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Is it really MS?

Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 12:10 pm
by pualani
I am so confused, I don't know if I have MS or not. It seems like every docotor I see tells me something different. Help! :x

Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 7:00 pm
by Melody
Why are they suspecting MS? What has happened thus far????????????

Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 7:13 am
by pualani
I went to my primary care physician because the lower half of my body was numb on the surface. It was like my body fell asleep and it was coming out of it. My primary sent me for an MRI and referred me to a Neurologist. The Neurologist did another MRI of my head and an eye exam. In the middle of all of this my primary said that I had 2 masses in my abdomen and ovaries, he sent me to see a gynocologist/oncologist. My gyno did an ultrasound and blood work and told me that I have a 6 1/2 inch mass in my abdomen and a rather large cyst on my left ovary. He said that the mass is putting pressure on my spine and that it is probably what is causing the symptoms, in the meantime, my neurologist said in the follow up that I had leisons on my brain and cervical and that we were going to go ahead with treatments for MS after my surgery (possible hystorectomy). I'm getting really confused and don't know what to do. If my symptoms do go away after my surgery, I don't just want to jump on a $1200 a month medication if I don't need it. Should I ask for more tests or a second opinion? Agh! :x

Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 1:54 pm
by Arron
wow pualani, that is a lot of stuff to deal with all at once. Take a deep breath and realize that it's one thing at a time. MS is often (but unfortunately not always) a slow-moving condition and you will more than likely have the opportunity to make an informed decision about your treatments AFTER your more pressing concern of having a hysterectomy. But your body will be your guide and you should come to grips with the idea that you MAY need to go on therapy in the near future...

For me personally, I would definitely get a second opinion before committing to a potential lifetime of expensive treatments that carry not insignificant side effects.

MS is not usually diagnosed ONLY with MRIs, as there are a multitude of reasons why someone might have lesions in their brain (migraines cause lesions, for example)-- there are many other indicators that can be taken to get a better picture of what's really going on with you, such as a spinal tap. I know, not fun, but better to know you're treating the right thing.

Use our community for support-- we're behind you!

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:12 am
by pualani
Thank you so much Arron. This is a really great forum and it's comforting, especially since I don't know anyone who's going through even remotely the same thing, so Thank You again. Is a spinal tap really as bad as everyone says?

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2006 10:34 am
by Melody
Wow your plate is full. A second opinion is a good idea after you are back on track. I'm going to pray you never need to come here again after your surgery.

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2006 12:17 pm
by pualani
Thank you very much Melody. I think that I'll still come back after my surgery regardless of my 2nd opinion. This is the best forum I've ever been on for anything. Everyone here is so welcoming, warm and positive.