Not really sure if I have MS or not

[Guest guest]

I'm seeing a neurologist Dr. Skeen at Duke in NC. In the summer of

2006 on the first day of college I woke up and couldn't see good,

pain later, etc. I had optic neuritis. My first neurologist thought

I had a 60% chance of having MS but she had less experience. The

neurologist I have now thinks I have a 90% chance but he's not sure

either 100%. I also on the left side of my left leg on the top half

had that tingly, sharp pain, pins and needles feeling with a little

numbness too like when I'd shave my leg but my family doctor told me

it was some band syndrome not MS. I still have that feeling there

it's been about a year, it's a little lower on the top half it seems

like. But I've done some reading and it could also be a pinched

nerve or poor circulation. I don't eat that healthy although I'm 19

and I don't exercise right now (I plan on working on that). Also for

a few days once my right foot on the top had a numbness feeling but

when I used my nail I still felt it. I've been taking Avonex for

over a year but now I'm taking 1/2 the dose because the full dose

gave me really bad flu symptoms (I tend to be more sensative to

things). Sorry for this long post, but if you were to pretend I

never was diagnosed with possibly having MS, would you consider it or

do you think it's just from poor dieting/lack of exercise? Because,

in my opinion, I hate not knowing if I DO have it or DON'T have it.

Plus, my neuroligist will assume anything that goes wrong is MS since

he specializes in that area when that may not be true. Thank

you .

[Guest guest]

Well, this certainly DOES sound like MS to me; and there is

no law that protects us from having more than one condition--

alas!

Pulling for you, Heidi, from Oakland, California,

n

>

>

>

>

> I'm seeing a neurologist Dr. Skeen at Duke in NC. In the summer of

> 2006 on the first day of college I woke up and couldn't see good,

> pain later, etc. I had optic neuritis. My first neurologist thought

> I had a 60% chance of having MS but she had less experience. The

> neurologist I have now thinks I have a 90% chance but he's not sure

> either 100%. I also on the left side of my left leg on the top half

> had that tingly, sharp pain, pins and needles feeling with a little

> numbness too like when I'd shave my leg but my family doctor told me

> it was some band syndrome not MS. I still have that feeling there

> it's been about a year, it's a little lower on the top half it seems

> like. But I've done some reading and it could also be a pinched

> nerve or poor circulation. I don't eat that healthy although I'm 19

> and I don't exercise right now (I plan on working on that). Also for

> a few days once my right foot on the top had a numbness feeling but

> when I used my nail I still felt it. I've been taking Avonex for

> over a year but now I'm taking 1/2 the dose because the full dose

> gave me really bad flu symptoms (I tend to be more sensative to

> things). Sorry for this long post, but if you were to pretend I

> never was diagnosed with possibly having MS, would you consider it or

> do you think it's just from poor dieting/lack of exercise? Because,

> in my opinion, I hate not knowing if I DO have it or DON'T have it.

> Plus, my neuroligist will assume anything that goes wrong is MS since

> he specializes in that area when that may not be true. Thank

> you .

>

>

[Guest guest]

Your best bet is to keep on seeing drs to see what the problem is. It took me 4 years to get an MS diagnosis. So keep up seeing the docs.

Good luck. ShirleyLife is short, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile.

Not really sure if I have MS or not

I'm seeing a neurologist Dr. Skeen at Duke in NC. In the summer of 2006 on the first day of college I woke up and couldn't see good, pain later, etc. I had optic neuritis. My first neurologist thought I had a 60% chance of having MS but she had less experience. The neurologist I have now thinks I have a 90% chance but he's not sure either 100%. I also on the left side of my left leg on the top half had that tingly, sharp pain, pins and needles feeling with a little numbness too like when I'd shave my leg but my family doctor told me it was some band syndrome not MS. I still have that feeling there it's been about a year, it's a little lower on the top half it seems like. But I've done some reading and it could also be a pinched nerve or poor circulation. I don't eat that healthy although I'm 19 and I don't exercise right now (I plan on working on that). Also for a few days once my right foot on the

top had a numbness feeling but when I used my nail I still felt it. I've been taking Avonex for over a year but now I'm taking 1/2 the dose because the full dose gave me really bad flu symptoms (I tend to be more sensative to things). Sorry for this long post, but if you were to pretend I never was diagnosed with possibly having MS, would you consider it or do you think it's just from poor dieting/lack of exercise? Because, in my opinion, I hate not knowing if I DO have it or DON'T have it. Plus, my neuroligist will assume anything that goes wrong is MS since he specializes in that area when that may not be true. Thank you .

