Today I took this test- which took about 3 hours or so. It was more or less a memory test the entire time and a few tests with lots of questions to answer.

Has anyone here taken this test for a dx of their illness? The neuro is having me take it to determine what the MRI/CT scans are not able to detect. That is what the testing is about.

If there is a pass/fail on this exam- I definitely failed it. Memory was awful. Reading, etc. not good. Felt like I was a dope head when I couldn't recall the information back to the person giving the test.

I will find out in a few weeks what the results are. In the mean time, I'm waiting to hear back from the Mayo Clinic- which should be later this week.

Yesterday was THE WORST day I have ever had with the vertigo/nausea/feeling like yuck- all around. The vertigo and my balance/gait was so unsteady I couldn't get up til late morning and even thru the rest of the day it stayed that way.

Today I am limping due to the sprained foot but even with it sprained I still have balance issues- regardless. It just stinks!!

Time for getting groceries. Hubby has no time to get them. So I have to get them. Not looking forward to feeling the pukes/vertigo while shopping; it takes 3 times as long as it used to. There once was a time when I actually liked to shop. Now I dread the malls/grocery stores. Never ever thought I would say that!?!?! LOL

Coffeegirl

Hey there!

I had to do some tests the day after my diagnosis while still in the hospital.

The tests I had to do sound a lil different than the ones you did.

My tests were mostly visuals/sounds.

I had to stare at a checkerboard screen with one eye patched up for about an hour staring at one square on the screen, then switch eyes. Did that one a few times. Then they slapped these things all over my head and had me stare at a screen for an hour. (totally fell asleep with the right eye test, oops) then with all that crap hooked up to my head, I head to pu these head phones on and listen to white noise for about an hour so they could monitor my brain waves? I have no clue what they even found from those tests but they weren't fun.

I don't recall them ever doing memory like tests on me tho, however the first day I was in the hospital I really have no memory of I was so messed up at the time.

You really shouldn't go to the store if you're not feeling well. If you have MS and you're in a flare right now and you're pushing yourself thats definitely not good.

Glad to hear from you!
Hang in there!
-Ana D

Absolutely! Please take care of yourself. If the hubby is too busy to shop, maybe he could bring home takeout?

I had all the tests, the ones AynaDee had to dx, and the neuropsych ones you had earlier this year. I'm not sure what your Dr. means when he says he wants to see what the MRI doesn't show? But I have cognitive problems that some and go. The neuropsych tests only show them a picture of how your memory/mind works. Your results can be significantly different on any other day.

Don't feel like a dopehead That's what I tell people the cog-fog is like: smoking dope, without the cough.

Good luck with your results.

Thank you Catch and Ana!!

Dope-head: Yes- definitely feel like one!! Not sure what the neuro is looking for or at. It really bothers me a lot. I definitely did not do well on that exam. Could not remember a lot of things unless they were picture related. That is frightening!! A few things a neuropsych exam looks for are brain damage to frontal/back brain lobes, brain tumors, ALS, Parkinsons, Dementia, Alzeheimers and MS- and other things. Mostly those are the big things which I have similar symptoms related to.

Thank you for the support and humor. It was nice to laugh in the morning when you can't walk due to foot hurting and limping. Ugh! Yesterday- kept running into walls. Not sure what that is about. Does this happen to any of you reading this? Is this normal?

Hugs

Coffeegirl

Hi Coffee-Girl:

I recently underwent testing as well. I received the results last week and learned that I have impairment with "Directed Attention" which, from what I now understand, is difficulty staying focused on a task, being easily distracted and decreased "mental flexibility." This adds up to the inability to "multitask" and shift between more than one activity without starting all over. In my case, this has meant serious changes in my career as an RN and I am applying for long term disability. I am already on the max dose of Nuvigil and will be starting some new med that is used in Alzheimer's (though I was assured that I do not have that.) I hope to begin cognitive re-education (pending insurance).

MS is like ice cream, it comes in so many flavors. Mine is the invisable kind and sometimes I wish I could show a scar or something to the nay-sayers!

Sorry for the rant. Anyone have resources that I might benefit from?

Absolutely!

I slam into doorways all the time, it hurts too! When I start to walk thru the door way, I think I am centered and nowhere near the walls and then as soon as I go to walk thru BAM SMACK! the right side of my body into the door frame, there is always, ALWAYS, a bruise on my right upper arm.


the more and more we talk the more and more I believe in you're in the right forum coffeegirl

Catherine: Thank you for the info about the test and what your experience was with it. It is reassuring to know others have been thru it. Love your term about the flavors of ice cream with MS-or even any other illness that is brain related: not able to see the scars...... different flavors.. So true!!!!

Ana: Football pads. That is the answer. Maybe it will help protect our bodies from continually being injured going thru doorways?

Don't worry about ranting Catherine. This is where you need to do it!! Blow off some steam..... Get it out. Do not let it brew.

Everyone here is so caring and funny. Glad to have found this site!!

Hugs to you all!!

Coffeegirl

Coffeegirl- you are a genius!! Brilliant idea! lol