Hi Keri
I know you have had many responses to your post already, but I couldn't resist responding. I have had an MRI...which did show Dawson's fingers...or I was told 'evidence of'. I was told by my 2nd neurologist, who is supposed to be a renowned specialist in MS....that dawson's fingers are NOT a clincher in diagnosing MS. In 50% of cases where these lesions appears, women will develop MS. I also had an LP which was painless! Into my 3rd week of a week waiting period for the results. I have been told that even if the oligoclonal banding shows on the test, that can't necessarily clinch a diagnosis.......so frustrating!!!!! So, I have been told it comes down to a judgement call???
My symptom that triggerred this investigation was optic neuritis in my right eye...I have been diagnosed with an inflammatory retinal disease since I was 17....I am now 35.
So yes, this limbo is hell....but does it ever end? This doctor I saw last week told me that the only definitive way to diagnose MS is through post mortem biopsy.

Interestingly....with dawson's fingers showing...I have been told by the same specialist that many people go through their whole lives and upon post mortem autopsy, dawson's fingers have been found.

I don't know if it is better or worse knowing....not knowing, there is still hope. Knowing....you get to take some action to try and put yourself into remission.

I'm rambling now.....this is all so fresh for me...needing to vent I guess.
Best of luck to you.

Sandra




I'm sorry - I guess I should've been more clear -

I don't have "true" doubts - maybe I was being more sarcastic or grim than anything. I know my dx is correct. Yes, I've had 2nd and 3rd opinion. My neuro laughed when I first asked about the LP - he was like why in the heck would I want that! I know there is no need for that whatsoever. I think I was just mulling over - Gee, wouldnt it be nice if that could disconfirm this for me?! I know it doesnt even work that way anyhow.

I know that the Dawsons Fingers that they saw was basically the neon sign flashing on my MRI that said "MS: Vacancy here" that allowed the dx to be made so quickly and easily....thus, no doubts here or there or anywhere. Green eggs and ham said Sam I am.

I was just curious how many had similar experiences where the MRI was so glaring like that - b/c even tho many people have posted that they have positive MRI results with many lesions - they are technically still in limbo - which is what got me thinking, "huh?" - and then I remembered about the Dawsons Fingers thing....how it takes more than just holes in the brain.

My friends have been teasing me - that I can't just do things normally - everything has to be over-the-top, over achiever that I am.... even with MS - can't be simple about it.... nah, nope.... I have to have too many lesions to count, they have to be bigger than the usual few mms (mine are over 1.5cms)....dx within 2 hrs, dr thinks its one of the rarer rapidly progressing forms, blah blah blah...etc etc etc. Yep, that's me. Have to be different. LOL

Hey, at least I'm consistent, even with my MS!

~Keri




[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]