[Guest guest]

Hi Heidi:I'm so glad to see you posting! And I'm happy you joined us but sorry you are having problems. I would NOT assume your problems are from a bad diet or from not exercising. I think if a doctor who specializes in MS has said 90% AND you are on Avonex--then I would think you do have MS. I don't know how many insurance companies would pay for Avonex without a real belief you did have MS. I would recommend you let the doc know of each new symptom that happens. That's how they document to get a definite diagnosis. What did your MRIs show? Did you have a spinal tap? What other tests have you done?But if I didn't know about any of that and only knew about your numbness, optic neuritis, pins and needles? I would

say you should get checked out for MS. I'm sorry. I'm sure you don't want to believe it at all.You are actually very fortunate to have a doc who takes your symptoms seriously. You will see on this group there are many people who aren't taken seriously, do not have a diagnosis and therefore don't get the medication that may slow the disease progression. You could go to a different neurologist and see if they have a different opinion. Dr. Skeen is well known and a brief search for "Dr. Skeen Duke Multiple Sclerosis" brings up a lot of hits. How are you feeling now?hugs))Sharon This email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or

defects. Not really sure if I have MS or not

I'm seeing a neurologist Dr. Skeen at Duke in NC. In the summer of

2006 on the first day of college I woke up and couldn't see good,

pain later, etc. I had optic neuritis. My first neurologist thought

I had a 60% chance of having MS but she had less experience. The

neurologist I have now thinks I have a 90% chance but he's not sure

either 100%. I also on the left side of my left leg on the top half

had that tingly, sharp pain, pins and needles feeling with a little

numbness too like when I'd shave my leg but my family doctor told me

it was some band syndrome not MS. I still have that feeling there

it's been about a year, it's a little lower on the top half it seems

like. But I've done some reading and it could also be a pinched

nerve or poor circulation. I don't eat that healthy although I'm 19

and I don't exercise right now (I plan on working on that). Also for

a few days once my right foot on the top had a numbness feeling but

when I used my nail I still felt it. I've been taking Avonex for

over a year but now I'm taking 1/2 the dose because the full dose

gave me really bad flu symptoms (I tend to be more sensative to

things). Sorry for this long post, but if you were to pretend I

never was diagnosed with possibly having MS, would you consider it or

do you think it's just from poor dieting/lack of exercise? Because,

in my opinion, I hate not knowing if I DO have it or DON'T have it.

Plus, my neuroligist will assume anything that goes wrong is MS since

he specializes in that area when that may not be true. Thank

you .

Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for responding (both of you :]). I've been praying

and hoping it's not but if it is I also won't be devestated. And I'm

glad there's other people here that I can talk to that are going

through it and what everyone's opinions are.

>

> Your best bet is to keep on seeing drs to see what the problem is.

It took me 4 years to get an MS diagnosis. So keep up seeing the

docs.

> Good luck.

>

> Shirley

> Life is short, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh

uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile.

>

>

>

>

> Not really sure if I have MS or not

>

> I'm seeing a neurologist Dr. Skeen at Duke in NC. In the summer of

> 2006 on the first day of college I woke up and couldn't see good,

> pain later, etc. I had optic neuritis. My first neurologist thought

> I had a 60% chance of having MS but she had less experience. The

> neurologist I have now thinks I have a 90% chance but he's not sure

> either 100%. I also on the left side of my left leg on the top half

> had that tingly, sharp pain, pins and needles feeling with a little

> numbness too like when I'd shave my leg but my family doctor told

me

> it was some band syndrome not MS. I still have that feeling there

> it's been about a year, it's a little lower on the top half it

seems

> like. But I've done some reading and it could also be a pinched

> nerve or poor circulation. I don't eat that healthy although I'm 19

> and I don't exercise right now (I plan on working on that). Also

for

> a few days once my right foot on the top had a numbness feeling but

> when I used my nail I still felt it. I've been taking Avonex for

> over a year but now I'm taking 1/2 the dose because the full dose

> gave me really bad flu symptoms (I tend to be more sensative to

> things). Sorry for this long post, but if you were to pretend I

> never was diagnosed with possibly having MS, would you consider it

or

> do you think it's just from poor dieting/lack of exercise? Because,

> in my opinion, I hate not knowing if I DO have it or DON'T have it.

