that was the reason (excuse?) given by the Neuro's nurse (his wife) in rural small-town California, for WHY the Doc (hereinafter referred to as Dr. Idjit) couldn't/didn't diagnose me for 3 years.

the nurse said that Dr. Idjit didn't LIKE to diagnose MS, as it was untreatable, incurable, and basically hopeless (back in 1989-1992) before the interferons and Copaxone, and other advances.

I believe it was a combination of things, he knew little about MS (Idjit specialized in strokes, more common in a retirement area), so the MS wasn't as *obvious* to him, despite my having CLASSIC symptoms like the MS Hug (which he mistook for Guilllan Barre' and was ready to admit me to a hospital for the impending paralysis, fer heaven's sakes!)

also, it being a rural mosquito-ridden area, he was sure (for a year) that it was Lyme, and tested me repeatedly.

but (soapbox time kiddies, beware!) I believe the BIGGEST reason Dr. Idjit refused to order an MRI (besides the fact that he was a Libertarian-a$$munch-type who felt that Medicaid shouldn't have to PAY for my hypochondriacal diagnosis-seeking neurosis) was.......... I think......

that he was an arrogant MALE, who was majorly ticked OFF that I knew more about MS than he did (only confirming his hypochondria theory), and thus REFUSED to see the leg weakness, numbness, past history of Optic Neuritis, bladder incontinence issues, and blurry vision that I described.

at one (LOW) point, he actually TOLD me to get counseling, and that it was all in my head, and being CAUSED by my reading and research (at the library, there was no internet in my area back then...)

now, I have had MS for 20 years (Feb. 88 was the ON first flare) and second opinions, and a dozen MRIs, and been to Stanford Neuro Clinic, and seen MS Specialists (had to travel a bit), which confirmed the MS diagnosis, FINALLY, in 1992.

so, I really FEEL for those stuck in LimboLand, and understand their difficulties.

but you're RIGHT Frank, it isn't any ONE thing, it's a whole HOST of issues, AND the differing patterns, symptoms, presentations, PLUS reluctance to diagnose such a serious permanent illness (who wants to give such possibly bad news?)

complicated by, (as B2Y so astutely observed) the hypochondriacs who do NOT help those of us with weird symptoms !!