So many questions... - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

krbuerg · 02-14-2009, 06:55 PM

Well, my brain MRI came back normal. I am on Cymbalta and have been since Christmas Eve. My next nuero appt is in April. With MS, do you usually have lesions on the brain and elsewhere? I know you can have an MRI of the spine, but not sure if you also have to see evidence on the brain in order to get the second one.
The cymbalta does not help the pain at all. Has anyone else been on this? I am dx with FM, but I have a hard time accepting this. I had seen a rheumatologist who ran blood work on autoimmune diseases and they all came back neg.
I am working on getting my records transferred to an MS clinic at the University for a second opinion. I have also started a daily journal, writing EVERYTHING I feel and when. My arms and legs hurt so bad!! I can handle the pins and needles, numbness, weakness-but the pain is unbearable at times.
And...do you have to "black out" with vision problems in order to be diagnosed?

Thank you for your time and expertise!

Carol72 · 02-14-2009, 07:11 PM

Yes, you can have lesions on your spine and NOT your brain and still have MS. Having lesions on both your spine and brain just makes for a more definitive (and probably quicker) diagnosis.

In your case, an LP may be helpful in leading you in the right direction. Although as I've learned here, not all patients with MS get a positive LP result.

monkey5 · 02-15-2009, 05:54 PM

Carol, if i may ask what is LP?
Thanks! Monkey

Carol72 · 02-15-2009, 06:27 PM

LP = Lumbar Puncture (or spinal tap). It involves removing and testing spinal fluid.

praying4change · 02-17-2009, 09:55 AM

Hi, my name is Amanda. I am new to this group. I have a question. Is it true that MS does not always show up in the spinal. The reason why I am wondering is because ever since May of 2003, I have been told I have possible MS. I even went to Shand's in Jacksonville, FL and they said I had definate MS because the lesions on my brain were multiplying and I was having flare-ups and remissions on my symptoms. They said the bear hug feeling around my chest when I have flare-ups was a trademark symptom of MS. They were gonna start me on Copaxone shots, but then my insurance cancelled so I had to go to a different dr. He ordered a optic nerve test and a spinal both of wich came up neg. so he said that means I didn't have it and there was nothing else they could do. I haven't been to a neurologist since 3 years ago. I have a 8 year old little boy and a 4 year old little girl. My little girl has seizures since she was 6 months and I always wonder if she got some neurological disease from me. I am stuck for answers. Thank you everyone. Amanda.