> Plus, my neuroligist will assume anything that goes wrong is MS

since

> he specializes in that area when that may not be true. Thank

> you .

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, I too were told to go to Duke to see a Neuro..I have been sort of scared, because I have encountered so many doctors that really do not seem to want to work and figure out what is going on...Are they any good there? NC is so far away from where I stay, but if I can find a decent doc I will travel.heidi wrote: Thank you so much for responding (both of you :]). I've been praying and hoping it's not but if it is I also won't be devestated. And I'm glad there's other people here that I can talk to that are

going through it and what everyone's opinions are. >> Your best bet is to keep on seeing drs to see what the problem is. It took me 4 years to get an MS diagnosis. So keep up seeing the docs.> Good luck.> > Shirley> Life is short, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile. > > > > > Not really sure if I have MS or not> > I'm seeing a neurologist Dr. Skeen at Duke in NC. In the summer of > 2006 on the first day

of college I woke up and couldn't see good, > pain later, etc. I had optic neuritis. My first neurologist thought > I had a 60% chance of having MS but she had less experience. The > neurologist I have now thinks I have a 90% chance but he's not sure > either 100%. I also on the left side of my left leg on the top half > had that tingly, sharp pain, pins and needles feeling with a little > numbness too like when I'd shave my leg but my family doctor told me > it was some band syndrome not MS. I still have that feeling there > it's been about a year, it's a little lower on the top half it seems > like. But I've done some reading and it could also be a pinched > nerve or poor circulation. I don't eat that healthy although I'm 19 > and I don't exercise right now (I plan on working on that). Also for > a few days once my right foot on the top had a numbness feeling but > when

I used my nail I still felt it. I've been taking Avonex for > over a year but now I'm taking 1/2 the dose because the full dose > gave me really bad flu symptoms (I tend to be more sensative to > things). Sorry for this long post, but if you were to pretend I > never was diagnosed with possibly having MS, would you consider it or > do you think it's just from poor dieting/lack of exercise? Because, > in my opinion, I hate not knowing if I DO have it or DON'T have it. > Plus, my neuroligist will assume anything that goes wrong is MS since > he specializes in that area when that may not be true. Thank > you .>

tiffany charmelle hester

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

Hello!~ I suppose there may be some good neuros here in NC. I used to see Dr. Pamela Whitney. She is one of the most popular neuros here. She and I didn't quite mesh. I had a problem talking to her because she used to like to talk for me. I didn't feel like she was listening to me. When I told her I was losing my eyesight, she said, "Well, you are past 40 now. Our eyes tend to get worse as the years progress." Two years later, I lost most of the vision in my right eye. Optic Neuritis. Still can't see. I am now, losing the sight in my left eye. Eyes must get a whole lot worse after we reach 47? LOL. I now go to Raleigh Neurology to see a neurologist. His name is Dr. Becker. I think that's his name. Haven't seen him in about a year. But, I kinda like him. He's pretty

thorough. Hubby doesn't care for him. He said he didn't like the way the Dr. treated me on my last visit. I did notice a slight change in his behavior. I'm just assuming it was because hubby was with me at the time. I may be wrong. This is the south you know, and there's a lot of discrimination going on still. The Duke diagnostic clinic is pretty good. They will set you up with a Dr. who will evaluate you to see what kinds of tests and such that you might need. There used to be a really nice Dr. there that I really liked. His name is Dr. on. I don't know what happened to him. He was there one day and when I went to my next appt. he was gone, and I had a new Dr. I have since learned that that happens quite frequently. I think that the Dr.s who work there are interns. Hope this helped you out a little. And, I hope you get the

care that you need. God bless... Val wrote: Hi, I too were told to go to Duke to see a Neuro..I have been sort of scared, because I have encountered so many doctors that really do not seem to want to work and figure out what is going on...Are they any good there? NC is so far away from where I stay, but if I can find a decent doc I will

travel.heidi <smokeyandbandit88> wrote: Thank you so much for responding (both of you :]). I've been praying and hoping it's not but if it is I also won't be devestated. And I'm glad there's other people here that I can talk to that are going through it and what everyone's opinions are. >> Your best bet is to keep on seeing drs to see what the problem is. It took me 4 years to get an MS diagnosis. So keep up seeing the docs.> Good luck.> > Shirley> Life is short, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile. > > > > > ----- Original

