Got Results of My LP..Doc still says PPMS - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

Roadworker · 06-26-2008, 12:38 PM

Went yesterday for results of the LP, All went good no signs of NOTHING so he says. So far ever test went good, Blood work, Spinal tap, Mri neck, brain back,signal test on brain all good.

He still feels and told me we are dealing with PPMS, he feels that with age, sudden onset of problems that has not gine away, and that i have this "Hyperreflexia" that there is damage in the spine upper near neck.

He wants to do 1 more test to rule out something ( don't remmeber name) think a degenerated problem.
So i go July 24 for a uper and lower EMG test to rule this only problem out when he said he is writing down that i have ppms.

He did say that he feels it is a slow form of ppms, but said no way can i drive a truck no more are do outside construction anymore.

I really do not know what to think are do, i will getanother opinion as well. He seems to be a very good neuro doc .
I guess he is guessing with nothing showing up, but lost alot of strength in legs and have very brisk reflex he thiinks when i hernited my disc that maybe a wake a slepping monster and that this might have been sitting there.

So i will get this next test done and see what happen,

Mike

MSJayhawk · 06-26-2008, 02:14 PM

You could likely drive a truck. I switched to hand controls and an automatic transmission. Could you do the same? I do not know if it fits with reasonable accommodation as noted by ADA. You might try instructor or desk jockey until you have to take disability.

One day at a time with small steps and short term goals. Your "sleeping monster" can lay around while you move forward!!

When I was first diagnosed with my progressive stage in 2002, I did not drive or operate machinery by doctor's orders for 3 months. I then took hand control driving school for 3 weeks. Since then, I have taken away my own car keys 2-3 times with one 6 month hiatus following my last seizure. You can monitor yourself and it helps yourself and others. I do not want to risk hurting others; therefore, I will often make due without wheels. (of course I still have my power chair to drive

)

I wish you the best of luck on your new journey and want to let you know that you are not alone on this journey.

MSNik · 06-26-2008, 03:23 PM

Oh Mike..I am so sorry (and stunned) to hear this news...im also really shocked that he isnt giving you specific reasons for thinking this...so many times, docs are quick to say PPMS when it isnt..and something just isnt adding up about this.
It is good that you are having more tests, maybe they will show something...and it sounds like you like this doc- but please do consider getting a second opinion. I hope that you kept copies of these tests and results, because youll need them if you want another opinion. Start trying to find a MS specialist- they will know without hestiation what you are dealing with...but also, get those tests, films and results together...if you ask for them, they HAVE to give them to you, whether its from the place you had them done, or the doctor that ordered them.

Be positive for now..ok? THey told my husband 3 years ago that he was finished with construction- that he HAD to stop dealing with what he does..and hes a union guy- its all he knows..(large machinery Operating Engineers)...guess what? Hes still working 40+ hours a week...one never knows...
Im praying for you and thinking of you often.
Nikki

april1848 · 06-26-2008, 06:34 PM

I'm sorry to hear your news, and praying that your test results will come out in your favor. I agree that you shouldn't let the idea of you driving go yet. Anything may happen at this point. I would look into what Jayhawk said about the hand controls. They're covered under the ADA as long as they're not an "undue hardship" on the company, and I don't think they would be.

But if that is not possible, you can take a different job, and you can even be happy with the outcome, as I found out recently. With all of your knowledge and skills, you would make a great Teacher, which I think is the most noble calling on Earth. You could certainly do that and many other things if you do have PPMS, thanks in part to technology. I don't know how people with MS survived before the internet, hand controls, really cool functional scooters, and so on. No matter what your final diagnosis is, there will be things you can do, and things that will make you money, until you decide to go on disability.

Good luck to you, and keep on truckin' until they find out definitively what's wrong. I hope it's not PPMS, but if it is, there are still many great roads ahead.