good news. You know its not right!

I could totally relate to your feeling that you'd misled others about you having MS. You didn't! You were misled if anything. I went through this very thing. Imagine putting on one of those red bracelets to support MS and then peeling it off your arm again the next day in shame when a forward doctor with grand ideals decides its "all anxiety"
I found that I couldn't take the yo yoing of my family and friends even worse than I could for myself. So I told them all, "Ive heard of cases of where it takes up to 8yrs to actually know , and during that time every neuro seen will have a different perspective on it". I had a pen al from England who was in that position with 9 brain lesions!

Sunny, I'm continuing to read the threads you posted for me , thank you.

I'm trying to see exactly what was/is happening with your feet and legs, i see where it says weakness, but what i've read so far, I can't seem to find what else is happening. How did clonus appear to you on your ankle? In your own eyes?
I've read about it but want to know how you knew it was?


You've came along way and if this doctor is worth his weight, Id stick with him as he investigates all of this. Has he thought of having you redo your evokeds or anything else?


I can see why they love you on this site. I enjoyed learning of the "As the squirrel Turns" story! Laffies


thanks
kiera