Hi Erika,

Nice to meet you too, and how kind of you to take your time interpreting my results. To answer your question, I had thoracic and cervical MRIs recently that showed lesions:

Multiple T2 hyperintense lesions within the cervical and thoracic
cord suggestive of a demyelinating process such as multiple sclerosis.

Last year, I had a brain MRI that showed no lesions, but some demyelation and I had a normal CSF except for elevated protein. At that time, the doctor ruled out MS, but I guess now that it looks pretty much like it is. It's not good news, but after trying to get doctors to take notice and dismissing my concerns that something is very wrong for over 5 years now, it's also partly a relief. At least now, it seems I have a 'real' disease, instead of just being whiny and lazy.

I'm hoping that the doctor at Cleveland clinic, who ordered these most recent tests, contacts me this week.

Thanks again,

Joan

one of my pet peeves is when drs are dismissive just because they can't see or measure something.

i'm used to getting an oligoclonal band #. i thought anything 2 or more indicated MS along with mri's and neuro exam etc. so, i'm not used to what you described.

IF it is MS at least you can make a firm plan of care with your dr. please keep us posted.

Hello Erika,

I have seen two neuro doctors at the cleveland clinic in the last 2 months, and both have dissmissed my symptoms and said they were stress related. I was just wondering who you were seeing there.
I have been having speech and balance issues that won't go away now for some time, among many other issues including a lesion in white matter of brain on mri from september and mri of cervical spine that showed no lesions, but straightening of spine, herniated disc, and disc osteophyte complex. Neither neuro doctor would go any further with me.
I wish you luck in finding some answers.

Hi weeta,

I'm the one going to Cleveland clinic; Erika was just responding to me. I'm sorry you're not getting the answers you need. I'd tell you the name of the Dr I'm seeing, but I'm not sure if it's OK or wise to post actual names here. I could PM you his name if you want.

Just wanted to let all of you who've been so helpful know that I got the official word that yes, it's MS. And judging from my symptoms, I have PPMS. I have an appointment with an MS specialist here in Pittsburgh on Dec. 9, so I guess I'll know more then.

It's not good news, but after 5 years, 7 neurologists, and screaming and jumping up and down trying to get someone to pay attention, it's something. It's an answer to "When I can't walk 3 blocks or climb stairs, etc., what do I tell people? What do tell family? What do I tell employers when they see me stagger at work like I'm drunk?" At least now I have that.

Joan, I am so sorry you have a diagnosis of MS....that is a hard
one to have.

But I do recall from your first posts on PN how much pain you have been in and how many doctors you have seen over the years.
It has to be a relief of sorts to now have a diagnosis at least. So
therefore you can move on within the MS community and perhaps find some useful treatment and further support that way.

Warm regards, mrsD

Hi Joan B
My name is Synnove.
I have read your posts, and I just wanted to say to you that I am sorry you have MS. But also I wanted to say I am in a way glad for you that you finally got some answers. Now that the doctors know, a trestment plan can be made.
I tell you from experience that it is a difficult time just having all kinds of neurological symptoms, and not getting answers and a diagnosis.

Dear JoanB, I am so happy for you that the DX process is over..
Now, at least, you have been validated and are not an idiot.

As far as telling people, tell your close family, and allow them to be
supportive and helpful. At work, you may have to tell your Boss,
especially if you're staggering. You may take a cane to work, and
just let them wonder, but,at least they won't think you are drunk.

Best of luck and wishes to you, as you join us in our journey..