Message ----> > To: MSersLife > Sent: Monday, January 14, 2008 4:14:42 PM> Subject: Not really sure if I have MS or not> > I'm seeing a neurologist Dr. Skeen at Duke in NC. In the summer of > 2006 on the first day of college I woke up and couldn't see good, > pain later, etc. I had optic neuritis. My first neurologist thought > I had a 60% chance of having MS but she had less experience. The > neurologist I have now thinks I have a 90% chance but he's not sure > either 100%. I also on the left side of my left leg on the top half > had that tingly, sharp pain, pins and needles feeling with a little > numbness too like when I'd shave my leg but my family doctor told me > it was some band syndrome not MS. I still have that feeling there > it's been

about a year, it's a little lower on the top half it seems > like. But I've done some reading and it could also be a pinched > nerve or poor circulation. I don't eat that healthy although I'm 19 > and I don't exercise right now (I plan on working on that). Also for > a few days once my right foot on the top had a numbness feeling but > when I used my nail I still felt it. I've been taking Avonex for > over a year but now I'm taking 1/2 the dose because the full dose > gave me really bad flu symptoms (I tend to be more sensative to > things). Sorry for this long post, but if you were to pretend I > never was diagnosed with possibly having MS, would you consider it or > do you think it's just from poor dieting/lack of exercise? Because, > in my opinion, I hate not knowing if I DO have it or DON'T have it. > Plus, my neuroligist will assume anything that goes wrong is MS since

> he specializes in that area when that may not be true. Thank > you .> tiffany charmelle hester Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. Euphemisms are unpleasant truths wearing diplomatic cologne. ~Quentin Crisp~

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

[Guest guest]

I was dx with MS by 3 doctors and also told no by 2 doctors. I have given up on getting a dx bcs I don't have as many lesions to give me a defininitve dx. I have 3 but it seems that's not enough. I have been told that my symptoms are more consistent with fibromyalgia then MS and to see a doctor that specializes in that...argggggggg! Another doctor. Am sick of doctors. I now have to see a hand specialist for this Carpet Tunnel and that is on the 28th of this month but it can't be early enough for me. I am having a really hard time. The pain is so bad and I have had back pain and body pain for almost 22 years now and this pain is the only pain I focus on bcs it's worse than the other pain. I can't even drive. I tried to drive yesterday to go pick up my son and everytime I put my hands on the steering wheel I got sharp/stabbing pains and had to keep switching hands. I am dropping everything. Everything I do

hurts them. It is really effecting my life as far as my hygeine. I can't blow dry my hair, pluck my ebrows, hard to shave etc. So, I don't do it that much and when I do it's so bad the whole day is painful. I called the hand surgeon and asked them to consider me if they have any cancelations and if they do get me in as fast as they can. Sorry got on another subject and really didn't mean to do that. I am trying to say that every doctor is different and many doctors are hesitant in giving a difinitive dx of ms. You should keep looking until you find someone that looks outside the box and will respect you and also be compasionate. Take Care and Hugs, :)Val Lee wrote: Hello!~ I suppose there may be some good neuros here in NC. I used to see Dr. Pamela Whitney. She is one of the most popular neuros here. She and I didn't quite mesh. I had a problem talking to her because she used to like to talk for me. I didn't feel like she was listening to me. When I told her I was losing my eyesight, she said, "Well, you are past 40 now. Our eyes tend to get worse as the years progress." Two years later, I lost most of the vision in my right eye. Optic Neuritis. Still can't see. I am now, losing the sight in my left eye.

