About all I can say right now is that it is sure a tough time right now. I remember those times way back in 1997. I am an RN so I knew a little but not enough. And my books were from the dark ages which made it worst. So if you do any research make sure it is recent. Steroids have helped me immensly. But a lot of people say that you may get the same result if you wait a long enough time. I prefer to get the results NOW! My neurologist prefers me to keep my use of steroids for her only so that's what I do. Back 'in the days' you could self infuse the cortisone at home. A home health nurse would help you get it starte and you did it yourself every time. But the last time I had it I had to go into a same day unit every day for 3 days. What a hospital bill.Thank God for insurance. Your local MS society will help you immensly. There are books written especially for the newcomers to MS, also for the spouse and for the children. Most MS societies will hook you up with some one your age that can be a mentor. It can be at what ever level you want, a best buddy or an occasional phone call.

Good luck, come back often and let us know how it goes. It' been a long ime wince some of us has gone to an MS center so we don't know what happens there anymore. So that in itself will help us. Also if you want to laugh or talk about your family and this go over to our other MS page, the stumble inn. There you will find anything and everything. Our entire life affects MS and MS affects our entire life so everything is pertinent over there

Welcome to the MS forum, and to NeuroTalk. The people on these forums are great.

Thanks all - Start steroid infusions tomorrow, wish me luck! Im not doing too well emotionally lately - I feel as if Im crying, angry, mad, confused and going through this craze of emotions but yet physically feel fine - I just have a little numbness in my hands...I look back and read my posts and then think to myself "Was that really me that typed that?? Is this all really happening to me??" - Its tough. I put on a very strong front to family/friends and will just cry in the car by myself for now. I really just wish they would stop denying me a spinal tap - I think that will help me accept it more. I look up to every single one of you on here and am now addicted to this site, its like my own little world of friends who "get it"- thank you all again.

Hi Jodi

I never had a spinal tap. I didn't need to as the other evidence (clinical and MRI) was overwhelming.

Your tears, anger and confusion are only to be expected, so don't beat yourself up about it. It is a rite of passage that we have all had to go through.

Having said that, visit when you need to, but do not stay in that dark place too long. We don't know where we are going to be in a decade.....but who does?

Life is too short for all of us. Enjoy every day as much as you can.

Hugs

Lyn

Jodi.....I am Very confused..? I did Not no they did not do a spinal tap on you..???? I think These days thats "Standard" part of the process...!

Please keep us posted on how you are feeling on the meds etc.

You are Not alone with the crying and All the emotions you are having...I too am feeling the same...( i am Very Depressed )

Hugs to you
carol

I know!! I thought so too, especially where I was bit by a tick (still have the scar where he was enbedded in me!!) and where 4 people in family have lyme - why not just do the LP to rule it out - I have another appt next Friday and hoping they finally listen to me!! Either Lyme or MS is not good, and I dont perfer one over the other - I just want to be taking the correct meds either way. The doctors response was "I've never had anyone actually want an LP - I dont think you need it"

I hope you feel better too Carol!! Thank you for listening!!

...I Soooo Agree with you..!!!! ... Please contact a different Doc... I am sure the one you have is good...Yet WHY NOT DO THE Spinal Tap..??? ..I Dont get it.!!
My doc is the one that said I had to get one....I did NOT want one cause - really- who wants a needle in their back... Not ME.!!
Many say they dont hurt...But the local they gave me Hurt like Hell.

I think it's ok to start the meds like the doc is saying...but Gezzzzz one should Not have to ask / beg for a spinal tap..!!?? Is this Doc a MS specialist ?? are you at a MS clinic.?

Do you have to have an LP to test for lyme? Isn't there a blood test? I'm for getting no LPs unless you must.

A blood test will do it seems.


http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/wes...-and-diagnosis