Waiting game - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

krbuerg · 05-28-2009, 07:47 PM

I had my LP on May 13. I have called every week since then and they tell me that it is going to take additional weeks. Today, they told me yet another week to get the results. They are waiting on the Oband results. Does it really take this long?

MSNik · 05-28-2009, 08:00 PM

Ive never heard of it taking that long- I had mine within a week; HOWEVER that doesnt mean they arent looking for a result for something that does take that long..
They can rule out quite a bit with LP fluid...
I would start complaining if it takes more then one more week! But in the meantime, you have to assume that no news is good news! If the lab had found anything scary, they would have let your doc know immediately! There must be "one more " thing they are waiting on..
Hang in there...and let us know how it turns out!
Nikki

MSJayhawk · 05-28-2009, 08:46 PM

Waiting is the hardest part. Remember the LP will not indicate MS, it excludes other diseases. Of MS patients receiving the LP (not 100% do), only 85% test positive which eventually leads to a MS diagnosis.

I agree that if something profound had been determined, you would already have the info. Relax and the results will be there soon enough.

bhmomof2 · 05-29-2009, 06:29 AM

MSJayhawk, I am confused. You say the LP will not indicate MS. My LP came back negative so I thought that meant it was less likely I had MS even though my MRI showed multiple leisons. This is so confusing.

Krbuerg, my results only took a week and the neuro's nurse called and said, "it's normal", but I am still unsure what that means.

Why is this so hard to diagnose? I have a hard time understanding or even remembering what the doctor says, but from what I understand we have to wait until there is a major, hospital needed flare which could take years, before we can be diagnosed. Does this sound right? If so Krbuerg it sounds like waiting has just begun.

MSJayhawk · 05-29-2009, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhmomof2

MSJayhawk, I am confused. You say the LP will not indicate MS. My LP came back negative so I thought that meant it was less likely I had MS even though my MRI showed multiple leisons. This is so confusing.

I have had 2 LP's, 20 years apart. Both have been negative, and yet I have MS. 15% of MS patients who choose to have a LP are negative, but still have MS. The LP is only one tool to exclude what it is you do not have.

If the LP was 100% accurate, then there would be no limbo land and diagnoses would be easily done. As it is, this is not the case. This is one of the difficulties with MS. Multiple lesions may or may not be MS. Many viral infections can leave you with lesions and scars.

Confusing? Yes, and this is why MS is so difficult to diagnose as well as to even start working on a cure. Until then, much prayer!!