[dlluvspigs]

Thank you, I know that I do not want to jump the gun having the fear of him having MS, but I also want to be prepared if that happens to encourage him and help him through it.

The thing that I have learned through my own health issues is to stay positive and that is one thing that I want him to do also...

[AfterMyNap]

Hi, Diane, first, I hope it's not something that can't be corrected.

Some of what you mentioned does sound like MS, but, sounds like so many other things. That's one of our greatest frustrations with this disease.

My advice is to avoid mentioning any particular diagnosis and let the docs do their jobs. There is always danger in steering any investigation in one direction.

I vote yes on seeing a neuro, but no on mentioning illnesses. Our job is to keep and report accurate records of symptoms, the better we do that job, the better the docs can do theirs.

Good luck with this and I hope like crazy that Jacob does not have MS but just a minor, temporary setback.

[DM]

Hello Diane! Sorry you are going through so much w/your DS. I too, have a DS going through a battery of tests to figure out what's going on w/him. It's frustrating, but one thing I am trying to remember is~ try not to let yourself worry about what it could or could not be, as it will eat you up w/worry. The Neuro will probably run the appropriate tests and try to rule out things that it isn't.

My DS has had a whole life of illness and the Dr's seem to tell us what isn't going on, before they can tell us what they really think. Kell is right, in that there are so many conditions and illnesses that mimic MS. I'm guessing also, that your Neuro will order MRI's. I sure hope you can get to the bottom of your DS's health problems and that he can get back to living his life as a 20 yo should. Keep us posted.

[SallyC]

Hi Diane, Nice to meet you. I am so sorry about your DS's illness. His symptoms do seem to warrant further MS investigation. I hope the Neuro you chose to see, is thorough and has some answers for you.

The road to a DX is sometimes a process of elimination. There are all kinds of neurological illnesses, such as MS to test for so hang on and check in here, through the process, and let us know if we can be of help to you.

Well Wishes for You and DS..

[Niko]

Diane,

I wish you and your son good luck in finding an answer. It can take awhile so be prepared to be patient.

The neurologist may run several different tests. For MS, the tests are to see what it isn't. Rule out any other possible causes and what's left may lead to a diagnosis of MS.

Again, I wish you well. You're certainly welcome to post your questions and concerns. We're here

Take care,

Niko

[dlluvspigs]

Thank you everyone, I sure know the waiting game to find answers, I've been dealing with that my self for some time now.

It was sorta comical, my son said to me, now I know how you feel Mom, always hearing I don't know what's wrong with you...

[NurseNancy]

hi diane. welcome.
i agree with the others.

what you and your son might do is work out a timeline of his sx's. dates with when the sx (symptom) started. it might help the dr with his H&P (history and physical).

he should get a head to toe exam. i think it's a good idea to go with him for a 2nd set of ears.

MS can be a mimicker of other illnesses so it's up to the drs to tease that apart. most drs start with labwork. i hope his did.

the bloody stool may be something completely different so that should be a separate followup. you might want him to see a GI dr if the blood con'ts. he could also just have a bleeding hemorrhoid. his dr should be able to dx that.

glad you found us. please keep us updated and best to your son.

[Judy2]

Hi Diane! Just wanted to jump in and wish your son the best when you go to the neuro. As others have said, it can take awhile for a diagnosis, but I'll keep praying that it's something "fixable".

Good luck and keep us posted!!!!