Do I Need a Second Opinion??

[myms06]

Hello: I am from Tx, 60/y/o f that was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting MS in 09. My Brain MRI showed 3 lesions of the White Matter, but not a pattern suggestive for MS??. My Neurologist was convinced on my Diagnosis and said that it didn't matter what the Radiology Report said. I was on Avonex each week for nearly a year.

I continued to have numerous clinical findings, including LP results, and High Myelin Protein. There were no band, IGG, or Rate. Another DR said I did not have it, only to see him for a brief time. Now I have no one to see. I am an active person and walk, due to not driving a car. I use to work in the medial field for over 20 years, and it came to a halt in 06 when I found I couldn't walk. It was painful, stiffness, spasticity, and memory problems, etc.

I love the outdoors; such as camping, hiking, antiques, floral arrangements, and animals. I do have a dog, who's my best friend and we spend a lot of time walking. It has become more difficult and I get Imbalanced and Dizzy. I have made an effort to lose wt and done great! I am involved in church activites, which keeps me positive and love Contemporary Christian, Classsical, and Gregorian Chants. I try to stay busy, hoping much of this will go away. But it seems since having these same symptoms, they have gone from tolerable to worse. I wish I could get an answer!! MY PCP had no problem sending me to an MS Specialist in Dallas for another opinion and testing. I hope I am not the only one that has gone through this?? I love people and I really miss the things I used to do. Maybe someone can give me some answers... mary

[CaroleK]

Hi Mary:
I don't think it would do any harm to get a second opinion and, most likely, it would give you a lot of comfort to have one. I was diagnosed by my primary neurologist in July and, even though, based on my lesions (in both my brain and spine) in addition to my symptoms, it seemed indisputable, (my neurologist ran blood work for everything that might mimic MS) I still felt I owed it to myself to get a second opinion.

Some of my brain lesions were also atypical of MS and I felt that this was a major life changing diagnosis and I wanted to be certain. I went to another neurologist (an MS specialist) in early October (even after I started the meds) and she confirmed it.

It actually made me feel relieved in a strange way to get this second opinion and it gave me a certain sense of closure with the diagnosis. Whether this doctor confirms the diagnosis or feels your issues may be due to something else, it is important to get the care you need so you can slow the progression of the disease. Take care, Carole