I really need your help. - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

lrahlfs · 08-23-2007, 02:37 PM

I just found this website today and I really need your help. I was diagnosed with MS in 1975. That was pre-MRI and I was tested for everything else when, after 2 years of testing I had 2 positive evoked response tests and a positive lumbar puncture. I had always had the remitting/exaserbating kind but for the last 2 yearsI have been unable to work due to the numbess in my limbs (all four have no feeling at all) plus extreme fatigue. I have also been trying to get social security disability for 2 years (I am 61 years old) I have my hearing on the 27th. However, they are questioning the diagnosis due to the fact that the Dr. they sent me to did an MRI and found it normal. They will not consider the opinion of the primary care doctor that I have had for the last 10 years , who says I have MS and cannot work and my original Neurologist has retired, along with his records. What I need is for someone to lead me to an article that says that a normal MRI does not rule out MS. My symptoms are, blurred vision, numbness of all limbs that has gotten worse, tremors of the right hand, extreme fatigue, insomnia, depression, walking into walls, unsteady gait, tripping over nothing, slurred words, (I don't drink or smoke or do illegal drugs)I also seem to break out in shingles right before an exaserbation. If you can do this asap, I would appreciate it. Thank you Linda

MSNik · 08-23-2007, 04:51 PM

Hello lrahlfs.
I wanted to welcome you to the board, but also talk to you in a new thread. Its not always to your advantage to post your questions in the middle of someone else's. This way, youll get more responses directed to you.

Happy to see that you found us...however, you asked for someone to point you to an article. We arent allowed to post published articles, without special permission from the moderators, however I can tell you that you should read up on the National MS Societys information, the information you are seeking is probably there.

Try posting a new thread, both introducing yourself and asking for assistance in what to do next. My opinion would be ask a question about SSI. Tell us more about your situation. Are you on MS meds? (I would hope that you are, and being so would help to confirm your dx) and even though your doctor retired, by law, he HAS to have given someone permission to get them for situations like this, and other health related situations. He cant just box them up and throw them away...I wish you well. I understand this is a terrible situation to be in.
Nikki

moore170 · 08-25-2007, 03:58 PM

SSDI Dr. are not correct a large percentage of the time.....I cannot imagine why they would not take your PCP's dx. Doesn't your PCP have the findings from your old neuro? I think the MRI needs to be read by a neutral party.
I realize that the time is critical. I don't think there is an article that says that you have MS if your MRI is normal. There are articles that wil say that the RI is not necessarily reflective of the symptoms. Present all the documentation you can get and take it to the hearing with you. They also listen to those that spend a lot of time with you.
Good Luck and let us know how it goes.
Candy

Bearygood · 08-26-2007, 03:28 PM

lrahlfs, don't disappear on us! I just saw this thread -- please let us know what happens, and good luck tomorrow! I hope you've called the NMSS -- I am sure they would have some good information for you!

duttin · 08-26-2007, 07:40 PM

Welcome,

I wish I would of seen this earlier,I have a DX without lesions appearing on MRI's,mine were detected through evoked potentials and series of test to exclude other disorders.5-10% of the population do not have visible lesions.