Loss of Bowel & Bladder Control and Memory Impairment

[mswanson502]

Thank you for that info. I'm not sure why the radiologist said it was odd to only have brain lesions. Someone needs some more schooling, lol. Ok, I feel a lot better now. Thank you!!!

[mswanson502]

How many lesions do you have? I'm actually not sure how many I have. I was so shocked by the news, that I really asked no questions. I went in to get the results and told him, "You can read the results but from history I know that it's all completely normal and we still don't know anything." He looked at me and said, "I'm sorry Melissa. I wish that was what I had to tell you." I said, "Ok, so you did see my brain in there right?" I tend to make a joke out of everything. He looked at me very seriously, which he never does. He said, "They did find several lesions on your brain but none on your spine." He sat and waited for a response from me to which I replied, Oh well, s#@8 happens!" It was completely shocking to me since very medical tests I've had were all normal. Honestly, it still hasn't sunk in. I probably need to have a good cry at some point but haven't. I'm not scared or anything. Well, let me restate. I'm not worry about most of it right now. I am however terrified of losing my sight. I know that's rare. I can handle wheelchair or even going deaf because I'm already losing hearing as it is. Just the going blind part is absolutely terrifying to me.
I'm glad that several people have told me they only had brain lesions. That makes me feel much better. The doctor told me that there was always like a 5% chance that the lesions are caused by something completely diff than MS, but I'd honestly rather have MS than the things that could also cause the lesions. All of my symptoms fit MS. In face, it started 15 years so, so I think I've had it a long time. They tested me for it then, but never scanned my brain or used contrast. They only scanned my spine, so that's likely how it was missed. Anyway, I could babble on forever. Thank you for letting me know it's not just me.

Well, I got my test results today. Unfortunately, I do have MS. I'm not letting it get me down though. One thing my dr couldn't explain is why there were only lesions found on my brain and nowhere else. He's sending me to a neurologist though. Is there any significance to only a brain lesion?

Hi again, Melissa. I'm sorry you got the diagnosis of MS, but I can assure it's not the end of a thoroughly enjoyable life! I've likely had MS for over 40 years now.

I notice that you've aksed this same specific question on another thread and received several answers, but I'll chime in, too: It is VERY common to have only brain lesions in MS. In fact, I think they may be more common than spinal lesions. Some posters note that their doctors don't even bother with spinal MRIs on the first try.

My first MRIs -- of the brain & C-spine (Cervical spine) -- showed a brain full of "classic" MS lesions but none on the spine. Subsequent brain & C-spine MRIs showed the same. Since then I've also had MRIs done of my Thoracic spine and Lumbar spine -- NO MS lesions. However, my spinal MRIs show enough general age-related damage to account for many of my problems (per my neuro).

Good luck!