I am about to see my pcp in an hour for a "quick" neurological exam. He wants to see if I need a new MRI. My last one was August '06. I have never had an MRI on my spine, but have had two on the brain from '03-'06.

This all has come about b/c I have been having "electric-like" shocks going from my head to my back and well IT HURTS. Specifically since Saturday after I had one of these episodes, I felt like I was floating in air immediately. Now this only lasted for approx. 3-5 seconds, but ever since then I have had pain all over my skin. Face, arms, stomach, legs etc. I have had shingles once and that it is what it feels like w/o of course the rash. But still extreme burning pain.

I don't know why I am worried. I guess I think he is going to say that I don't need an MRI. He is not one to just jump to giving test. However, he is a very thorough doctor and I trust him. But on this I really think I need to insist on both type of MRI's. Call it gut intuition or what so be it, I just think it needs done.

I was dx as "Probable MS" in '04 but of course not enough concrete evidence to dx as MS. I now have a neurologist at Duke University Medical Center and he cleared me in '06 b/c all test were exhausted and nothing showed.

So should I insist on getting an MRI? C Spine or brain or both? I have more symptoms of MS, I just haven't included them in this posting. But some are fatigue (exhaustion), heat sensitivity, sleep problems etc.

Help me not be so worried. Give me some advice/ideas/suggestions.

Missy

I hope your appointment went well, sorry I didn't see this sooner.

The last MRI was in '06, but sounds like stuff's been increasing. 2 years is a long time inbetween. If your insurance will pay for it, I'd get another one. Just to compare between the two and possibly give you peace of mind if nothing's changed.

My experience with the spinal MRI is that docs only order it initially if the clinical yields something worth investigating. Not 100% sure which symptoms call this to their attention. I know my neuro finally did it cause something made him go "hmmm."

Best of luck, no matter what.

hi missy,

please let us know how your appt went.
it sounds like enuf time has gone by that a new work-up may be needed.
i usually get brain and c-spine. i believe that would be reasonable, especially since your sx's are multiple and getting worse.

good luck. waiting to hear from you.
whatever happens we'll help you deal with it.

It went just as I had figured. He would not order any MRI's b/c he doesn't feel that he could justify the test with his 7 yes I said SEVEN minute neurological exam. I understand he is my primary and not a specialist, I guess I am just frustrated. He did tell me to go back to my neuro and let him do more extensive testing. So Monday I will be calling my neuro at Duke and seeing if I can get in before my scheduled appointment of August 26. But then on the flip side, I am afraid that he will think that since it has been 2 years waiting another 6 weeks wouldn't kill me.

I don't know, I am just bummed out and am feeling kind of worthless at this moment. I hate when I feel like this. I know my pcp cares, but it seems like nobody listens to what I am saying. I believe I am speaking English and am sounding sane when I speak, but maybe not...lol (that brought a little smile).

Thanks for all your support.

Missy

I am sure most are getting ready for the week-end, so their isn't much going on here. I just have to post so that I can get this out of my system. I am just feeling so low and frustrated today. Why can't my doctor's find out what is wrong with me? My pcp is in the middle of filling out forms for SSDisability. When he asked me how many days in a month I would miss of work, I wasn't really sure. So since the first of July, I have been keeping up with that question. So far this month I would have had to miss 5 days (complete days) and would probably would have to have left 3 more due to daytime fatigue and pain. That is eight out of 11. Granted being summer is harder on me, but winter is bad also because of my sensitivity to cold. My bones hurt badly. Not to mention I get really depressed in the winter time.

The point being I guess, is if I know what is happening to me and I know that I can't work, why can't the doctors find out what is wrong with me? What do I need to do to convince them? Journals, have them. Past records, have them. I hate feeling this way...so down, blah blah blah.

Missy..
I'm glad to read you're going to make an appt with your specialist. PCP's are great, but they (unfortunately) can't do it all. It is frustrating, I know. I'll be thinking of you, and hoping someone finds the cause of the "zaps" you've been feeling.

You are in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry for all you are going thru.