Waiting on MRI - Suspected MS

[ForumAdmin]

Hi Forgetful,

How are you doing? Please update us on your progress if you are able.

[Mamabug]

I had my MRI Monday and the results came back normal. No sign of MS. I was upset at first about not having answers, but I know it's great news.

This afternoon I went back to my doctor and I will be going on some anxiety/depression medication. I really didn't think I was depressed, but my husband brought up a lot of things and I had a good conversation with my doctor.

I'm starting to piece together things in my head, and it's kind of making sense. I just want to feel like myself again and I hope this works! I don't think I need to get into the details much.

Thank you for the encouragement and support! You guys have a great community here and I appreciate being able to be part of it and I have learned a lot! For now I am just going to work towards getting better.

I'm glad, too, that your results looked good. However, I encourage you to continue to pursue a diagnosis. And, don't rule out MS for sure, as you look ahead. MS can take a long time to dx, and it can mimic other illnesses.

I'm hopeful that's not what you have. Although it took almost 2 years to dx me with MS, it was never ruled out, even during the times that I was given other "possible" diagnoses. So, if your doc isn't leaning that direction, you might have less likelihood that's what's going on for you.

[Forgetful]

Thanks KoKo. I will let you know how I'm doing after trying this med for a bit. Thanks for the kind words, it makes it easier to try and accept. Wishing you the best as well!

pennstater, that is great advice. I will be looking for someone after trying this for a few weeks. I have benefitted from therapy before, but its been a long time ago. Thanks!

[pennstater]

Forgetful - Glad your results were clear and that you updated us. I hope you have success with any depression/anxiety treatment you start. It is amazing the difference it can make in one's life when it works. It may take a little time to find the right meds for you. I benefited a lot from both medication and therapy - talking things out helped enormously. It also gave me tools to rely on when stress creeps back in. Like meds, you have to find the right therapist.

Good luck to you.

[KoKo]

I had my MRI Monday and the results came back normal. No sign of MS. I was upset at first about not having answers, but I know it's great news.

This afternoon I went back to my doctor and I will be going on some anxiety/depression medication. I really didn't think I was depressed, but my husband brought up a lot of things and I had a good conversation with my doctor.

I'm starting to piece together things in my head, and it's kind of making sense. I just want to feel like myself again and I hope this works! I don't think I need to get into the details much.

Thank you for the encouragement and support! You guys have a great community here and I appreciate being able to be part of it and I have learned a lot! For now I am just going to work towards getting better.

Hello Forgetful

Thank you so much for the update.

Good to know that your MRI results are clear.

Hopefully your anxiety/depression treatment is successful, and the physical symptoms subside as well.

Come back anytime and let us know how you are doing, ok?

Wishing you all the best, and hope that you're on the way feeling better soon.

Take Care

[Forgetful]

I had my MRI Monday and the results came back normal. No sign of MS. I was upset at first about not having answers, but I know it's great news.

This afternoon I went back to my doctor and I will be going on some anxiety/depression medication. I really didn't think I was depressed, but my husband brought up a lot of things and I had a good conversation with my doctor.

I'm starting to piece together things in my head, and it's kind of making sense. I just want to feel like myself again and I hope this works! I don't think I need to get into the details much.

Thank you for the encouragement and support! You guys have a great community here and I appreciate being able to be part of it and I have learned a lot! For now I am just going to work towards getting better.

[Forgetful]

Thanks for letting us know. No; it doesn't sound odd to me. I was actually glad to get an MS dx. It didn't change the fact that I had symptoms; it simply gave me a reason and a way to treat my illness. I could now be more proactive instead of just reactive.

I agree with that! I will be relieved to have an official diagnosis, MS or otherwise.

And Thank you KoKo and pennstater!

[pennstater]

Glad that your MRIs were approved. Lots of luck to you. I hope you are able to get answers one way or another.

[KoKo]

MRI was just approved and I have it scheduled for Monday!

I'm excited, as odd as that sounds. But I'm ready to have some answers.

Depending on the results I will try to get referred to the MS Center as they definately are more knowledgeable.

Forgetful

Good for you that the MRI was approved!

Wishing you the best on Monday.

Take Care

[Mamabug]

MRI was just approved and I have it scheduled for Monday!

I'm excited, as odd as that sounds. But I'm ready to have some answers.

Depending on the results I will try to get referred to the MS Center as they definately are more knowledgeable.

Thanks for letting us know. No; it doesn't sound odd to me. I was actually glad to get an MS dx. It didn't change the fact that I had symptoms; it simply gave me a reason and a way to treat my illness. I could now be more proactive instead of just reactive.

I've always been glad I made the switch to an MS specialist. I wish that I hadn't waited so long.

[Forgetful]

MRI was just approved and I have it scheduled for Monday!

I'm excited, as odd as that sounds. But I'm ready to have some answers.

Depending on the results I will try to get referred to the MS Center as they definately are more knowledgeable.

[KoKo]

I was thinking, at this point, it makes sense to wait.
I have been looking and only found 3 neuros locally that take my insurance. I am lucky to be only an hour drive from OHSU though, so I will see if I can get a referral to their MS Center.

Thanks!

Forgetful

My neurologist is not an MS specialist, per se, but does refer his MS patients to an MS Center for second opinions, follow-ups, treatment recommendations, services, etc.

I've been to the Cleveland Clinic Mellen Center for MS several times. The first time was for confirmation of the MS 'type' classification of PPMS.

In any case, good luck, and wishing you the best, Forgetful.

Take Care

[Forgetful]

I was thinking, at this point, it makes sense to wait.
I have been looking and only found 3 neuros locally that take my insurance. I am lucky to be only an hour drive from OHSU though, so I will see if I can get a referral to their MS Center.

Thanks!

[Mamabug]

I know it's important to see a neurologist. I'm wondering if it is something I should pursue after MRI so the results can be discussed, or before?

It likely makes sense to wait until after you receive your MRI results.

I started with a general neurologist, but, after 5 years, switched to an MS specialist. A general neurologist needs to be fairly knowledgeable about so many illnesses. An MS specialist gets to specialize. I'm glad I made the switch. She is so much more knowledgeable.

[Forgetful]

Hi Mamabug
Thanks for the reply!

I know it's important to see a neurologist. I'm wondering if it is something I should pursue after MRI so the results can be discussed, or before?

I've stayed pretty familiar with the McDonald Criteria after my bout of symptoms last year. I will definately discuss differential diagnosis at my next appointment, as I know even with MRI there are many things to rule out before diagnosis and many things that act like MS.

Yes stress has definately been an influence! Migraines especially are likely just from the added stress!

Thank you! I am hoping for that as well!