Saw the neurologist.....another referal.

[mum2kat+3]

Hello,

So I saw the neuro on monday and he seems to be sure that we're heading down the path of diagnosing MS. He didn't really focus too much on MS more inflamation of meyelin and that this is probably a second flare. The other being a mild, this one a lot more involved.
He has refered me to a dr. at the UBC MS clinic and an MRI, and some check board type testing(feel free to ring in with the name of that test if someone knows it!). So all of that probably won't happen for a few months.
He insisted I rest....questioned me working but I said I worked through the whole thing in Dec/Jan, why stop now and he said good point but it would be is preference until all the symptoms subside. But so not an option for me right now! I only have numb/tingling,lack of sensation differiating in my hands, as well as buzzing in my legs when I walk more than a block and electric shock feeling after that when I bend my neck down(can't remember what it's called).
So that's where I'm at. I guess going there to see this other dr. is to get a diagnosis with the MRI and other tests.


Thanks for listening

AM

[agate]

Hi mum2kat+3,

It's too bad you're having to travel this road. If it's any comfort to you, many people here have been down it.

Getting enough rest seems to be very important. Maybe you can find ways to work in some rest breaks in your day.

The checkerboard test you mentioned may be the VEP or visual evoked potentials test. I think it's also called VER for visual evoked response.

The electric-shock sensation in your spine is Lhermitte's sign. It can happen with many disorders, not just MS.

I hope you'll start feeling better soon and have some answers from the doc too.

[newlyb12def]

Well, it seems like you're on your way to a diagnosis, Ann-marie. You've already been through a lot, and you're just trying to put a name to it (which will also help you decide how you will treat it). I was relieved.
I wish you the best of luck,
Kay

[lady_express_44]

I'm glad they are listening, AM.

Yes the test is Visual Evoked Potentials is for checking to see how quickly your brain responsed to visual stimuli, or something to that effect. I just had one at VGH on Wednesday, and it's a cakewalk compared to most neurological testing we are subjected to. They just hook up some electrodes to your head, cover each eye independantly, and a changing black/white, white/black pattern occurs while you focus on the "N" (that looks more like a "Z") in the middle of the TV.

It takes about a week to get the results back, and it will apparently confirm any damage to the Optic Nerve. BTW, I have the name of an awesome neuro-opthamologist in VancouverW if you end up needing one . . .

Sounds like you're joining the club that no one really wants to be a part of ...? Welcome, the good news is we are in great company.

Cherie

[Abby2006]

Hang in there, we have all been here

Abby

[mum2kat+3]

Thank you all.
Overall, I'm ok with it. I have my moments and possible denial but I know it's not the end of the world, just a more difficult one.
I guess I just want to know for sure, and move forward from there. I hate waiting and the not knowing......
I got my MRI appt in the mail today.......July 16th - Thoratic, Cervical & brain non contrasting. Now just waiting for the MS clinic appt and the VEP(Cherie what was your wait on that?)


Thanks again for the support......

Ann-Marie

[lady_express_44]

the VEP(Cherie what was your wait on that?)

Ann-Marie

I was referred through a neuro-opthamologist, and it took about week to get the appointment with the N-O on the recommendation of my optometrist.

The wait for the VEP was three weeks, but that was probably because a N-O referral has a fair bit of pull. Also, the N-O had "witnessed" the damage in my optic nerve already (visually, through other testing), so it wasn't like there was any question. However, she thought it was old damage so there was really no hurry . . . I just got it done as a baseline, really.

Cherie