My doctor strongly thought I had MS due to my symptoms and my MRI. When my spinal tap came back normal he doesn't want to talk about MS anymore and wants to move on to fibromyalgia. My symptoms are worsening and its scaring me. I don't know what to do?
Fire your doctor. If the sole reliance is based upon a spinal tap, your doctor id not following the Revised McDonald Criteria. I have had MS for 35 years now. I had 2 spinal taps, once in 1982 and again in 2002- both were "normal". 15% of MSers do not have any positive results for their spinal tap. Find an MS Specialist and have them review your evidence.
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MS diagnosed since October 3, 1982
MS onset circa 1977
Proud to be MED FREE!
Eternally blessed and eternally optimistic!<><
Thank You so much! I have no idea where to turn though. I am getting free visits through a clinic because I have no medical insurance. I hate to go in front of him and have another doctor look at my records, it might make him mad? What do you think?
You can take a proactive position and tell your doctor that you disagree with the dismissal of MS because not all MSers have positive spinal taps. Ask him for a referral or ask him for a second opinion from that of an MS Specialist because the diagnosis for MS should never be dismissed upon the results of the spinal tap.
You might not have insurance, but that fact does not negate the doctor's ethical requirement for an accurate diagnosis. You are still the boss because it is your body! Be the squeaky wheel.
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MS diagnosed since October 3, 1982
MS onset circa 1977
Proud to be MED FREE!
Eternally blessed and eternally optimistic!<><
Find a new doctor. Discounting the possibility of MS based on the "wrong" results from one test for one indicator of MS is ridiculous. Don't know where you live, but get yourself to a neurologist specializing in MS even if it means traveling.
Find a new doctor. Discounting the possibility of MS based on the "wrong" results from one test for one indicator of MS is ridiculous. Don't know where you live, but get yourself to a neurologist specializing in MS even if it means traveling.
Welcome CaleyDog. If you have the opportunity, perhaps you would like to introduce yourself to the other people here Again, Welcome and thanks for sharing your advice!
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MS diagnosed since October 3, 1982
MS onset circa 1977
Proud to be MED FREE!
Eternally blessed and eternally optimistic!<><
Doctors dont get "mad" at patients for asking questions- and even if this one did- do you really care? Read up on the McDonald Criteria, which is what is used for diagnosing MS- a spinal tap isnt included in it. Too many people have negative spinal taps (myself included) and still have MS based on lesions and on symptoms. Now, the questionis- what does your MRI show? Are you missing something? Is your MRI indicative of MS, or did this too- rule out MS? You need to know all the facts.
You have a right to challenge your doctor- and by being familiar with the McDonald criteria, you can.....make sure your doctor is a MS specialist and if he isnt, ask to be referred to one. Simply tell him that you want a second opnion with a specialist who deals only with MS.
FIbro is a catch all diagnosis, it means nerve pain. Your symptoms might be indicative of nerve pain.....but in a MRI, if its MS- than its not Fibro.
My doctor strongly thought I had MS due to my symptoms and my MRI. When my spinal tap came back normal he doesn't want to talk about MS anymore and wants to move on to fibromyalgia. My symptoms are worsening and its scaring me. I don't know what to do?
I have had a spinal tap and mine came back normal. I have had MS almost 20 years.
Some how, some way, you need to find a neurologist that knows MS. A lot of neurologists are not familiar with MS therefore, since they don't know the disease they haven't a clue how to treat you. It is important to your health to find the right neurologist so you can receive the appropriate health care.
My doctor strongly thought I had MS due to my symptoms and my MRI. When my spinal tap came back normal he doesn't want to talk about MS anymore and wants to move on to fibromyalgia. My symptoms are worsening and its scaring me. I don't know what to do?
I am dealing with the same problem! My symptoms started 7 yrs ago and then in '06 was dx with fibro. My dr then thought MS, had MRI and it showed nothing. Last fall, my new dr thought MS again, had another MRI...showed ovoid plaques. Referred me to a neuro, she ordered spinal tap and it showed nothing so she said, "I feel this is all related to your fibro and you're just going to have to learn to deal with it." I told my dr what she said, she got mad, so she referred me to another neuro out of town. Had another MRI before I saw him, showed more ovoid plaques. He's ordered some more tests and said he's not ruling out MS due to some of my symptoms but wants to wait on the test results. I'm not sure about this neuro either. Both of these neuros started out saying...it's due to your headaches and, I keep telling them, I don't have enough headaches to even talk about it. So then, this newest neuro says, "well it may be due to your smoking." So...all my signs and symptoms are due to smoking?? I guess I'm just going to have to wait for my tests on the 23rd and go from there. Also, I know exactly what you're going through with the insurance..I'm in the same boat and I personally feel this might be a factor as to why these neuros are not listening to me. There is help out there...call your local hosp and ask about their charity program. Or if you go out of town, call and ask that hosp. Best of luck to you and I hope you find some answers and can get the help you need.
Thank you all so much! My MRI showed a few small foci of signal abnormality the largest being 7mm. I don't understand why doctors act the way they do. I am right now sitting here with burning feet and hands, a muscle spasm in my neck so I cant move my head and eye pain. I just want to scream!
Doctor says No MS... but 
Welcome CaleyDog. If you have the opportunity, perhaps you would like to introduce yourself to the other people here
Again, Welcome and thanks for sharing your advice! 
