Questions to ask at your diagnosis visit

[Pistachio]

Me again! And again, and again.

I have the MRI report (my husband is a chiropractor so I was lucky enough to have the hospital copy him on all reports) so I already know it says the lesions are indicative of MS. My doctor's office's nurse also said as much to me on the phone. The doctor is a long-time friend of my husband's family. Anyway, what questions should I go prepared to ask? I want to be as prepared as possible. I know that those of you MS veterans will surely know of questions that most of us newly diagnosed miss.

On another totally different subject.....I am experiencing a surreal day. Let me preface this to say that I have had the great fortune of excellent health my entire life. I rarely get sick from the common stuff. I eat well, I move every day. And, while I have had some time to await my MRI, etc, I knew, in the back of my mind that it was good chance this was MS. But today....today it just sort of sunk in. I'm in a WTH state of mind. How did this happen to ME? I don't really think I'm thinking straight today. I can't believe I'm here.

Anyway, your advice on questions to ask the doc is appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

[Seasha]

.Anyway, what questions should I go prepared to ask? I want to be as prepared as possible. I know that those of you MS veterans will surely know of questions that most of us newly diagnosed miss.

Hi Pistachio~
A good indication that wanting advise for your 1st exam shows you are taking a proactive approach to this!

Here's a article that lists suggestions that will be helpful for you. https://wellandstrongwithms.com/2020...-ms-diagnosis/

As far as your surreal day goes, it's totally understandable and common. Even though we may suspect we have MS and have been told, emotions at this stage can be all over the map as the news comes as a shock. Oftentimes we go through denial at this time and it will take some time to sink in!

Just take a step back, breathe, and take care of yourself.
And good luck with your appt!

[pennstater]

Hi Pistachio,

I just wanted to say that your feelings are normal. I know my diagnosis was a whirlwind of emotions: anger, self-pity, sadness, fearfulness, denial, self-blame - you name it. It took me a good year to reach some level of acceptance and a full two, until I felt like my old self again. Don't be afraid to reach out all you want. People here truly understand it - we have lived it. The best thing my neuro did was reassure me it was normal and also suggest I talk to a therapist if my struggles were worrying me. I did - it was a great place to get all those feelings out without adding stress to me that I was worrying my loved ones(especially the fears) and it provided some tools for the future. So please, post here all you need to. Just keep in mind other resources can help too and advocate for them if you feel you need them. Hang in there.

[Mamabug]

I've decided that neuros know some about meds for MS and about symptoms. Ns specialists know more.

Fur advice on diet, exercise and other alternative strategies, I suggest a functional medicine doctor.