Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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daisy1965 09/16/2008

MRI results are not back yet. I saw the neuro today and told him all my weird symptoms. He's re-running some July blood tests my PCP did (CPK, ANA, ESR, plus doing some she didn't run: lyme, syphilis (I doubt it!) and CRP.

He did the hammer thing on my knees and elbows and had me follow his finger with my eyes. He still said he thinks it's stress/anxiety related, mainly because of all the stressful stuff that's been going on. I would be shocked that stress could do all this to my body, but whatever . . . I feel like maybe I'm being "prejudiced" against because of the bipolar diagnosis.

When I asked him if he thought MS, he said with much conviction, "NO." I asked why and he said because of my focal points (or something like that). Was that kind of a lame response?

Even though he thinks it's stress-related, he wants me to start physical therapy. Is that typical? Thank you for any insight.

feisty 09/16/2008

He must have a reason for sending you to physical therapy. It can't hurt, really. I have always found PT to be helpful in relieving pain and stiffness.

I know it's frustrating to wait, but sometimes it's the only thing we can do. Let the doctor repeat the tests, and you'll both have a better idea of where to go next.

Take care, Jen

daisy1965 09/16/2008

I am dreading PT because it hurts so much just to walk, climb stairs sometimes. He was mad when I told him my only exercise lately has been walking (he said, "That's not excercise! LOL)

I guess things may only get worse if I don't force myself to push through the pain? He said he doesn't want me to take neurontin or lyrica for pain. Not sure why. I'm already taking topamax for migraine prevention (only 25 mg) and tegretol for bipolar.

deleted_user 09/16/2008

Daisy,
Limbo sucks for sure. But really, this is one of those "accept the things you cannot change" times. Enjoy the PT. Sometimes it includes a massage. Just think about how good that will feel.
Lazy Julie
http://lazyjulie.blogspot.com

deleted_user 09/16/2008

It is so hard to wait for tests, but they will settle some things out. If you have a choice you might try to get some of the PT as aqua therapy. I have found some help with pain through a good acupuncturist, and I didn't believe in it!

deleted_user 09/17/2008

Like Jen, I have always found PT to be beneficial. Sure, there were days whenever it just hurt so bad to do my exercises, but in the long run, it really helped.

Be patient. Let him repeat the tests. Remember, an MS diagnosis is basically a *rule out, rule in* type of thing.

Gracie

heather1 09/17/2008

daisy...i get the full blood screen every 6 months from both my neuros..grin..hell i dont even think i have sex that often...lol...but it is just a regualar blood screen nothing to worry about...and if you find that your pt is hurting..then work with your pt..explain what is hurting and how much you can handle...they can change the routine to suit what you can handle and what you cannot hon... i had to take the book in from the MS pt to the private one that i used and explain that there were certain excersises that i was not allowed to do anymore...as all my medical tests etc..are linked to one hospital..sigh...it gets rather complicated...when working with a rather large medical team...but just remember that they are there to help you feel better not worse hon...if it is hurting..stop and move on to a different excersise....they will work with you and yep it is necessary to make you feel better no matter what dx you end up with hon..

hugs
heather

daisy1965 09/17/2008

Thanks, you guys. I know I really, really need to keep an "accept where I am, one day at a time" mindset, but sometimes my mind goes off and running and catastophizing.

I've read about aquatherapy and acupuncture being good for pain. Don't know why I'm being so stubborn about accepting things and trying some of these things. Some defiant, in denial, part of me is saying, "No, this isn't happening to me, so I don't have to do anything about it." Obviously, that will get me nowhere in the long run.

Today I'll get the blood draw and set up the PT.

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