[legzzalot]

Well, three of my old lesions decided to merge and form one giant lesion that spans from my C7 to my T2 and... "This has progressively enlarged compared to the previous study and involves two-thirds of the cross sectional area of the spinal cord. Previously the lesion in this region was limited to the T1 level and involved one- third of the cross sectional diameter area of the cord."

"in comparison with 10/29/2008, there has been interval progression of demyelination in the partially visualized lower cervical spinal cord and upper thoracic spinal cord at the T1/T2 levels.

"The findings have progressed compared with the recent prior study from 10/29/2008."


This is to go along with the 6 other new lesions they found on my spine. I get the brain results back tomorrow.

The good news is none of them responded to the contrast so it seems none of them are active at this time. Which is very good news. And I will stick to remembering the good part.

The bad part is he used the P word 3 times! Which I am trying not to dwell on too much I knew it was progressing. But seeing it in black and white somehow makes it more real.

Doctor is calling me in muscle relaxers and anti inflammatories in hopes of pain management but nothing else he can do at this time, we have to wait until next week when my neuro gets back from vacation.

[ewizabeth]

Thank God they aren't active. I hope this slows down or stops soon. You've had a lot going on for too long with this dang disease.

[marcstck]

Originally Posted by legzzalot

Well, three of my old lesions decided to merge and form one giant lesion that spans from my C7 to my T2 and... "This has progressively enlarged compared to the previous study and involves two-thirds of the cross sectional area of the spinal cord. Previously the lesion in this region was limited to the T1 level and involved one- third of the cross sectional diameter area of the cord."

"in comparison with 10/29/2008, there has been interval progression of demyelination in the partially visualized lower cervical spinal cord and upper thoracic spinal cord at the T1/T2 levels.

"The findings have progressed compared with the recent prior study from 10/29/2008."


This is to go along with the 6 other new lesions they found on my spine. I get the brain results back tomorrow.

The good news is none of them responded to the contrast so it seems none of them are active at this time. Which is very good news. And I will stick to remembering the good part.

The bad part is he used the P word 3 times! Which I am trying not to dwell on too much I knew it was progressing. But seeing it in black and white somehow makes it more real.

Doctor is calling me in muscle relaxers and anti inflammatories in hopes of pain management but nothing else he can do at this time, we have to wait until next week when my neuro gets back from vacation.

Sorry that you got is two MRI report. Keep in mind, though, that MRIs are terrific for diagnosing MS, but beyond diagnosis the correlation between lesion load an actual disability is very poor. Some patients are riddled with lesions, and show very little disability, while others (like me) have only two lesions and are quite disabled.

Just a note, if your disease is in fact progressive, it is very likely that you won't find much enhancement on your MRIs. One of the hallmarks of progressive disease is that the lesions are much more likely to be nonenhancing...

[legzzalot]

Originally Posted by marcstck

Just a note, if your disease is in fact progressive, it is very likely that you won't find much enhancement on your MRIs. One of the hallmarks of progressive disease is that the lesions are much more likely to be nonenhancing...

Thank you. I had no idea they don't really show enhancing. I am wondering though if this could be why I reacted so poorly to the steroids? I mean every one of my symptoms is actually worse. And add to that the usual side effects of the steroids themselves.

I did get the printed report from the brain scan, which says that this study is not tailored to evaluate the orbits or optic nerves, but that the optic nerves do not appear to be enlarged.

All in all for now there is nothing I can do but wait, so no point in stressing over it. Easier said than done yes, but I have been through worse. I mean I am a mom. 47 hours of labor with no drugs tells me I can overcome this stupid disease.

[Dejibo]

[NurseNancy]

i'm glad for the non enhancing part legz.
i really hope the progression slows down for you.

[marcstck]

Originally Posted by legzzalot

Thank you. I had no idea they don't really show enhancing. I am wondering though if this could be why I reacted so poorly to the steroids? I mean every one of my symptoms is actually worse. And add to that the usual side effects of the steroids themselves.

I did get the printed report from the brain scan, which says that this study is not tailored to evaluate the orbits or optic nerves, but that the optic nerves do not appear to be enlarged.

All in all for now there is nothing I can do but wait, so no point in stressing over it. Easier said than done yes, but I have been through worse. I mean I am a mom. 47 hours of labor with no drugs tells me I can overcome this stupid disease.

Since steroids are primarily anti-inflammatory, and your lesions don't show much signs of inflammation (enhancement), that would explain why steroid treatment did not do much for you.

You're absolutely right about there being no point in stressing, as a matter-of-fact stressing can only make your symptoms worse. Like you say though, not stressing is easier said than done... Sounds like you're a fighter, never stop battling...

[dmplaura]

When I hear 'progressive', I think of MS in general. Anyone with me?

Sure you can have periods of inactivity, but at the end of the day, isn't every form of MS progressive to some degree or another?

I agree, new lesions non enhancing is a very good result, and would possibly explain why your steroid treatment didn't work for you.

Don't get yourself down girl.

[SallyC]

MORE HUGS...

[Taffy]

and more (((hugs)))