Just called MS clinic to see if I could get my appt pushed up it's May 3rd..they are triple booked.. spoke to nurse she said to go to ER...

I'm 5wks in numbness in leg and difficulty with left arm.. I really don't know what to do.. doubt that I will get a dx from ER...I mean I don't really need the ER neuro to say.."there is nothing wrong with you" my pcp suspects MS and I would really rather see a MS specialist... don't know what to do... any advice?? My concern is what if they only do 1 MRI and don't use contrast? At least with a specialist my testing would be more in depth.. lumbar puncture etc.. this MRI would be sent to my pcp who will probably say "there is nothing wrong with you" so frustrated don't know what to do..very shaky today..I mean I have had sx for 10 yrs just afraid nothing will show up and I won't get answers...sorry for the rant..

That's a tough one. I know that nurses in general have to advise people to go to the ER if they can't get you in and you are having problems. I've been blown off at the ER before, but I know of others who actually connected with a good neuro at the ER and have gotten answers.

Can't your PCP just order a new MRI for you with contrast even if the MS Clinic can't see you right away?

I totally understand the fear that nothing will show up and you will get brushed off.

Thanks Holly..

I've totally gotten the brush off before although I've never been to the ER about this...my previous neuro(Quack) said I was wasting his time and there was nothing wrong with me.. my specialist at the clinic 3 yrs ago had said that he couldn't rule out MS just yet as my sx weren't bad and nothing was showing up on MRI.. now I can hardly walk.. the only neuro here is the one who brushed me off..

I am sorry you are having such trouble. ER's are not the best place to get a diagnosis. However they may get you into seeing neurologist sooner. I also agree with the other post, that your PCP may be able to order your MRI and tests. Also if He calls the Dr. himself, you may be able to get in sooner. I hope you get help you need soon. I have gotten help at the ER before, and a good referal to a new physician. It is a hard place to be, not knowing which directon is the best way to go. I do wish you all the best, and that this whole issue has resolution for you. ginnie

Cindy.

I agree w the others that this is a tough call.

If you are to the point of putting the house on the market and moving closer to your family because of this, it might be worth a trip to the ER to be seen by a neuro resident.

Here's the upside: It will document this in case it is resolved by May. You may get an MRI and you can mention w/w out contrast. Speak up politely. You may also get treated w steroids to end this exacerbation if that is what it is.

Make sure to tell the ER that the Neuro's office told you to come

Best to you whatever you decide.
ANN

I agree, go to the E.R. Let them check everything and it will be well documented which is something that may come to very useful in the future.
My heart aches for you not having a diagnosis. But I think you should go down this path.

If it were in my city in the USA, then I would go to the ER. Here they evaluate you and see that you get in to see the proper Specialty Docs...in your case a Neuro, among others. You either are admitted to hosp for tests or go home to wait it out.

In Canada, you would know better, as to the speed and manner of ER care you get there. The ER here has greatly improved.

Feel better..

The wait in the ER here is at min of 8 hrs..and if they have a neuro on staff is another thing..

Oh Canada, Oh Canada!