Does anyone else have a "POSSIBLE" MS diagnosis? Only 50% for me...

Thank you so much moonshadow68 for all the great and helpful information you have given me. I guess I had a closed MRI. By closed do you just mean the machine itself was a complete round tube enclosure? If so, that is what I had... I have had about four seperate ones in the past year of my spine and brain. My neurologist did see some of what he called "spots" on the MRI of my spine. My brain scan was normal. My spinal tap was normal. I had that done last summer though so it has been awhile. Do you have any idea when I should have it repeated? I did see a opthamologist (upon my request) because sometimes my eyes just feel weird (not so much lately though). The doctor I saw for that seemed annoyed that I even made an appointment with her to discuss her helping diagnosis whether or not I may have MS. She said she could not diagnosis MS even though I told her that I had seen on the internet that there is a certain tests that opthamologists can do to help determine the possibility. She gave my eyes a quick look with her equipment and had me follow her finger from side to side and then just told me my eyes were completely fine. I do not know if she actually gave me the visual field test for optic nerve atrophy or not, as she was not very helpful or open to discussion unfortunately. I was quite annoyed with her after leaving my appointment. I have not heard of the VEP test before. I have asked my neurologist several times if there are any other tests we can do and he keeps telling me there are not any at this time. He said I just have to wait to see if any more symptoms present themselves. Hell, I don't even know what kinds of symptoms he is looking for. I've gotten more information on the net than he has given me. Thanks again moonshadow for your concern. And you are so right, not knowing is the worst. I would rather finally KNOW what is wrong with me and be able to deal with it and hopefully get some kind of treatment, than sit and do nothing. It is extremely frustrating to say the least. May I ask what kind of treatment you are getting for your MS? How are you doing and what kind of symptoms have you experienced?

I took Avonex injections weekly for a year until they started causing liver damage. Now, since I am one of the lucky ones with VERY mild symptoms, I try to stay healthy--preventative medicine like flu and pnuemonia shots, diet and exercise. I first had serius back pain and then my right leg went numb. I tell people I haven't felt my toes for years and they think I'm kidding. I still have serious balance issues though physical therapy and exercise help with that. I finally was diagnosed whe I started having double vision in my right eye. I had a fourth nerve palsy, the right eye simply wouldn't move in conjunction with the left one. it only lasted about 3 weeks, but it was scary. Technically, to be medically correct, the ophthalmologist cannot diagnose MS--only a positive spinal tap (I think) does that for certain, but they can identify the symptoms. My neurologist gave me the VEP test...and a visual field is the test where you push a button when you see a flashing light. It tests how quickly your eyes respond to light, at what intensity and how far to the right and left you can see. They are usually used for people with peripheral vision issues, but also can help with an MS diagnosis because they show if you need brighter light to see--which can be an early indicator of MS (optic neuritis). Did the ophthalmogist dialate your eyes and looks at the optic nerve? If not, I would suggest finding a new one and asking for a dialated eye exam. Also, if she said she can't diagnose you via an eye exam, ask her what she can diagnose...I used to work for my ophthalmologist and he diagnosed everything from high blood pressure to brain tumors, with other tests to confirm his opinion.

Hi luvnlife - Thank you so much for replying to my post about possible MS. I really appreciate it. Sometimes I feel so alone and like nobody understands what I am going through. Oh, I know there are a lot of people out there with MS, don't get me wrong... it is just that I have NO diagnosis and it is extremely frustrating. I am sorry for everything you are going through with your MS, fibro, CFS & RLS. It is bad enough having to deal with one let alone several different diseases. May I ask you how you were finally diagnosed? What symptoms do you have for MS? I have many symptoms of MS, fibro & CFS. The symptoms seem to point towards many different possibilities. I even asked my MD for testing for gluten a few weeks ago too. It came back negative. I asked my neurologist if I could be tested for Ankylosing Spondylitis recently too and he basically brushed it off saying it wasn't anything like MS or what I have. I felt like yelling at him and saying "Then what the f** do I have?!!" Some days I handle it better than others, as I am sure you must know and experience yourself too. I finally have an appointment to see a Rheumatologist at the end of this month. I had to practically beg for the referral from my primary doctor. I have also had diarrhea for about 6-7 weeks now. If it isn't one thing it's another! Now I have to have a colonoscopy in 2 weeks. Ugghh!

Hi techbaby - I hope you don't have MS. How long have you been having these problems? I finallyyyy got a diagnosis about a week ago. My new neurologist diagnosed me with something called Transverse Myelitis. It is similar to MS except it "usually" does not have relapses, but it is possible. Hopefully I will not. I hope things get better for you. If you have any questions or just need someone to vent to, I am here. Just send me a message anytime. Take care.

Hello, I am new to this sight so I don't have a login name. My name is Chris and I too have a possible diagnosis. I was just recently told that I am on the fence. I have alot of symptoms, headaches, eyes hurt, tingling in my arms and legs, pain in my legs and gripping issues. I was just told that she cant technically diagnose me with MS even tho everything suggests that I do (MRI, Evoke Potentials, and my SPINAL TAP). My nuerologist said that since I did not have any major episodes in my 20 an 30's she cant diagnose me just yet. She did give me the option to take the MS shots or to wait 6 months and get another MRI. I really feel your pain because I am right there with you.

Thank you so much Shaun72 for responding to my post about MS diagnosis problems. My neurologist has scheduled me for a brain scan on the 22nd due to my symptoms returning lately along with the new ones I've been getting. I am hoping that he will be able to tell me more afterwards. I have already decided that if he still doesn't seem to have any clue as to what I have after this MRI then I am going to ask my primary doctor to refer me to a new neurologist for a second opinion. I am sorry you have MS. How are you doing currently & are you on any medications? Thanks again.

Best of luck to you and I don't blame you for getting another referal. I am doing pretty good right now. With the shots I take 3 times a week. The only problem I am having right now is a lot of uncontrolled shaking due to having spacity. I see my nerologist next week I am going to ask for a change of medications for that. Other then that I am fine.

Oh, I did Jenn! Didn't you see my post on facebook last week? I saw a new neurologist and he has diagnosed me with Transverse Myelitis. It is similar to MS but generally speaking the diagnosis is a bit better since there is less of a chance of having a relapse than with MS. Hopefully this will be the case with me too. What damage is done is done though. :(

I must have missed it....hard to believe. I'm always commenting on what you post! lol