Scary moment in traffic

[b28]

Yesterday when I was driving I came to a stop light and was waiting to turn left. The light turned green and I didn't know what to do. I mean I couldn't remember which way traffic was supposed to be going and which traffic was supposed to be stopped. I was so scared b/c I had I felt like if I pulled out and turned I was going to pull out in front of someone but at the same time that I had to do something b/c people were waiting behind me. I live in a small town that only has two stoplights so it's not like in a big city where there are a bunch of lanes and a ton of traffic. Later on I was thinking about it and figured out which way traffic had been going and who was supposed to be stopped and who was supposed to be going,etc.

Now that I think about it, I have been feeling 'slower' lately. Sometimes it's hard to say things. I know what I want to say but it takes me a second to get the words out. I'm not diagnosed. I'm even having a little difficulty coming up with the right words for this thread. I have a appt with my neurologist soon. My question is does anyone else experience things like this. I'm not thinking "oh this has to be MS". I'm also worried about it being a brain tumor but I'm already a member of this forum so I thought I'd ask on here.

[b28]

Additional question

I have another question I forgot to ask in my original post. In your opinion, is this something to really worry about? I keep going back and forth between being really worried and telling myself I shouldn't be so worried. I'm getting really close to just going to my neurologist this week(Have been having other worrisome symptoms besides this). I've been trying to wait until my insurance becomes effective which is supposed to be this month but I don't know if I can wait any longer. I'm sure she will order an MRI. I know they are very expensive. Does anyone know approximately how much one costs?

[heliotrope]

There are several ways to get an MRI without insurance. MSAA has a program - not sure if they cover people without diagnosis. You can also ask the hospital for financial assistance.
Please call your neurologist.

[ClearBlueSky]

I have to consciously be aware to what's going around me when I drive. I have found myself "spacing off" enough times to know. I know, sooner or later, I will have to give it up.
But then, I probably drive better than some.

And, I have trouble coming up with the right words to say. And having slurred speech is no picnic, either.

I don't know what an MRI costs, but I'd be curious to know, since my husbands insurance covers 100% only after the deductible has been met.

This post probably isn't very encouraging, but, hey, it's the truth.

[valeriem2220]

That is scary. I haven't had any moments like that in traffic but I do know I am not as conscious of what is going on around me when I am driving and that scares me to death.
I have stopped at stop signs and then when I pull out realize that I didn't even look for cars. It is like I am just off in my own little world.
I cannot tell you about how much MRIs cost. I have very good insurance and the most I have ever paid is a couple of hundred dollars I think. I know they are expensive though.

[Shiela]

That is frightening, isn't it. It is definitely something to investigate just as soon as you possibly can.

I don't drive anymore because of the same thing and also because my reaction time is poor. There are a number of things that can cause this brain fog besides MS. B12 deficiency, thyroid issues, lyme disease and insomnia are a few that I can think of off top of my head. Of course MS issues can cause this too as well as others. Your doctor will want to order tests for these things as well as many others before he will be able to tell you what the problem is.

Costs--If you fall into the income guidelines for free care from the hospital you may be able to get the MRI at no or little cost. Some hospitals don't provide MRIs themselves but subcontract it out to an imaging company. Some imaging companies will honor the hospital's free care and some don't. Some have their own guidelines you would have to meet for free or reduced care and some don't offer anything at all.

If you qualify for free care and can't get the MRI done under the hospital's program and/or you don't qualify for a no cost or reduced cost MRI with the imaging company, you can try another hospital that handles their own imaging.(Even some hospitals that are part of the same hospital group have different policies.) If you qualify for free care at a hospital that does its own imaging, the MRI will no doubt be free as well. Different hospitals have different guidelines for free care, so if you don't succeed at one...try another. Ask the hospital that gives you the free care what other hospitals in the area are part of their system.

