Neuro Appt tomorrow..Any suggestions? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

lqqn4ananswr · 01-09-2008, 10:07 PM

I have a follow up appointment with my neurologist tomorrow and I am looking for any suggestions on questions to ask or things to know. I have a have had two MRIs, both with lesions and I had a visual evoked potential test last week, and I will get the results tomorrow. I really dont have any typical symtoms of MS, but I do have fatigue, constant pain in my legs, shooting pain down my right arm, and noticeable cognitive impairment. Last time I saw him he didnt seem too concerned that I had MS. If it turns out that I do I want to start treating it as soon as possible to slow the progression. I know that when I get in there I will forget half the questions that I have, or I will think of something that I should have asked after I leave. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

alex74 · 01-10-2008, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lqqn4ananswr

I have a follow up appointment with my neurologist tomorrow and I am looking for any suggestions on questions to ask or things to know. I have a have had two MRIs, both with lesions and I had a visual evoked potential test last week, and I will get the results tomorrow. I really dont have any typical symtoms of MS, but I do have fatigue, constant pain in my legs, shooting pain down my right arm, and noticeable cognitive impairment. Last time I saw him he didnt seem too concerned that I had MS. If it turns out that I do I want to start treating it as soon as possible to slow the progression. I know that when I get in there I will forget half the questions that I have, or I will think of something that I should have asked after I leave. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Did you have any visual symptom (I guess you ahve since you ve done the VEP test?) Those symtpoms can be linked to MS . For examplem in my case they were the major effect of my relapse last year and confirmed my diagnosis.

Maybe you could ask your neurologist about what other conditions could explain your symptoms if it is not MS. Ask him if he is planning to do a Lumbar puncture that generally helps to diagnose MS or alternative conditions and infections.

If you have had several relapses and remissions in the past (like symptoms appearing then disappearing then reappearing again...), then it could be RRMS.(relapsing remitting MS).

For that common form of MS, there are a number of drugs that modify the course of the disease. Inteferons are the most common ones (daily injections or 3-time a week injection, or weekly) but there are other drugs as well (Copaxone for those who dont tolerate interferons I guess) and stronger ones like Tysabri (very efficient but some dangers). You might want to ask you doctor for his recommendation and the side effects of each of those drugs.

My doctor diagnosed me last November with MS and immediately put me on Rebif and I am OK with that but sometimes feel he should have discussed it more in details with me and given me the pro and cons or maybe I should have asked more questions but I was slightly shaken by the diagnosis and didnt really find the energy to do so...

I hope you will have good news tomorrow and keep us posted whatever happens. Wish you all the best and take care

Alex

glamour girl · 01-10-2008, 01:42 AM

I found when i sat in my Neuro's office i'd forget all the questions i had.

When i go to see im now. I have my list ready. He hapily answers anything i have.

lqqn4ananswr · 01-10-2008, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex74

Did you have any visual symptom (I guess you ahve since you ve done the VEP test?) Those symtpoms can be linked to MS . For examplem in my case they were the major effect of my relapse last year and confirmed my diagnosis.

Maybe you could ask your neurologist about what other conditions could explain your symptoms if it is not MS. Ask him if he is planning to do a Lumbar puncture that generally helps to diagnose MS or alternative conditions and infections.

If you have had several relapses and remissions in the past (like symptoms appearing then disappearing then reappearing again...), then it could be RRMS.(relapsing remitting MS).

For that common form of MS, there are a number of drugs that modify the course of the disease. Inteferons are the most common ones (daily injections or 3-time a week injection, or weekly) but there are other drugs as well (Copaxone for those who dont tolerate interferons I guess) and stronger ones like Tysabri (very efficient but some dangers). You might want to ask you doctor for his recommendation and the side effects of each of those drugs.

My doctor diagnosed me last November with MS and immediately put me on Rebif and I am OK with that but sometimes feel he should have discussed it more in details with me and given me the pro and cons or maybe I should have asked more questions but I was slightly shaken by the diagnosis and didnt really find the energy to do so...

I hope you will have good news tomorrow and keep us posted whatever happens. Wish you all the best and take care

Alex

I had a lumbar puncture, but the doctor who did it didn't take enough fluid for the MS tests. The LP was done because I was having severe headaches behind my eyes and one of my pupils was larger than the other. My doctor thought I might have an aneurysm so the LP was to check for blood in my spinal fluid. The only finding was white blood cells in the fluid. After my MRI showed lesions the neurologist ordered the test for MS but there wasnt enough fluid. It wasnt the most pleasant experience, but I would be willing to do it again if my doc thinks it is necessary.

lqqn4ananswr · 01-12-2008, 10:58 PM

I really dont like my neuro. He is very dismissive and arrogant. My VEP test was normal so he said "VEP test is normal so no MS. Come back in four months." I am scheduled for a nerve conduction study next week only because I stopped him before he walked out the door and said: "What about my symptoms?" I am thinking of trying to find a new neuro, but I'm not sure how to go about finding a good one.