Chronic Pain Support Group

Good luck to you, and as always, go get a second and third opinion, even if it is outside of the military base. You want to be darn sure that this is a definite diagnosis and not just a mistake........ Mistakes do happen, you know... So you better be safe than sorry!
Will say a prayer for you.

Tipper :-)

My partner was told, by an Army doctor, that he had MS. For four years he lived his life thinking that he had MS, though he had no dramatic symptoms. After he left the Army, he went to his family doctor to check on his MS status and found out that he actually didn't have it at all. Sometimes this happens. I hope you get a proper diagnosis, and keep up your positive attitude!! Hugs, Jennie

Please get a second opinion from an outside source or at least some specialists in neurology outside of the Air Force (e.g. Walter Reed in Washington DC or National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda MD, the latter may actually be a better choice because NIH is right across the street and they work very closely together). A base-level doctor at an Air Force clinic or hospital is NOT qualified to diagnose either disease and the Air Force does not play nice with coordinatiing care of their patients with anyone else (20+ years of experience as an officer, much of it spent fighting the medical system for my airmen and myself). For both diseases you need and are entitled to (per the patients bill of rights) a second opinion (outside of the clinic and hospital that diagnosed you) and the best posible care from the leading specialist in the country.

Don't let them tell you that they can't do it; they can do anything they want if they want to. All it takes is an assertive patient and ideally a supportive doctor. And Tricare can pay for any and all care; they just play stupid and stubborn and do their best not to.

Also check out www.clinicaltrials.gov for any clinical trials covering ALS and MS; there may be some nearby that will help confirm a diagnosis as well as assist with treatment options.

Best wishes,
Ruth

I agree with everyone.. Always get a second or third opinion. Regardless. Especially with a devastating diagnosis like this one. You want to know for sure.. The Dr won't be upset with you, they actually like when patient's do this. The good ones do at least. :)

OMG I sure hope they are wrong. As the others have said get a second opinion. I will be hoping and praying for you. I haven't been on DS in awhile. My name is Debbie and we are all here for you !!!! Soft Hugs and Best of Luck, Deb

Thank you for the support everyone :o). I really do appreciate it. This will actually be my 32nd opinion. I've been seeing doctors for MS and ALS like symptoms since I was four. They have checked me head to toe for everything else. When all of the test results came back negative multiple times from multiple doctors, they decided I was crazy. I really do believe they are on the right tack. They have been unable to test my reflexes, and I have muscle deterioration. I have severe weakness and fatigue. I also have periods when my muscles freeze. They literally wont move. It is the oddest thing in the world. They just wont do anything. As scary as this is.. its is GREAT to know that no one here is trying to lock me in a mental institution just because my age doesn't match the symptoms!

Have you had heavy metals checked, hair analysis is one way. My father dies from ALS..was a chemical engineer, and reaked of chemicals most of his life. I cannot believe that is not a contributing factor to someone who led an otherwise non-toxic life. Have you checked that..at least you have things you can do..blessings and prayers for you!

Yes I have had it checked and re-checked. But thank you though. :o)

I was scanning the Daily Digest I get and saw your post. I will pray although I've never spoken with you before, I can still pray and I will for sure. I will add you to my list. You are deserving of healing, and I hope that they can get to the right Dx and that it isn't so devastating. Hugs and angels I hope will be all around you always. love, Hunter

I know it must feel good to not be looked at as "crazy". However, your diagnosis sounds severe. I will pray for you. I just got back from Mayo. (BTW that place was amazing)! I no longer feel "crazy"...that alone makes me feel stronger. Please take care!!