Eyes must get a whole lot worse after we reach 47? LOL. I now go to Raleigh Neurology to see a neurologist. His name is Dr. Becker. I think that's his name. Haven't seen him in about a year. But, I kinda like him. He's pretty thorough. Hubby doesn't care for him. He said he didn't like the way the Dr. treated me on my last visit. I did notice a slight change in his behavior. I'm just assuming it was because hubby was with me at the time. I may be wrong. This is the south you know, and there's a lot of discrimination going on still. The Duke diagnostic clinic is pretty good. They will set you up with a Dr. who will evaluate you to see what kinds of tests and such that you might need. There used to be a really nice Dr. there that I really liked. His name is Dr. on. I don't know what happened to him. He was there one day

and when I went to my next appt. he was gone, and I had a new Dr. I have since learned that that happens quite frequently. I think that the Dr.s who work there are interns. Hope this helped you out a little. And, I hope you get the care that you need. God bless... Val <*)))><tiffany hester <akivas_wifey04> wrote: Hi, I too were told to go to Duke to see a Neuro..I have been sort of scared, because I have encountered so many doctors that really do not seem to want to work and figure out what is going on...Are they any good there? NC is so far away from where I stay, but if I can find a decent doc I will

travel.heidi <smokeyandbandit88> wrote: Thank you so much for responding (both of you :]). I've been praying and hoping it's not but if it is I also won't be devestated. And I'm glad there's other people here that I can talk to that are going through it and what everyone's opinions are. >> Your best bet is to keep on seeing drs to see what the problem is. It took me 4 years to get an MS diagnosis. So keep up seeing the docs.> Good luck.> > Shirley> Life is short, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile. > > > > > ----- Original

Message ----> > To: MSersLife > Sent: Monday, January 14, 2008 4:14:42 PM> Subject: Not really sure if I have MS or not> > I'm seeing a neurologist Dr. Skeen at Duke in NC. In the summer of > 2006 on the first day of college I woke up and couldn't see good, > pain later, etc. I had optic neuritis. My first neurologist thought > I had a 60% chance of having MS but she had less experience. The > neurologist I have now thinks I have a 90% chance but he's not sure > either 100%. I also on the left side of my left leg on the top half > had that tingly, sharp pain, pins and needles feeling with a little > numbness too like when I'd shave my leg but my family doctor told me > it was some band syndrome not MS. I still have that feeling there > it's been

about a year, it's a little lower on the top half it seems > like. But I've done some reading and it could also be a pinched > nerve or poor circulation. I don't eat that healthy although I'm 19 > and I don't exercise right now (I plan on working on that). Also for > a few days once my right foot on the top had a numbness feeling but > when I used my nail I still felt it. I've been taking Avonex for > over a year but now I'm taking 1/2 the dose because the full dose > gave me really bad flu symptoms (I tend to be more sensative to > things). Sorry for this long post, but if you were to pretend I > never was diagnosed with possibly having MS, would you consider it or > do you think it's just from poor dieting/lack of exercise? Because, > in my opinion, I hate not knowing if I DO have it or DON'T have it. > Plus, my neuroligist will assume anything that goes wrong is MS since

> he specializes in that area when that may not be true. Thank > you .> tiffany charmelle hester Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. Euphemisms are unpleasant truths wearing diplomatic cologne. ~Quentin Crisp~ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. Peace, Love and Hugs, D.

[Guest guest]

one lesion will do it - fibro is a separate dx - welcome to the club such as it is - docs are crazy - they are the flavor of the month and crazier than we are - from what I have found they are easier to be certifiable

Not really sure if I have MS or not> > I'm seeing a neurologist Dr. Skeen at Duke in NC. In the summer of > 2006 on the first day of college I woke up and couldn't see good, > pain later, etc. I had optic neuritis. My first neurologist thought > I had a 60% chance of having MS but she had less experience. The > neurologist I have now thinks I have a 90% chance but he's not sure > either 100%. I also on the left side of my left leg on the top half > had that tingly, sharp pain, pins and needles feeling with a little > numbness too like when I'd shave my leg but my family doctor told me > it was some band syndrome not MS. I still have that feeling there > it's been about a year, it's a little lower on the top half it seems > like. But I've done some reading and it could also be a pinched > nerve or poor circulation. I don't eat that healthy although I'm 19 > and I don't exercise right now (I plan on working on that). Also for > a few days once my right foot on the top had a numbness feeling but > when I used my nail I still felt it. I've been taking Avonex for > over a year but now I'm taking 1/2 the dose because the full dose > gave me really bad flu symptoms (I tend to be more sensative to > things). Sorry for this long post, but if you were to pretend I > never was diagnosed with possibly having MS, would you consider it or > do you think it's just from poor dieting/lack of exercise? Because, > in my opinion, I hate not knowing if I DO have it or DON'T have it. > Plus, my neuroligist will assume anything that goes wrong is MS since > he specializes in that area when that may not be true. Thank > you .>

tiffany charmelle hester

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. Euphemisms are unpleasant truths wearing diplomatic cologne. ~Quentin Crisp~

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Peace, Love and Hugs,

D.

