I was told i have a ‘High Probability’ of having Multiple Sclerosis?
Im so confused what does this even mean?
Background Info:
1.5 years ago started developing symptoms of dizziness, extreme fatigue, pins and needles, numbness (especially in my feet, my left foot is still completely numb) memory and speech difficulties. I got referred to a neurologist who did a MRI it shows many lesions (T2 hyper-intensities) bilaterally. So he did a full spinal MRI no lesions in my spine and i don’t have optic neuritis.
I had a follow up appointment 2 days ago and he said my spinal MRI was clear so i asked does it rule out MS? he said "no there is a high probability you have MS" So now im being sent to have nerve conduction tests and a follow up MRI in 3 months time.
I feel very frustrated, I know he is trying to help but he has not helped my symptoms at all. The fatigue is ruining my life i spend more time in bed then what i do out of bed, I have had to cut down shift at work. I guess i would feel better if he was doing something for my symptoms as well as trying to diagnose me.
So how should i take this information? Does he really think I have MS? Sorry this is so long im just really confused at the moment.
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Filed under Multiple Sclerosis General on Nov 1st, 2009. Comment. 
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Comments on I was told i have a ‘High Probability’ of having Multiple Sclerosis?
Chloe,
There is no need to apologize. The state of mind that you’re going through is completely understandable. From what you told us about your medical history, I would say that you have Multiple Sclerosis. You have MRI evidence adn many symptoms. You could get a Spinal Tap done as well, but I really don’t think it’s going to tell you anything different.
As far as helping with the symptoms that you are experiencing now, ask for a 3 day treatment IV of Solumedrol. This is used for MS patients that are having an MS attack, and shut down/lessen the activity of the MS attack. The neurological damage is done, but it should help you start feeling closer to normal than you currently do.
For the fatigue you can ask for a prescription of 200mg Provigil taken once in the morning when you wake up.
But yes, I do think you have MS. However, if you do, you are in a much better situation than some. Some people have gone 10 years without a diagnosis. that’s a long time to not knowing what’s wrong with you. At least you’ll be able to start of an MS therapy to help slow the progression of the disease.
Remember, Multiple Sclerosis is NOT FATAL. The majority of the MS patients live a normal length life span. MS effects everyone 100% differently. Each person has completely different symptoms. There is no course to the disease. Some people may only have one attack their entire life, while others might have one attack a year, or more, or less. But knowing you have it makes your odds better.
MS doesn’t end you life, but it may require you to change how you go about doing certain things.
Now, is the time that you need to get yourself a Neurologist or MS Specialist.
This first link will give you a list of doctors in each state that have been rated high by MS Patients and their experience with them.
http://www.clams.org/goodocs.html
This second link will give you the directory of Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Centers nationwide.
http://tr.im/mscenters
And finally, please feel free to join our support group at Yahoo, it’s called "ms20something", all ages are welcome.
http://tr.im/ms20something
Good luck to you.
Scifi
Read the Yahoo Health Overview about MS:
http://health.yahoo.com/ms-overview/multiple-sclerosis-ms-topic-overview/healthwise–hw190816.html
I can understand your confusion. Sounds like they have you on the "medical merry-go-round"!
If I were in that situation I’d go get a second opinion from a doctor(s) who have nothing whatever to do with the doc you are currently seeing. For example, don’t go see his partner if there is more than one doc in that office.
Good luck and I’m sure things will work out for you.