Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group
This community is a place where members can discuss current events and weigh in on what's going on in the world.
I was dxed with fibromyalgia over 20 yrs ago. Recently had bad flare of symptoms and went to a new rheumy. This rheumy said just fibro and arthritis, maybe mctd. Went to a other rheumy who said not mctd, maybe fibro and CFS. Osteo said all caused by yeast overgrowth. went to a neuro who says MRI shows plaques: I never had fibro, its Ms. She says cant have fibro and ms. i probably had ms all along. She suggests I start on cooaxone. Waiting for second neuro consult. All of these doctors sound so positive they are right. Has anyone else had these problems with conflicting dxes? I don't want to start some heavy duty auto immune drug with nasty side effects unless dx is correct. If I don't really have Ms, can copaxone harm me? Docs seem confused. None of them agree. How am I supposed to know which one is right?
The old test for MS was to get in a HOT sauna or shower (temperature matters) with no sun. If afterward you had symptoms then bathed in cold water and the symptoms alleviated, this was more indicative of MS. As the heat can make MS symptoms more noticeable but does not make you progress faster.
So if you go out in a sunny COLD day and find you have more symptoms let your doctor know this too. As sun can cause not only temp symptoms but progression of the disease. Sometimes the sun actually creates a butterfly rash on the nose and cheeks.This is more indicative of Lupus.
Checking out GI issues is a good idea no matter what autoimmune dx they give you.
Best wishes,
EP
If you have 1 or 2 plaques this is indicative of MS but not diagnosable (dx). If you have 3+ plaques with other symptoms then you can officially dx MS.
So how many plaques did you have? What other symptoms are you having? ie visual issues, walking issues, etc.
Remember doctors PRACTICE medicine. Painful experience has taught me Drs make mistakes, sometimes BIG ones, and honesty is a key factor in finding a 'good' doctor.
Your story is very similar to my story except the yeast part which I dx. You need a 2nd opinion, preferably from an MS specialist. I've had MS 25 yrs and am very functionally disabled - It took 10 yrs to get proper diagnosis and several more to get on Avonex which after 9 yrs - obviously didn't do much,
1. MRI is not fully diagnostic, elevated protein in spinal fluid can be http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003631.htm.
2. Find a well trained neuro and get an LP. If done by an expert it does NOT hurt or give you headaches. Do not let a resident do it - bottom line.
3. On the yeast note-the best probiotic on the market is VSL#3. $42 at Costco here in MA. (EP-keep meaning to mention to you)
All the best.
Melanie
Good luck and keep us posted
I don't even believe I have it as I don't fit most of the criteria. The point is she better educate herself more. This would be a red flag to me in accepting diagnostic care from her. Sounds ego-centric.
Sometimes it's a long journey and you don't want this dx. Hope you can enjoy life despite these issues :)
M.
Thanks for the VSL#3 info in your post. I actually did use that way back when I was originally diagnosed with UC, going on almost 7 years this spring.
I have found one better being sold by a doc in MI it has like 7-8 different probiotics and only $22.
If you want the info on it then just message me.
Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas / Hanukkah,
EP