You may be able to get assistance from the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. They offer assistance with diagnostic MRIs.
http://www.msassociation.org/programs/mri/

One of my MRIs (just the brain without any gadolinium injection) was $2100. It's my understanding that they don't need the gadolinium the first time around.

Your doctor will most likely want a full metabolic blood panel done as well if that hasn't already been done or if it isn't current. The hospital charges for this but it is free if you have free care. Sometimes they have to send tests out to other laboratories. This will most likely be covered by hospital free care as well.

If you have to pay for blood work out-of-pocket before you find out about your insurance or if you can't get hospital assistance, you can get your lab tests done yourself. You don't need your doctor to order them. This company has their own doctors order the tests for you and the costs are all included. They are cheaper because you cut out the middleman and then you can take the results to your doctor. The name of the company is Any Lab Test Now. You can see if there is one near you here: http://www.anylabtestnow.com/Find_Us.aspx

If not, you may be able to locate a lab that does the same thing in your area by searching by googleing "walk in labs" or "walk in laboratories" or "walk-in labs" or "walk-in laboratories" and then the name of your state.

I do hope things work out well for you. Keep us informed.

[hope32]

I'm sorry. I've had a couple scary moments in traffic recently (due to other symptoms) and it can be really terrifying. When a second incident happened, my husband and I decided I wouldn't drive for a few weeks until my symptoms stabilize and we can re-evaluate. Hopefully it was a fluke, but I would definitely try to pursue it with a dr. I hope you're able to find a way to get your medical expenses covered!

[b28]

Thank you everyone so much for your input, advice, and support. I'm glad someone knows how I feel. I feel so alone right now and scared. It's been about a week since my family doctor advised me to go to a neurologist. I was very scared and when I told my husband he freaked out too and called into work b/c he couldn't think of anything but that so I haven't told him how worried I am and that there's a possibility it could be MS or brain tumor b/c I know he would really freak out and he can't afford to do that b/c he just got a new job and has a ton of responsibilities and pressure. I haven't told my mom b/c she will worry alot too and she already has enough on her plate. I'm going to have her go with me to my appointment bhut I'm probably not going to say a lot to her until we are closer to the appointment.

I don't think I will qualify for free/reduced fees as my husband's new job pays very well. If worse comes to worse obviously I'll get the MRI and hopefully we can make a payment plan. I just cringe at the thought of running up debt in medical bills again b/c we went bankrupt earlier this year and got rid of thousands of dollars of medical bills. My husband didn't get this new job until after bankruptcy.

I'm so tired of having vertigo and feeling out of it while driving. This evening I drove to our new house which is only a couple of minutes away and right when I started driving I felt like I'd been drinking. I drove really slow all the way there.

[1936siol]

Scary driving

It has been a while ago but I was driving in Chicago when the oncoming traffic was driving on the roofs of the oncoming traffic. Also another time instead of the road being a road it formed a "Y" shape. If I used one eye things would be normal so I painted one of the lenses of my glasses with black poster paint and things worked out while driving.

When I had my last MRI it cosdt over $4000 but my insurance completely covered it.

Lois

[Tomjadg]

Try to relax a bit. I have the same issues.
It probably isn't a tumor.

I concentrate more when I am driving, and I don't drive at night or to strange places.
My head always feels like I have had a drink. I have to think of words I want to use.

I wouldn't tell anyone anything until they understand what MS is and does. Worrying will not help anything.

I got my Dx, educated myself about it and options, take my meds, and just deal with it day to day.
There really isn't much of a choice with this.

Good luck.

[Shiela]

B28 Different hospitals have different income cut off points for free care and reduced rates. The one I deal with has just accepted higher income limits this year. Just because your husband just got a new job, well, it might still be worth looking into.

I handled telling telling the family like you. I took my daughter to the appointment with the neuro before I was diagnosed. She was still in denial for quite a while but still, I think it made it easier for her when she finally did come to grips with it.

Wishing the best for you.