Also in limbo land

[gerip93]

Limbo land is so frustrating. I went to a neurologist because of migraines. She did a brain MRI and there were over 25 white spots in my brain. So they did an Evoke something-or-other and a lumbar puncture. Now I'm in limbo land waiting for results. In the mean time, I've had a chronic nerve pain for years that's been flaring like hell, along with back pain and muscle and general fatigue. What makes me mad is my neurologist made it clear that she would call me with the results. I really promise I won't fall apart if the diagnosis is ms! If there's a drug out there that will finally make me feel better, please just let me have access to it! I'm tired of winging it over here! At least the diagnosis would be something to grasp, a name to my issues, people won't think I'm faking it. I'm sorry, no one has to worry about replying to this, I just really need to spout off. I'm trying to keep everything hush hush until I know for sure, so there's literally no one I can talk to.

And hey, as long as I'm with a like crowd...how fun is a friggin lumbar puncture!! I wanted to hit the doctor performing it!

[ElliotB]

Welcome to TIMS. You are among friends.

Your frustration is understandable. Keep in mind that there are many illnesses that mimic the symptoms of MS. And a good number of these diseases are similar in how they affect the human body - many are diseases of inflammation. Also understand that if it is MS, the drugs typically only help prevent relapses - they will likely have little effect on your current symptoms, BUT there is a lot you can do to feel better regardless of your final diagnosis. Through proper diet, exercise, nutritional supplements and lifestyle change (basically the elimination of all stresses from your life) you can be doing a lot better than you are now.

Have you had comprehensive blood work done?

[gerip93]

Yes, the bloodwork's been done and I had my lumbar puncture done two weeks ago. Would inflammation make those white spots on my brain? I'm an accountant and I need translators for anything medical, so any question I ask is very sincere. If it's inflammatory, then ibuprofen should help with that, right? I do have neuralgia of my (step back, big medical word coming up!!) ilio-inguinal nerve. Have had it since 09. It just seems like everything is going downhill. Inflammation kind of makes sense

[gerip93]

I did have a B12 deficiency, and had to go on shots for that. That helped with my energy to a point, and helped with my migraines to a point as well. I didn't know if one had anything to do with the other

[ElliotB]

Would inflammation make those white spots on my brain?

Yes


If it's inflammatory, then ibuprofen should help with that, right?

Ibuprofen unfortunately will not help with this type of inflammation, unfortunately.


Just curious, how was your vitamin D level?


Here is a link to the basic criteria used to diagnose MS that you may find helpful:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Nation ... -of-MS.pdf


How long has it been since you saw the neurologist? Why not give her a call now?

[gerip93]

My vitamin D is always a little low, but not to the point that supplements are required. I'll check out that link. Thank you so much for talking me through this. I very much appreciate it!! Xoxoxo

[ElliotB]

Since you state that your vitamin D is always a little low, supplements are probably a good idea at this time.

Please review Lindacarol's comments at the end of this thread:

http://www.thisisms.com/forum/post242068.html#p242068


A few more basic health tips:

consider being gluten free
limit your intake of saturated fats
exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep

Until you are diagnosed, consider following one of the various MS diets. There is a lot of info on all these subjects here on TIMS.

Hope you feel better soon!

[NHE]

I did have a B12 deficiency, and had to go on shots for that. That helped with my energy to a point, and helped with my migraines to a point as well. I didn't know if one had anything to do with the other

Neurological damage from B12 deficiency can take a long time to heal. How long ago were you given the shots and for how long did you use them? Do you know your current B12, homocysteine, methylmalonic acid and red blood cell folate status?