This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

When can someone consider MS to be in remission? I'll have a couple of days that pretty good, and then a couple of days that aren't so good. Can I consider the couple of good days remission?

I'd say just keep an eye on it: remission is a consistent lessening of symptoms, and I think a couple of days is possibly a bit too soon to attempt labelling things. Are you newly diagnosed?

No, I haven't been diagnosed yet, but I have many of the classic symptoms. My brain MRI and EMG were clean so far. I'm doing another MRI and on my neck next week. Then, possibly an LP depending on how my neck MRI looks. My neuro seems to think I don't have MS because of my clean MRI, but based on my symptoms it really seems like MS. My blood work has been a little bit off as well..low platelets and slight elevated quanitative IGA, which from what I've been reading can be caused by autoimmune diseases.

I see. The thing about MS is that it does share symptoms with quite a few other conditions, so it can be hard to pin down. Though it's hell to not know what's wrong your body, it's probably good that your doctor isn't leaping to the most convenient diagnosis and wants to be certain. Good luck.

That was my next question...do you think I should see an MS specialist or just wait to see what the other tests reveal? The waiting is literally driving me crazy. If I do have MS I would obviously like to look into treatment asap before this get's any worse.

Is it really possible to have just about every MS symptom and not have MS? I get my cervical MRI results back on Tuesday, and I'm getting pretty anxious.

See what the final tests come up with, but don't be afraid to let your doctor know that "we don't know" is not an answer they can settle on. One trick I learned is take a friend or family member to the doctor with you - they try a little bit harder when they feel like somebody else is watching. A lot of the MS symptoms aren't certain enough to make a definite diagnosis from, but I think there are certain things that are taken quite seriously right away and, unfortunately, it can be difficult getting the right investigations done before one of the bigger attacks - Optic Neuritis, tonic spasms, etc - occurs.

Think of it this way: every MS symptom can also be caused by something else. It sounds to me like your neuro is taking a thorough and methodical approach to figuring out your problems. I wouldn't start second-guessing him until he gives a positive dx or doesn't (i.e., wants to wait and see).

So did that c-spine MRI show anything?

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RRMS dx 3/3/11; Copaxone since 12/1/11

No need to second guess him yourself, thats what a second opinion is for.

Hi Mark,

My C-spine was clean he said except for 2 bulged discs...C3 and C4 I think. Based on my clean MRI's he says I definitely do not have MS, but given my symptoms I finding that very hard to believe. You mentioned to me in another thread that I should see I physiatrist...I found a few in my area, some are titled MD and some DO, does their title make any difference?

My physiatrist is an MD, with an extra residency at a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation program.

I don't know what a DO is, but I'm happy with the idea of an MD with extra training. When things get complicated, I want to see whoever has the broadest experience.

Hope that helps...

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RRMS dx 3/3/11; Copaxone since 12/1/11

I got told I 100% didn't have MS for about 13 years........I have MS (my previously clean MRI's (all 14 of them showed nothing) that was until my big relapse in 09 and they became positive as did my 2 negative LP's...the third one was positive.

If I were you I would look to maybe doing the swank diet/Wahls or Jelinek, take vitamin D etc and just look after yourself as if you have MS (If you haven't then its a bonus and you will be eating healthier:)

It does help, thanks Mark!

LR, that's what I'm afraid of, I don't know how he can say with 100% certainty that I don't have it when there are so many cases like yours. I have been taking a ton of vitamins like, D3 6-8000 iu's/day, B50 complex, B12, magnesium glycinate, acidopholous, and zinc. I just order to salmon oil from Dr Mercola's website as well, and just starting taking creatine. Dr Mercola says that creatine can help repair the nerves.

Never in a million years did I think I would have to deal with something like this at 33 yrs old....life is crazy and not very enjoyable anymore.

Btw, for the last few days I've been having a tickle sensation on the base of my spine or tail bone area that extends down through my backside. Has anyone ever felt this sensation before?

Doctor of Osteopathic medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency ... 002020.htm


NHE

I am 34 but have dealing with it since I was 17.....yes it sucks! Its never quite how you imagined your life would be:(
There are still good days for me though and I hope for you there are many good days too x