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Old 05-30-2015, 07:56 AM
Starznight Starznight is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Georgia
Posts: 970
10 yr Member
Starznight Starznight is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Georgia
Posts: 970
10 yr Member
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Welcome to the boards, I sincerely hope you get a dx soon. Many of the sx are seen in MS, but there are numerous other disorders they could be associated with as well, some worse than MS some better.

I'll not say that MS isn't a terrifying prospect, however things have greatly changed in the community from ten and more years ago. There are far more disease modifying drugs and therapies out there to try and slow and stop progression, and more medications and therapies to help with the symptoms you have. Sure we might never go back to 'normal' though there a few who end up better than normal.

Do your best to stay positive, and be proactive. Stay as active as you can while waiting for your dx, if you smoke, quit, and eat a well-balanced diet. Keep track of your sx, along with anything that seems to be a trigger, but don't confine yourself simply to "this is an MS sx, or trigger", simply put down how you feel and what you experienced before hand.

Also, prepare yourself for a potential long haul if MS is what you suffer from, most of us get the dx simply because we're the square peg that doesn't fit the round hole of any other disorder. Though yes there is still the McDonald criteria, O-band presence in LP and lesions on spinal or brain MRI's that may speed up the dx, but many times doctors still are reluctant to pass down the dx until they have ruled out any other possibility.

Be patient, but firm with your doctors and never fear asking for a second opinion. It's also a good idea to keep track of your medical records, don't let doctors write you off because "these blood test" show you're fine when there's a significant discrepancy in tests you've had prior. Even if you're not sure if they're significant differences, if you have a question, ask the doctor outright. If uncomfortable in doing so, see if you can't find a friend or family member who can act as your advocate.

Just know you aren't alone, and we here on the boards will always be around to lend an ear, offer some advice or to simply share a laugh
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"Thanks for this!" says:
NurseNancy (05-31-2015)