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.4/1226 - Release Date: 1/15/2008 6:19 PM

[Guest guest]

I hear you must have at least 3 lesions and about 10 to have a definitive dx. You know, I think those doctors MAKE us crazy. Not like we are not going through enough already. The doctors the one that undiagnosed me says the problems with my legs are directly related to my back and the neurologist for my back says it's fibromyalgia. But the neurologist that says I don't have it "wonder" and a "little" concerned about the "black hole" but not worried enough to do anything. Go figure. I am really done with going down this road. I now have to worry about the carpet tunnel and that's really enough for now. I am on enough medication to put down a horse so MS, Fibro, Back, it really doesn't matter bcs the meds I am on basically can cover everything. Hugs, :)Anne Whitworth wrote: one lesion will do it - fibro is a separate dx - welcome to the club such as it is - docs are crazy - they are the flavor of the month and crazier than we are - from what I have found they are easier to be certifiable Not really sure if I have MS or not> > I'm seeing a neurologist Dr. Skeen at Duke in NC. In the summer of > 2006 on the first day of college I woke up and couldn't see good, > pain later, etc. I had optic neuritis. My first neurologist thought > I had a 60% chance of having MS but she had less experience. The > neurologist I have now thinks I have a 90% chance but he's not sure > either 100%. I also on the left side of my left leg on the top half > had that tingly, sharp pain, pins and needles feeling with a little > numbness too like when I'd shave my leg but my family doctor told me > it was some band syndrome not MS. I still have that feeling there > it's been

about a year, it's a little lower on the top half it seems > like. But I've done some reading and it could also be a pinched > nerve or poor circulation. I don't eat that healthy although I'm 19 > and I don't exercise right now (I plan on working on that). Also for > a few days once my right foot on the top had a numbness feeling but > when I used my nail I still felt it. I've been taking Avonex for > over a year but now I'm taking 1/2 the dose because the full dose > gave me really bad flu symptoms (I tend to be more sensative to > things). Sorry for this long post, but if you were to pretend I > never was diagnosed with possibly having MS, would you consider it or > do you think it's just from poor dieting/lack of exercise? Because, > in my opinion, I hate not knowing if I DO have it or DON'T have it. > Plus, my neuroligist will assume anything that goes wrong is MS since

> he specializes in that area when that may not be true. Thank > you .> tiffany charmelle hester Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. Euphemisms are unpleasant truths wearing diplomatic cologne. ~Quentin Crisp~ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. Peace, Love and Hugs, D. No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.4/1226 - Release

Date: 1/15/2008 6:19 PM Peace, Love and Hugs, D.

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~ If in fact, you do have MS, those meds don't really cover it. And I didn't have 10 lesions for them to know I had MS. I do know I have at least 3. Maybe more now. I haven't had an MRI in a few years. I really think you should find you a good neuro. My neuro thinks I may have Fibromyalgia also. But, he told me that he wants to make sure first, so he told me to make an appt. with a Rheumatologist. That was a year ago, and I'm just now getting around to it. I still have to make an appointment to get that Visual Evoke Potential done. Is that what it's called? I don't remember. I know you can't wait to get the CT taken care of. I can only imagine how painful that is. Love and blessings... Val" D." wrote: I hear you must have at least 3 lesions and about 10 to have a definitive dx. You know, I think those doctors MAKE us crazy. Not like we are not going through enough already. The doctors the one that undiagnosed me says the problems with my legs are directly related to my back and the neurologist for my back says it's fibromyalgia. But

