This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

I had to see Occ Health nurse at work today as I requested permission to park in visitor bays because the main car park is a 10 minute walk from my office - which I can find tricky.

The nurse went all out and then told me that in her opinion it probably wasn't MS at all but the numbness / weakness I was having in my R arm is probably due to a whip lash injury I had 9 years ago?

Despite me having seen a neuro this week who did a lot of physical tests and is doing more to give a dx! She really upset me. The upshot is that am I mad or is she just a jumped up, self important nurse who thinks she knows better than a neuro? If nothing els, how does that exlplain my drop / drag leg, ON, balance and occasional speech problems.

Answers on a postcard!

she probably has watched too much seinfeld and has not seen enough mris and labwork.

Its not just your occupational nurse: an orthopaedic surgeon once told me I had congenital stenosis of the spine.

Sarah

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An Itinerary in Light and Shadow Completed Dr Charles Stratton / Dr David Wheldon abx regime for aggressive secondary progressive MS in June 2007, after four years. Still improving with no relapses since starting. Can't run but can paint all day.

Cos we aren't confused and discombobulated enough

Obviously she is not qualified to provide the diagnosis. I would let your neuro know who and what she said. Also, if you are really unsettled, as is very common for medical items, get a second opinion; always. My MS diagnosis came at about the 3rd or 4th opinion.

She's not a doctor and she's not your neurologist. If she doesn't wish to hand over the precious parking spaces she's guarding, then you may be able to persuade her with a letter from your neurologist. Moreover, if walking long distances is truly a problem, then you could always get a disabled parking placard for your car. By doing so, your work would be legally obligated to accommodate you.

NHE

I'd tell her to stick with changing bedpans and taking blood pressure and leave the diagnosis to the doctors.

I agree. From my understanding they are not allowed to make dxes anyways In fact she could probably get herself into some trouble, especially if you were to take her DX and stop seeing a neuro and end up having something bad happen to you.