DH and I saw my neuro yesterday afternoon...
first we discussed my neuropsych eval from earlier this fall...my IQ fell 14 points He told me, "If your IQ was in the 70s you wouldn't notice it much, but a deviation of a few points where yours was is definitely noticeable."
So he said I'm definitely a candidate for SSDI. I'm going to finish filling out the online application, and he told me he'd take care of sending reports, tests, etc.
It's one thing when you notice changes. It's kind of sad and scary when you see the actual test results that explain the changes.
I felt that it confirmed for me that I wasn't imagining things...but still, I want my brain back...

The neuro is also ordering a CPAP machine for me...he said once I get some deep sleep, I might notice somewhat of an increase in alertness. He will get that in motion ASAP. He said with 198 apnea episodes, it's no wonder I'm having difficulty with alertness and cognition.
But he also said that MS lesions cause the downturn in my cognitive function.

When we got home, I told DH, "I guess this confirms that I have MS."
He said, "You mean you weren't sure?"
In my mind there was always a small bit of hope that I was imagining all of this. Now it is definitely real.

I am grateful that the neuro wants to deal with one issue at a time in order to eliminate the various causes of the sxs. So if I have to have a sucky disease, at least I have a neuro that has my back, so to speak.

Debbie

Aw Debbie... Your IQ might go back up some after you get the CPAP machine. Lack of sleep isn't going to help you to do well on tests.

I'm so glad you went to see Dr. W.

Sorry you saw the results of your test and they weren't what you wanted to see. Good luck with the CPAP machine, maybe getting better sleep will help you. And best of luck in applying for SSDI.

(((((((Debbie)))))))

(((((Debbie)))))

I don't think I've ever even had an IQ test, but it's good that it gave your doctor a medical reason to get you going on SSDI.

A good night's sleep helps almost anything. Best of luck with the CPAP machine. I hope it allows you lots of zzzzz's.

Debbie, I think that you were brave to take that test. I have not had an IQ test since my school days, and would be terrified to see my current results. My sister started using a CRAP machine a few months ago, and is sleeping better. She is also less tired. I have an appointment in February with a specialist to begin being evaluated for sleep apnea also.

I'm so sorry you received negative results. I have lots of memory problems with my MS. Luckily they seem to come and go, though my brain has slowed down considerably and I can't multitask at all anymore.

It's my fear that the effect MS has on my mind and hands is going to put my on SSDI way too soon. But I guess going on disability at any time is too soon.

I feel for you and wish you and yours all the best!

Hi Debbie,

Losing one's intellectual capacity is far harder than losing an arm or stuttering or any other physical symptom because it is an assault on one's sense of self.

I know how painful it is. I suffered a brain injury and my neuro-psych revealed that my IQ had nose dived - and missed the water. Like you, I felt stunned and sad and wanted my old brain back. I still cry sometimes, but I know I can't ever go back, so I'm doing my best to maximize and maintain what I have left.

As the others have said, it's really important for you to get as much rest as possible. I'm doing cognitive therapy and there is a big difference between my performance on rested versus tired days.

This really is a traumatic thing to go through. I hope you won't ever hesitate to reach out here on the forum or seek professional or pastoral help if you feel you need it. You're not alone.

Tale Care

Thanks all...I'm really not at my own pity party, truth be told. I'm kind of relieved to have the knowledge. Kind of like getting more armor for the battle, if you know what I mean.
I feel grateful that my neuro is taking a "one thing at a time" approach. Once we see if the sleep gets better, then we go from there. He's also working on getting those darn spasms in the front of my lower legs to calm down. They make me cry sometimes they hurt and pull so much.

Onward from here!

Thanks again for the hugs and hearts...means the world to me!