the neurologist that says I don't have it "wonder" and a "little" concerned about the "black hole" but not worried enough to do anything. Go figure. I am really done with going down this road. I now have to worry about the carpet tunnel and that's really enough for now. I am on enough medication to put down a horse so MS, Fibro, Back, it really doesn't matter bcs the meds I am on basically can cover everything. Hugs, :)Anne Whitworth <reikiladyitlnet (DOT) net> wrote: one lesion will do it - fibro is a separate dx - welcome to the club such as it is - docs are crazy - they are the flavor of the month and crazier than we are - from what I have found they are easier to be certifiable Not really sure if I have MS or not> > I'm seeing a neurologist Dr. Skeen at Duke in NC. In the summer of > 2006 on the first day of college I woke up and couldn't see good, > pain later, etc. I had optic neuritis. My first neurologist thought > I had a 60% chance of having MS but she had less experience. The > neurologist I have now thinks I have a 90% chance but he's not sure > either 100%. I also on the left

side of my left leg on the top half > had that tingly, sharp pain, pins and needles feeling with a little > numbness too like when I'd shave my leg but my family doctor told me > it was some band syndrome not MS. I still have that feeling there > it's been about a year, it's a little lower on the top half it seems > like. But I've done some reading and it could also be a pinched > nerve or poor circulation. I don't eat that healthy although I'm 19 > and I don't exercise right now (I plan on working on that). Also for > a few days once my right foot on the top had a numbness feeling but > when I used my nail I still felt it. I've been taking Avonex for > over a year but now I'm taking 1/2 the dose because the full dose > gave me really bad flu symptoms (I tend to be more sensative to > things). Sorry for this long post, but if you were to pretend I > never was diagnosed

with possibly having MS, would you consider it or > do you think it's just from poor dieting/lack of exercise? Because, > in my opinion, I hate not knowing if I DO have it or DON'T have it. > Plus, my neuroligist will assume anything that goes wrong is MS since > he specializes in that area when that may not be true. Thank > you .> tiffany charmelle hester Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try

it now. Euphemisms are unpleasant truths wearing diplomatic cologne. ~Quentin Crisp~ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. Peace, Love and Hugs, D. No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.4/1226 - Release Date: 1/15/2008 6:19 PM Peace, Love and Hugs, D. Euphemisms are unpleasant truths wearing diplomatic cologne. ~Quentin Crisp~

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:Not all doctors agree on what a diagnosis of MS consists of. Here is some links and info I found for you. I'm just copying small bits from each but the link is there for you to read more from each site.hugs))Sharon*********http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/516519The revised MRI criteria for dissemination in space are three of the

following: one or more gadolinium-enhancing lesions or nine T2

hyperintense lesions; one or more infratentorial lesions; one or more

juxtacortical lesions; or three or more periventricular lesions.The revised criteria for diagnosis of MS include the following:At least two attacks with objective clinical evidence of at least two lesions;At

least two attacks with objective clinical evidence of one lesion plus

dissemination in space shown on MRI or two or more MRI lesions

consistent with MS plus positive CSF finding or second clinical attack;One attack with objective clinical evidence of at least two lesions plus dissemination in time on MRI or second clinical attack;One

attack with objective clinical evidence of one lesion, plus

dissemination in space shown on MRI or two or more MRI lesions

consistent with MS plus positive CSF finding and dissemination in time

shown on MRI or second clinical attack;Insidious neurologic

progression suggestive of MS plus one year of disease progression

determined retrospectively or prospectively and two of the following:

positive brain MRI result (nine T2 lesions or at least four T2 lesions

with positive Visual Evoked Potential), positive spinal cord MRI result

with two focal T2 lesions, and positive CSF findings.*********http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/1900/1908.asp?index=8460What are the accepted criteria for diagnosis?

Onset usually between 10 and 60 years of ageSymptoms and signs indicating lesions of central nervous system white

matterEvidence of two or more lesions upon examination by MRI scan (see

below)Objective evidence of central nervous system disease on neurological

examinationA course following one of two patterns: two or more episodes lasting

at least 24 hours and occurring at least one month apart, or a

progressive course of signs and symptoms over at least six monthsNo other explanation for the symptoms*********http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/DiagnosticCriteria.html (this one has a big chart so you'll have to look at it)*********http://library.med.utah.edu/kw/ms/dc.htmlGeneral Diagnostic Criteria

Multiple Sclerosis can be difficult to diagnose. Although no

neurological symptoms or findings are pathognomonic for MS, certain

important clues can be found during history and/or physical exam that

will lead to the correct diagnosis.

Intranuclear ophthalmoplegia is rarely found in young adults

in diseases other than MS.

