http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com...entral/pvm.htm

If that helps?


I had two LPs, the first neuro screwed up the first one, the second was negative for everything. I was offered a 3rd by the MS specialist, but after repeat mri's and other testing by him? He gave me a diagnosis of PPMS, and said that even if the 3rd LP would have been negative again? He wouldn't change his DX, there was enough other evidence for it, so I passed on LP #3.

I felt my symptoms were consistent with PPMS and so did he.

This is my concern over the LP, why go through the possible pain and risk just to prove you have it. I feel like if I have MS, I have it, and it won't matter if one test says it or not. I'm not really afraid of needles or anything like that although I don't love the idea on them going into my spin but I've had two c-sections so it wouldn't be the first time. My issue is more with the risk.

My question is so what if the neuro confirms MS, then what happens? I've been wondering "IF" I have it, I haven't really looked into what happens next, lol.

I was fairly certain after some research that I did that I had PPMS, after being finally told that it now looks like my mystery illness looks like a neurological problem.

I had also looked at the recommended treatment, none? I could easily accept that, it seemed better than the limited options offered give the risks associated with them.

It will be a lot harder and more costly to get insurance after a diagnosis of MS? Some are willing to try anything? I like to see a 50/50 chance of help at least.

I come from the other view point of the spinal tap. Done by some one who knows what they are doing, U had no problems whatsoever. My first LP was when I was in a hypertensive crisis, had nothing to do with MS. My head was in such pain with the hypertension I wouldn't have known if they had cut my arm off. Next day we got up and traveled to Florida to Disney World.

My second one was for my MS. It was done in the radiology department of the hospital. He did it under the guidance of xray so he could know exactly where to put the needle. No mistakes when you do it that way. Next one was when I saw a MS specialist and he wanted to re-run tests. This time was done the same way but they had radiology students or maybe it was premed students, can't remember watching my bare behind!!!! Another piece of cake.

Everyone is different when it comes to any experience with the MS testing, treatments, symptoms, etc because we all have lesions in different places.