[deb.1125]

Hi all
My story starts out March of this year, I have been dealing with neck problems for about 30 years which I attributed to an accident I was in. Been to chiropractors, Pt etc but never MRI done. March of this year on a Friday I have an episode that included a severe headache and neck pain. So I as usual head off to chiro, which in turn sent me on the path I am at today. Long story short, I had MRI of my neck which showed stenosis. At first, though, whoever read my MRI stated I had nothing wrong with me except for protrusion and typical degeneration. I had to have answer than for the symptoms I was having. Pain doctor sent me to have nerve conduction test done. No carpal. My doctor wanted me to see neuro because he noticed my left eyebrow and forehead would not move. MRI done of brain, found "several small scattered subcortical foci of white matter hyperintensity without associated enhancement or restricted diffusion which are nonspecific but most likely representative of demyelination on the basis of chronic small vessel disease." My neuro could not rule out MS so he had spinal tap done which came back normal so, he ruled it out but said would do another MRI in a few months. In the meantime, I have been to neuro opthamologist due to seveer pain in the back of my left eye. She could see no inflammation but treated me with prednisone. Pain went away but now comes back sporadically but, I have vision problem, straight lines jumpy and things wavy and dancing. Also in the mix, I had 3 level cervical surgery June 13 of this year. This is my story. I see an MS specialist in 2 months. I am just not wondering how much of the symptoms I have I should relate to my stenosis and not possible MS.

[ANNagain]

Hi Deb! Welcome to this corner of Neurotalk.

Your history is complicated and MS is difficult to diagnose. I wouldn't try to guess. I think the MS Specialist is a good idea as well as follow up 6 month later so s/he can see you over time.

We are all very different and many of us had normal spinal taps or no spinal tap at all.

Best to you,
ANN

[SallyC]

Welcome Deb1125, nice to meet you..

Your case does sound complicated and you certainly do have a lot on your plate..

I pray you get the answers you need so that you may receive the proper therapy for your symptoms.

We are here for you and each other..

[NurseNancy]

hi deb and welcome,

it can take some time to dx (diagnose) MS. sometimes it's a wait and see thing. that seems to be why your dr is waiting a period of time to repeat the test; mri. it sounds like you have a proactive dr who's willing to sort out the problems.

in the meantime keep a sx (symptom) journal. write down the date and any sx you have. also keep up with your opthamologist about your eyes. you might even try to find an MS opthamologist.

i hope the answers you need will come. keep us posted.

[deb.1125]

thank you all. I appreciate the support and information you have offered and I will keep you posted. I was advised that since my neuro ruled out ms due to negative LP, that maybe I would want to find an ms specialist. I know answers, no matter good or bad will come when the good Lord decides and either way, I will be ok.