I've already had my MRIs before being referred to the neurologist tomorrow, but no other tests. I said this in the other thread, but to summarize... I have cervical transverse myelitis and a medical history that suggests MS or a mimic. The brain MRI was normal, only saw problems in the cervical mri. The MRI report said that 'lessens' the chance of a demyelinating disease, and implied a one time attack, but I have a history of other neurological episodes.

Are they going to do more tests at the first appt? Schedule them for later? Both? What tests do those of you with first hand experience think I should be getting? Bloodwork? Spinal Tap (scary)? Evoked potenials? Something else I haven't read about?

Just hoping for some sense of what to expect. I'm getting nervous now that the appt is less than a day away.

Welcome to Neuro Talk. I hope the appointment for the neurologist goes well. I hope your doctor has compassion, and will talk to you. I am not sure what tests could be ordered, but try not to worry just yet. I do suggest you bring a journal with you about all your symptoms, this helps the doctor. I did this for my own appointments, and they seem to appreciate it. Write down any and all your questions. I wish you all the best. ginnie

Thanks.

I had written up a long medical history up to give to the doctor. On the advice of some other posters in my other thread, I've condensed it to one page of bullet points. I feel like it is missing some important detail, but I want something that the doctor will actually read. My symptoms and medical history are complex. I gather folks on here know exactly what I'm talking about when I say complex.

Hello Yeti,

A compromise is possible with respect to providing the neuro with your medical history. May I suggest that you provide the bullet point list as planned, but also take the other more detailed report that you have written up and let the neuro know that you have it with you. That way, if questions are asked with respect to past symptoms and any treatment/tests, you have a record of it to refer to or to provide to the neuro.

I have used a similar system (index and complete record); and have been thanked for it by new to me PCP/MDs, naturopaths, therapists, GI/Internists, the MS clinic and the MS neuro that I see. Keeping track of lab tests, MRIs, specialist reports and symptoms has especially paid off more recently as relatively new symptoms have made cognition and memory unreliable.

May all go well with your appointment.
With love, Erika

Best advice take a friend. Sometimes I forget what they say, or I mis interpret it and it upsets me that I got the intention wrong. A friend can say "i didnt hear it that way, I heard it this way" and that helps.

Bring a note pad! Be ready to write things down. it really helps.

Bring in your list of questions. I normally want 20 or 30 but I try to keep it to the top 10. if I see he is really busy I try to hit the top 5. So, put them in order of importance, and leave room to write his response.

Some folks bring a digital recorder or film it and leave the camera in your bag so that you have the video/audio on file to refer to over and over.

Please know this is early in the journey. it will not all come to a head tomorrow. He will want more info. Some from your body, some from MRI, perhaps from Spinal tap or things like having you walk on your heels, toes, and a straight line. They will ask about your mood. if you are depressed say so! tell them if its frustration and not depression. This is the place to be honest.

Good luck!