Hi all,
Went in for a neuropsych evaluation yesterday...ugh. Over 2 hrs. of torture. I was in tears twice...couldn't think of words, couldn't remember a sequence of numbers, couldn't figure out picture patterns...it was so frustrating.

Then, after I was finished with that, I had a neuro appt. He sat with DH and me for 45 min...so kind. He thoroughly discussed my sxs, explained how some of the meds help (or not).
He had me walk around, and noticed that my right foot is now dropping...we discussed the increase in spasms, the numb bladder, bladder/bowel incontinence and other stuff that's on the upswing...he touched my arm to sooth me when he saw me getting upset. He also discussed a new med coming out soon that will help my "weepies". He said that this isn't depression, but a condition that I can't remember..My DH can't wait...his shoulder's been real wet lately

As we were leaving, he told me, "Call if you see a change or have a problem. Don't wait until your appointment to tell me about all of it." I never had a dr. tell me that...I am so happy with this dr. But so, so sad that I seem to be getting a bit worse. I guess I'm still denying that this is real...I keep thinking that I'm imagining it all...at least I have a great DH and neuro in my corner!

(((Debbie))) If I remember correctly, aren't you in your 1st year? The 1st year for many of us was one of the worst. I went through serial flares every 6 weeks give or take. I had literally no break. Things did improve for me after that and I am pretty sure Copaxone had something to do with it.

As for the neuropsych testing, yes it can be rough. I had a much better attitude going in to my 2nd one than my 1st. There are so many ways that they can help you over come cognitive issues. Taking this test will help identify areas that you need help in and by working with a speech therapist you will learn to overcome many deficits.

As for your neuro - He sounds wonderful! You are very lucky to have not only the support and help from him but your DH as well.

Hang in there, Debbie!

Awwww Debbie....been right there with you, weepies and all. Buspar cured my weepies. I later had to go on an AD for Anxiety and am on Prozac now. I never had any of these problems before MS..

Give DH an understanding hug for me and a reassuring hug for yourself..

So glad that you have an empathetic neuro. As far as the neurochsych testing, that was exactly what they needed to see.

Debbie,

I'm so sorry for the bad neuropsych appt. But I'm really glad that Dr W is so awesome as usual for you.

I hope things will get just a bit easier before too long...

deb

Deb

I am so happy for you that you have a good and very nice neurologist. They're hard to come by. Be sure to hang onto him.

I wish you all the best.

Sandy,
Jim's a sharp cookie...his brain's all there

I had to look up "neuropsych testing." I didn't know what it is. There's a long list of tests on Wikipedia.

I've never had a test because of MS. I've taken one of the tests listed several times - the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory test. It's a required test prior to being allowed to work at a nuclear power plant.

I know I'm gonna sound like a broken record, but the first year is the worst. It was for me. I'm coming up on my 22nd anniversary with MS.

Tom

I don't get it...why is the first year the worst? Because the sxs are trying so hard to break your spirit? Or do you all just get used to it and it gets easier mentally?
If I don't get relief from this spastic pain soon, I'm going to start pulling my teeth out...just to distract my mind from the leg pain. It's not bad until the night. Guess I'm overdoing it during the day, but what are you supposed to do, sit on your keister just in case you overdo it? No thank you...

I just don't get this stupid disease. I. Really. Don't. When I used to hear that MS patients were going to Dr. Kevorkian for "lasting" relief, I wondered, "Really? MS? Why would they want to die?"
Now, I understand a bit better...I won't pull the plug, but I understand.