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I am to see a neuro Jan 30 and I'm nervous.I've had some physical problems for years and this last year I've started having vision problems. Good thing I have had 4 MRIs since 2002 for them to look at. In the notes on each one it says I could have a demyelinating disorder--MS.If anyone has anything to advise me on I would appreciate it especially about talking to the doc about all the numerous symptoms. Thanks

reddove wrote:I am to see a neuro Jan 30 and I'm nervous.I've had some physical problems for years and this last year I've started having vision problems. Good thing I have had 4 MRIs since 2002 for them to look at. In the notes on each one it says I could have a demyelinating disorder--MS.If anyone has anything to advise me on I would appreciate it especially about talking to the doc about all the numerous symptoms. Thanks

Welcome to ThisIsMS, reddove.

First, you may not have MS at all, but there is a possibility; it is an exclusionary diagnosis - made by ruling out other possibilities. IF you do have MS, you have found many supportive friends at this site.

Since you have had 4 MRIs since 2002, I assume you have a good neuro (or a good GP) – one who is compassionate and enjoys being a "disease detective." Too often if you see a surgeon about a problem, he will find a solution only in surgery; if you see a neuro, he will only see the problem/solution in neurology. I read an article that summed this up well: "doctors are experts in, and only test for, those parts of the body in which they specialize."

#1 Compose a timeline and symptom list (at home, in these days before your January 30 appointment).
#2 At your appointment hand it to him and discuss it.
#3 Compare the plan you and your doctor develop to investigate your problem with the following suggestions from the University of Chicago:

http://peripheralneuropathycenter.uchic ... ndex.shtml

Blood tests

Blood tests are commonly employed to check for vitamin deficiencies, toxic elements and evidence of an abnormal immune response.

Depending on your individual situation, your doctor may request certain laboratory tests to identify potentially treatable causes for neuropathy. These include tests for:
Vitamin B12 and folate levels
Thyroid, liver and kidney functions
Vasculitis evaluation
Oral glucose tolerance test
Antibodies to nerve components (e.g., anti-MAG antibody)
Antibodies related to celiac disease
Lyme disease
HIV/AIDS
Hepatitis C and B

I think wheat/gluten sensitivity is involved in many neurological symptoms. Compare your symptoms to those listed below.

On 12/2/2013 Dr. Amy Myers, M.D. spoke about gluten sensitivity:
http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/gluten- ... t-epidemic

@4:00 Dr. Amy Myers, M.D., speaks on the newly-recognized warning signs of gluten sensitivity: headaches, migraines, inflammation causing brain fog, depression from nutrient deficiencies (zinc, iron, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D), joint pain & arthritis, and skin rashes.


In part 2 of his 7-part presentation on celiac disease, Gary Kaplan, D.O., described the 4 forms of the disease:


At 0:30 he says that the atypical/extraintestinal form includes minimal gastrointestinal symptoms AND may include:
iron deficiency/anemia
dermatitis herpetiformis
chronic fatigue
joint pain
infertility (I also had endometriosis.)
neurologic symptoms (ataxia, neuropathies)
vitamin deficiencies
ADD
osteoporosis/osteopenia
autoimmune disorders - complete list available at http://www.aarda.org/
migraines

I have no medical background; I offer these personal suggestions to begin your investigations.
All the best to you.