Howdy! sorry you had the need to seek us out, but glad we could be here for you.

Please understand that there are more than 100 diseases that can cause the same symptoms as MS (including lesions) and its hard to sort thru them all, esp when you dont fit into perfect patterns, which most of us dont.

Yes, you can see lesions without contrast dye. The dye causes them to light up when they are in an active phase. If your MD doesnt believe you to be in an active phase when the MRI is being done, why expose you to the contrast dye unless he needs to. It can cause headaches, and be tough on the kidneys.

You sound alot like my daughter when she goes off her celiac or gluten free diet. she gets very shakey, jittery, off balance...anyway, not saying you have it, just another thing you may want to check out.

Have you been tested for Lyme? Lupus? Thryroid? B12? D levels? Sjoghrens? Celiac? ...see where I am going. The medical community will normally start out with a list of 100 things that it could be, and start crossing off the easy ones to prove or disprove. btw, a nodule on the thyroid is very common. shouldnt prove consequensal either way. PLEASE keep a journal and keep track of what tests you have had, and what the results were. Its best to be your own advocate. If after the routine stuff shakes out normal, and you still believe you have MS,then it may be worth a trip to an MS center. Even if you only see them for the initial round of testing, and then stick with the local neuro for treatment.

PLEASE be aware that once someone writes the MS word on your file it will forever change the way you are viewed by insurance companies, and some work places. If you have a chance to get disability stuff now, DO IT! get your ducks in a row BEFORE you get any label.

I hope you find the answers you seek. I am sure more folks will chime in soon.