Not fun having neuropsych eval...and also not a great neuro appt.
 

Hi all,
Went in for a neuropsych evaluation yesterday...ugh. Over 2 hrs. of torture. I was in tears twice...couldn't think of words, couldn't remember a sequence of numbers, couldn't figure out picture patterns...it was so frustrating.

Then, after I was finished with that, I had a neuro appt. He sat with DH and me for 45 min...so kind. He thoroughly discussed my sxs, explained how some of the meds help (or not).
He had me walk around, and noticed that my right foot is now dropping...we discussed the increase in spasms, the numb bladder, bladder/bowel incontinence and other stuff that's on the upswing...he touched my arm to sooth me when he saw me getting upset. He also discussed a new med coming out soon that will help my "weepies". He said that this isn't depression, but a condition that I can't remember..My DH can't wait...his shoulder's been real wet lately:o

As we were leaving, he told me, "Call if you see a change or have a problem. Don't wait until your appointment to tell me about all of it." I never had a dr. tell me that...I am so happy with this dr. But so, so sad that I seem to be getting a bit worse. I guess I'm still denying that this is real...I keep thinking that I'm imagining it all...at least I have a great DH and neuro in my corner!

(((Debbie))) If I remember correctly, aren't you in your 1st year? The 1st year for many of us was one of the worst. I went through serial flares every 6 weeks give or take. I had literally no break. Things did improve for me after that and I am pretty sure Copaxone had something to do with it.

As for the neuropsych testing, yes it can be rough. I had a much better attitude going in to my 2nd one than my 1st. There are so many ways that they can help you over come cognitive issues. Taking this test will help identify areas that you need help in and by working with a speech therapist you will learn to overcome many deficits.

As for your neuro - He sounds wonderful! You are very lucky to have not only the support and help from him but your DH as well.

Hang in there, Debbie!:hug::hug:

Awwww Debbie....been right there with you, weepies and all. Buspar cured my weepies. I later had to go on an AD for Anxiety and am on Prozac now. I never had any of these problems before MS..:mad:

Give DH an understanding hug for me and a reassuring hug for yourself..:hug::hug:

So glad that you have an empathetic neuro. As far as the neurochsych testing, that was exactly what they needed to see.

Debbie,

I'm so sorry for the bad neuropsych appt. :( But I'm really glad that Dr W is so awesome as usual for you. :hug:

I hope things will get just a bit easier before too long... :hug:

:hug::hug:deb:hug::hug:

Hi Debbie,

My neuro-psych raged from 9am to 5:30 pm. I have a TBI so maybe they asked more questions or I was just really, really slow. I totally hear what you're saying. There were parts of the test (what number does this pattern remind you of?) where I couldn't even figure out what they were asking. I just kept giving the tester vacant smiles worthy of a Hollywood startlet.

On the plus side, I think you may have found the world's only compassionate neurologist. How did he ever slip through?

All of us who have been through it, will be thinking of you when you go to hear your neuro-psych report.:hug:

Thanks for all the hugs and words of support...what would I do without this place? So much info and care...
It is my first year...of being dxd, at least:rolleyes:. I seem to be getting more upset about the dx as time goes on...I was happy at first (not quite the right term but you understand) to have a name for the sxs; but now I am just so upset about it all.
I am trying to be more serious about keeping a sxs journal as the neuro suggests. I thought at first it would be like being a hypochondriac, but I forget what goes on so often, it really helps him if I list what's been going on.
I am blessed beyone belief to have a DH and neuro that supports me. And all of you, of course.
Thanks again!!:)

The first year after dx was definitely the emotional rollar coaster for me. :hug::hug: I know at first I was relieved it wasn't some of the nastier stuff they were worried about and that I knew what was going on. Then I was in shock, disbelief, angry - let the up and downs begin. I still have some mini-breakdowns, but nothing like that first year. :o

Glad you have a compassionate neuro. That is so cool! I know I have to take a list to my neuro every time I see him, and I put on it my top three complaints that I know need to be addressed during the appointment. Sometimes I'll write a few more if I think they also need to be talked about.

Hang in there! :hug::hug:

isnt it great when one of the professionals treats you like they get it? To feel like they give a crap?! I am glad you found a good one.

My first year was rocky, and I was a mess. I wouldnt wish to repeat that.

We are all cheering for ya. hang in there. :hug:

I'm sorry the testing was so hard on you, Deb. :hug:

I don't think I've ever had a neuro-psych testing. If I did, I wasn't aware of it. My neuro does the finger strength testing, the key-to-the-bottom-of-the-foot test (I cannot think of the proper name for that test), he makes me look at different colored pictures of numbers to see if I can decipher what number is highlighted. He makes me close my eyes and try to touch my nose. But that's just during a routine visit. I've never had a specific appointment for this kind of testing.

It would be nice to know how I'm cognitively doing. Some days I can really tell that I'm struggling. Others I feel relatively normal (whatever that is). :rolleyes:

I think you and Trisha are the only two I've read about having specific neuro-psych testing. I'm wondering if I should have it done? It'll have to wait till I'm on Medicare, though.

Hi Kitty,

I know what you mean about feeling sharper some days than others. Of course, fatigue, pain and depression can all undermine cognitive function.

Kitty although not dxed... I had that neuropysch testing in 2006, I had told my pcp about my memory lapses.. or just struggles... she suggested and ordered it. The neuropysh listed attention and memory problems... and talked to me about it being part of a neurological nature... she asked if I have or testing for MS... I had laughed as all the side drs ask me that but the neuros say clear MRI no MS...

anyhow....

DEBBIE, glad the apt with the neuro went well... he sounds so understanding and helpful.. remember to listen to what he said about calling there if needed.

sorry the eval was tough, it was long and tough I understand the feeling..

hugssss, sarah

Ya know, with everything I've lost to MS, I refuse to lose my mind. I haven't been plagued by a lot of cog fog and refuse to be tested.......

Why? Because, whenever they test you for anything, they think they have to find something. If something is there, I don't wanna know about it..:D:p:D

:hug: Deb :hug:

Sally, Jim's never been tested either.

Sandy,
Jim's a sharp cookie...his brain's all there:D

I had to look up "neuropsych testing." I didn't know what it is. There's a long list of tests on Wikipedia.

I've never had a test because of MS. I've taken one of the tests listed several times - the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory test. It's a required test prior to being allowed to work at a nuclear power plant.

I know I'm gonna sound like a broken record, but the first year is the worst. It was for me. I'm coming up on my 22nd anniversary with MS.

Tom

I don't get it...why is the first year the worst? Because the sxs are trying so hard to break your spirit? Or do you all just get used to it and it gets easier mentally?
If I don't get relief from this spastic pain soon, I'm going to start pulling my teeth out...just to distract my mind from the leg pain. It's not bad until the night. Guess I'm overdoing it during the day, but what are you supposed to do, sit on your keister just in case you overdo it? No thank you...:mad:

I just don't get this stupid disease. I. Really. Don't. When I used to hear that MS patients were going to Dr. Kevorkian for "lasting" relief, I wondered, "Really? MS? Why would they want to die?"
Now, I understand a bit better...I won't pull the plug, but I understand.:(

My 1st test was done at the request of SSA for SSDI. According to them, some of the tests done at my neuro's office as part of a study were too old (only by a few months:confused:lol). At that time, I did poorly on many of the tests. Over time, I noticed things improving and the neuro wanted to do a follow up testing to see where I am at right now. Otherwise, I don't think I ever would have had the testing done.

DebbieD - Hang in there! Please know we are all here to support you and help you through this. :hug::hug: