Just began my diagnostic journey
Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2011 7:07 pm
I am new here and have not been diagnosed with MS or anything yet, so it is probably too premature to post. I am undergoing testing (blood work and soon an MRI). I had a recent episode of vision loss and eye pain, and now am very light sensitive. I had this happen two years ago. Notice problems with occasonal slurred speach, balance probs, vertigo, leg falling asleep while walking, memory probs, etc. Noticed that the symptoms line up with MS but I don't want to jump to any conclusions. I seen a neurologist yesterday, he was very matter of fact - I guess they don't know anything until they rule things out. I am in a wierd place: I don't want to have an illness. Yet, I am sick of being told by friends and family that it is all anxiety related. I am scared of the doc finding out something horrific, but also scared of not finding out anything. If no medical condition, how do I explain my memory probs, balance, occasional slurring, fumbling for words, etc to my boss - who will not buy the "it's just anxiety" thing. Plus, I know a lot about anxiety disorders and I don't have a fear when my events happen, more just a strange curiosity as to why these are happening to someone who considers himself otherwise healthy.
If the doc can't come up with an explanation other than it being due to stress or anxiety, I couldn't survive with my family if I ever had to be on disability, AND if I did anyway, my work policy only covers two years for mental disability. I want an answer, not because I am impaitent, but because my job, my coworkers, and my sanity needs that explanation. So, don't want to hope for a lifelong physical illness, but don't want another doc to tell me "That's strange...I don't know". So, now I am waiting for some blood work, am scheduled for an MRI, and am awaiting the journey to find some explanation, and hopefully, this neurologist will give me some answer. Anybody else been in my boat or have any comments?
If the doc can't come up with an explanation other than it being due to stress or anxiety, I couldn't survive with my family if I ever had to be on disability, AND if I did anyway, my work policy only covers two years for mental disability. I want an answer, not because I am impaitent, but because my job, my coworkers, and my sanity needs that explanation. So, don't want to hope for a lifelong physical illness, but don't want another doc to tell me "That's strange...I don't know". So, now I am waiting for some blood work, am scheduled for an MRI, and am awaiting the journey to find some explanation, and hopefully, this neurologist will give me some answer. Anybody else been in my boat or have any comments?