Bbird,

I went through the same thing as a youngster in school, but the first neurologist that I saw was a new medical school graduate and she determined within 15 minutes that I had either a brain tumor (ugh) or MS. One MRI later and even with negative LP results, I was diagnosed with MS. The entire process took about six hours (I think).

With MS now a reality, I became an information grazer...reading everything available about neurological issues.

Here is what I learned:
(1) If it acts like MS then treat it as MS until data show otherwise.

(2) Even though you do not need them, learn how to use every tool for walking/moving that is available (cane, walker, wheelchair, scooter) so that if you do need one of them in the future you will already have experience. Jan at MS World gets credit for this one.

(3) Listen and learn from the experiences of others.

(4) Understand that your physician is not always correct. They know that.

(5) Do what you can every day.

(6) Make a "Bucket List" and start checking off items when possible. You will love yourself for doing it...I promise you.

Keep us aprised of how things are going.

-Vic