Altered color vision in one eye, optic pallor and/or Marcus-Gunn pupil

(relative afferent pupillary defect) may all be signs of optic neuritis and can provide information on subclinical or resolved optic neuritis.

Many different types of nystagmus are common findings in patients with MS.

A mild intention tremor can be another early sign of MS.

Slight motor weakness and spasticity may be found.

Positive Romberg's sign, decreased vibratory and proprioceptive sense in lower extremities may also be seen in early MS

A middle-aged or young adult presenting with Lhermitte's sign

should undergo a very careful neurologic examination to rule out

possible MS. (Lhermitte's sign is present if a patient complains of

paresthesia or electric shock-like sensation which radiates down long

the length of the spine or up through the head upon flexing the neck.)Standard Criteria for Diagnosis

At present there are no tests in which an abnormality is specific for

MS. Nonetheless, clinical examinations and diagnostic testing including

MRI, lumbar puncture and evoked potentials are very helpful. The

following standard diagnostic criteria developed by Poser et al., are

commonly used:

Criteria for DiagnosisDiagnostic Categories

History of two attacks with positive

oligoclonal bands or increased IgG in CSF; no clinical or para clinical

evidence of a diseaseProbable MS with laboratory support

History of two attacks without laboratory abnormalitiesClinically probable MS

History of two attacks with clinical and para clinical evidence of one lesion; Oligoclonal bands or increased IgG present in CSFLaboratory-supported definite MS

History of at least two attacks; Clinical

evidence of at least one lesion and clinical or para clinical evidence

of another lesionClinically-definite MS********* This email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects. -----

Original Message ----To: MSersLife Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2008 8:55:33 AMSubject: Re: Not really sure if I have MS or not

I hear you must have at least 3 lesions and about 10 to have a definitive dx. You know, I think those doctors MAKE us crazy. Not like we are not going through enough already. The doctors the one that undiagnosed me says the problems with my legs are directly related to my back and the neurologist for my back says it's fibromyalgia. But the neurologist that says I don't have it "wonder" and a "little" concerned about the "black hole" but not worried enough to do anything. Go figure. I am really done with going down this road. I now have to worry about the carpet tunnel and that's really enough for now. I am on enough medication to put down a horse so MS, Fibro, Back, it really doesn't matter bcs the meds I am on basically can cover everything. Hugs, :)Anne Whitworth <reikiladyitlnet (DOT) net> wrote: one lesion will do it - fibro is a separate dx - welcome to the club such as it is - docs are crazy - they are the flavor of the month and crazier than we are - from what I have found they are easier to be certifiable Not really sure if I have MS or not> > I'm seeing a neurologist Dr. Skeen at Duke in NC. In the summer of > 2006 on the first day of college I woke up and couldn't see good, > pain later, etc. I had optic neuritis. My first neurologist thought > I had a 60% chance of having MS but she had less experience. The > neurologist I have now thinks I have a 90% chance but he's not sure > either 100%. I also on the left side of my left leg on the top half > had that tingly, sharp pain, pins and needles feeling with a little > numbness too like when I'd shave my leg but my family doctor told me

> it was some band syndrome not MS. I still have that feeling there > it's been

about a year, it's a little lower on the top half it seems > like. But I've done some reading and it could also be a pinched > nerve or poor circulation. I don't eat that healthy although I'm 19 > and I don't exercise right now (I plan on working on that). Also for > a few days once my right foot on the top had a numbness feeling but > when I used my nail I still felt it. I've been taking Avonex for > over a year but now I'm taking 1/2 the dose because the full dose > gave me really bad flu symptoms (I tend to be more sensative to > things). Sorry for this long post, but if you were to pretend I > never was diagnosed with possibly having MS, would you consider it or > do you think it's just from poor dieting/lack of exercise? Because, > in my opinion, I hate not knowing if I DO have it or DON'T have it. > Plus, my neuroligist will assume anything that goes

wrong is MS since

> he specializes in that area when that may not be true. Thank > you .> tiffany charmelle hester Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. Euphemisms are unpleasant truths wearing diplomatic cologne. ~Quentin Crisp~ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. Peace, Love and Hugs, D. No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.4/1226 - Release

Date: 1/15/2008 6:19 PM Peace, Love and Hugs, D.

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