My MS specialist appointment

[Matt]

It only took about 5 minutes.

My general neurologist, from here in Toronto thought that maybe I should have the spinal tap repeated because I still have no lesions after 6 and 1/2years. My MS specialist doesn't think I need one, since spinal taps can be normal in MS.

I might sort of be a limbolander, because he reminded me that we have to be open mided about rare mimickers, since he only has 6 or 7 MS patients with no lesions.

I was found to have B12 levels that were a bit low, but he says that B12 deficiency doesn't cause optic disc pallor in one eye, and my worse flares occured when my B12 was higher, and my homocysteine is normal, so my low B12 levels have no influence on whether or not I am diagnosed with MS.

He plans on keeing me on Betaseron for quite a while.

If my MS gets worse so that there is reason to try a more aggressive treatment like Tysabri or Novantrone, then he will consider repeating the spinal tap to make sure it's MS. But, since I am doing well, he'll just keep me on Betaseron with no spinal tap.

I must say, I think the guy has good judgement.

[cricket52]

Matt:

Glad you are getting the right help. :)

I think I read somewhere that B12 levels can be somewhat lower in patients with MS. If your neuro has 5 or 6 patients with no lesions, then he is open-minded enough to give you the care you need.

And it's great to know you are still on the Betaseron. MS specialists are great, I prefer them to general neuros.

[Matt]

Thanks, cricket. Yeah, some MS specialists are great. I can't say that I have liked every one that I have met, but I like this one.

[BBS1951]

I am glad to hear you had a satisfying consultation Matt :)

[graymalkin]

Sounds like a good appointment, Matt. I'm glad! :)

graymalkin

[Matt]

Thanks BBS1951 and graymalkin!

[Teddy]

Hi Matt, I'm so glad they're keeping you on the Betaseron. I hope you continue to do as well as you are!

All right, all right, I'll be honest, I am a wee bit envious, but still glad... :D

[Matt]

Boy. I really wish that you were getting better treatment, Teddy.

[Teddy]

Thanks Matt - me too!! :)

[avalonai2]

Matt have you ever had an MRI on your spine?

[*Joy*]

Hi Matt,

MS is such a strange disease isn't it. We have the misdiagnosed, the diagnosed, the limbolander and the sort of a limbolander. Oh and let's not forget the "too tight jeans" and the crazy among us. Most of us are crazy with or without a disease. :) I mean that in the most endearing way, folks. I like unusual people.

I'm just so glad that you have a good doctor, Matt. I have a good one too. I think with doctors it's a crap shoot... some are winners and some aren't. It's the luck of the toss.

I'm also glad to read that you're staying with the Betaserone. It seems to be working for you.

XOXO
Joy

[Matt]

Matt have you ever had an MRI on your spine?


Yes. Repeatedly. I used to have three lesions on the spinal chord. They are all gone now. I also had a positive spinal tap.

[Matt]

Most of us are crazy with or without a disease. :) I mean that in the most endearing way, folks. I like unusual people.



I was definitely wacked long before MS. I don't think MS helped any, though.

[Matt]

Oh and let's not forget the "too tight jeans" and the crazy among us.

Wouldn't that be embarrassing, if you went to the doctor for leg weakness thinking you had MS and it really did turn out to be "too tight jeans"?

[Teddy]

Too Tight Jeans will have to go on the list of MS differentials... Maybe I'll discuss that possibility with my neuro next time I see him!! :D

[Matt]

Here's another diagnosis to consider...my first diagnosis.

I had been slipping on the snow quite a lot that winter, always on the right foot. When I went to the shoe store to see if I should get better boots, the shoe salesman said that people who are right handed are usually left footed. That seemed like a good explanation to me at the time. I had no idea that I had a neurological illness at that point, it wasn't untill one side of my face went paralyzed.

[Teddy]

Matt, that sounds like me joking that I'd lose my drunk-walk after we had our house relevelled. I was sure that it was the house sagging that was responsible for the fact that I couldn't walk without listing to the left! :D

[Matt]

LOL too funny:D