Should I call the Neurologist? (Possible MS)

val444

Hi all

Ye were all so helpful recently, I really do appreciate it. I am looking for another snippet of advice if ye don't mind.

Story so far - had weird numbness in fingers and feet for ages, diagnosed myself online with MS, mainly due to obvious Lhermitte's Sign I also had, which I could no longer ignore. Went to the doctor, she tried to put my mind at rest, but suggested a trip to a neurologist, to be sure, to be sure.

Neurologist took me more seriously than I was expecting. I was fully sure I was making it up! Especially as symptoms had all but disappeared by then. Went for an MRI. Thought I was prepared but when the neurologist looked at the results of the MRI and said it was most likely MS, I got a bit of a fright.

She was very matter of fact about it, so so was I, and booked in for a Lumbar Puncture almost immediately. That was unpleasant, and had to be done again under x-ray guidance.

My symptoms are now back. I haven't seen the neurologist since my symptoms came back, and am not due to see her until mid September.

Sorry about the length of this. My question really is, should I be calling the neurologist's office to let them know my symptoms are back? Or can this wait until I see her in September?

milltown

A stitch in time and all that.

I'd be getting on to them straight away. My own experience of neurological problems is that they can take time to get under control, so the sooner you start the better.

milltown

A stitch in time and all that.

I'd be getting on to them straight away. My own experience of neurological problems is that they can take time to get under control, so the sooner you start the better.

nicechick!

val444 wrote: »

Hi all

Ye were all so helpful recently, I really do appreciate it. I am looking for another snippet of advice if ye don't mind.

Story so far - had weird numbness in fingers and feet for ages, diagnosed myself online with MS, mainly due to obvious Lhermitte's Sign I also had, which I could no longer ignore. Went to the doctor, she tried to put my mind at rest, but suggested a trip to a neurologist, to be sure, to be sure.

Neurologist took me more seriously than I was expecting. I was fully sure I was making it up! Especially as symptoms had all but disappeared by then. Went for an MRI. Thought I was prepared but when the neurologist looked at the results of the MRI and said it was most likely MS, I got a bit of a fright.

She was very matter of fact about it, so so was I, and booked in for a Lumbar Puncture almost immediately. That was unpleasant, and had to be done again under x-ray guidance.

My symptoms are now back. I haven't seen the neurologist since my symptoms came back, and am not due to see her until mid September.

Sorry about the length of this. My question really is, should I be calling the neurologist's office to let them know my symptoms are back? Or can this wait until I see her in September?

Ask your GP, I would suggest you make note of new symptoms and the length/frequency and length of time of your current symptoms good luck

byhookorbycrook

Has it been confimed as MS?Call the neuro make an appointment. Put your mind to rest or if it is an attack, time to talk about treatments.

val444

No, it hasn't been officially diagnosed yet. She seemed fairly sure after the MRI but sent me for the lumbar puncture and evoked potentials test anyhoo. Which suited me fine as I was buying a house this summer and not officially having MS, was helpful when applying for a mortgage!

I guess I just want to ignore it, but that won't help in the long run. I will give her secretary a call, see what she says. I just didn't want to be making a mountain out of a molehill either.

Thanks again.

LittlemsSkelly

Hi Val

Definitely give them a ring, this could be another attack/relapse. When it comes to your health, you can never be too annoying, pushy or make any mountains, all the while maintaining a good and respectful relationship with the docs and nurses of course !!!

They may even start you on treatment sooner rather than later based on your evoked potentials results without waiting for the LP results (I'm pretty sure any samples have to be sent for testing in the UK but I'm not 100%, that's why it takes ages to get them back!) so get on the phone. If you start treatment sooner, fantastic, if they just give you reassurance, fantastic. It's really just win win so good luck and let us know!

byhookorbycrook

In the meantime, vit b,d, and omega oils. Good luck.

Seanachai

After you receive a diagnosis and even if you are given the all clear it would be worthwhile getting tested for metal toxicity as the symptoms can very closely match the symptoms of what is called 'MS'.

http://www.pamrotella.com/health/ms.html

http://heartspring.net/mercury_poison_symptoms.html

skippy2

Hi VAL
Having a similar Neurological problem.
It is not diagnosed until it is confirmed by your neurologist.
and then maybe you should get a second opinion if it is determined it is something such as MS

Definitely contact them and let them know symptoms have returned
I found it helpful to keep a diary of symptoms (date and type of symptoms) so you can provide it to the Neuro when you see them as symptoms change and you forget, this also helps if this is long term. Just keep a written diary (Word Document so you can edit and print out easily) of all this and your treatments etc such as Lumbar Puncture so you can provide an immediate history to any medic you see as you may end seeing different people over time

My condition was diagnosed relatively quickly within six/nine months after first seeing a neurologist and started with numbness in fingers and toes but is not MS. A lot of these conditions are linked and difficult to pinpoint initially. It might be an idea to ask for Nerve conduction tests to be done if you have not already had them. This involves sending short electrical pulses through different parts of your hand legs etc. only mildly uncomfortable to have done not really painful so nothing to worry about.

Best of luck and hopefully you will get good news