Difficult to Diagnose
I've talked to a lot of people who are still waiting for a definite diagnosis with MS. There's not a single test for multiple sclerosis, so neurologists will analyze the results of MRIs, spinal taps, patient history, etc. to determine whether or not someone has the disease. It's frustrating waiting to find out what's wrong.
From initial symptoms to diagnosis, it took me about two years. It started with blurry vision in college. An opthamologist told me I needed new glasses and, like MS tends to do, it went away for a while. Then, it came back with numbness along my right side. I saw a neurologist for nine months before he decided to do a brain MRI. When the MRI came back with lesions, I then sought a second opinion. But, nine months had already passed. I should have sought a second opinion much earlier - I'm not really sure why I didn't.
The difficulty in diagnosing multiple sclerosis is just, unfortunately, part of the deal sometimes. Finding a neurologist you trust is key. The National MS Society referred me to a great neurologist.
The 'waiting for diagnosis' period is very hard. Not knowing is difficult. Once I knew, then I could begin to deal with it.
Comments
That's a tough one. There are apparently different 'types' of MRI and if your MS is fairly benign, it may not be detected. Even the scars may disappear so your next MRI will be clean. Of course, there is always the spinal tap ... ugh. Just getting to a point where you get an MRI or a referral to a neurologist can take years. I went down that path. My primary physician was certain of many things and finally referred me to a Osteopathic Doctor who thought it might be spine compression and sent me for an mri on the same day ... and there it was as plain as day - a foggy, dimly lit one. Just 2 spots in the brain and 1 in the spine. I could not see it on the mri, but he could and had a look like he was going to tell me I had 1 week to live. I felt worse for him than myself! I finally KNEW!
Posted by: mdmhvonpa | November 8, 2006 04:19 PM
I think I have ms 10 years ago I was told I had fibromyalgia and since and over the years I would have one or two bad spells a year but in the last 3 years I have been getting new symptoms along with lasting effects.I have had hearing test and seen a heart specialist and now they want to do a balance test.Who should I talk to the ears nose and throat doctor ot the heart specialist?I just want to get to the neurologist without being to pushy.Sometimes I feel so alone and people look at me different when I loose balance or my speech is off or my memory is screwed up.I used to be a very with it person.Does any one know what I should do next.
Posted by: Lisa | March 28, 2007 01:40 PM
If I suspected multiple sclerosis, I would consult a neurologist. I called the National MS Society at 1-800-FIGHT-MS and they were able to refer me to a neurologist in my area who specializes in multiple sclerosis. If it turns out to be MS, it's better to find out sooner than later since there are drugs available which have been proven to slow the disease.
Posted by: J | March 29, 2007 04:52 AM