Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group
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I put this in my journal, but I wanted to post is here, as well. If you need more background on my medical history, it is all there in my journal. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me on this.
I had my follow-up MRI last Friday and got the report back yesterday. It says, "IMPRESSION: Findings consistent with a demyelating disease. The most impressive lesions is in the right pons." In the FINDINGS section it reads, "There are no T2 bright lesions and there is no abnormal enhancement. (On the last MRI there were many T2 lesions. I don't know what this means). In the left hemisphere, there are fie punctate areas of signal increase at the gray-white matter interface in the mesial frontal, mid forceps minor, mid centrum semiovale and posterior parietal periventricular locations. In the right hemisphere, there are focal areas of increased signal in the white matter of the right periventricular frontal, centrum semiovale, right occipital and right thalamic regions. There is a diffuse area of bright signal int he right half of the pons just above the superior cerebellar peduncle. This rather large area measures approximately 1.3 cm in diameter. (This was on the first MRI and has been the most 'worrisome' one for the two neurologists I saw)."
Can anyone help me with the interpretation? I don't see my neuro again until January 3rd. I can't wait that long! I have waited long enough to find out what is going on. Every doctor I have seen, or who has been involved in this some way--three neuros, one rheumy, an infectious disease specialist (they thought originally I had Lyme disease and so my rheumy consulted with the ID), my PCP, and two different radiologists (had the MRIs at two different facilities) all say "It definately looks like MS." THe specialist at OHSU, Multiple Sclerosis Center for Oregon, said "probable MS." She strongly believes it is MS, even to the point that she would start me on Copaxone if I was her patient (she was a consultant for my local neuro).
I am thinking my neuro will confirm in January and start me on Copaxone. But until then, any thoughts? Also, what can I expect from Copaxone? Is it a daily injection or weekly? Thanks for ANY advise or insight you can give me! This has been a long, awful road. It essentially started 12 years ago with misdiagnoses, but it really started to get bad last April when I started to actively seek answers. ~Jlynn
I had my follow-up MRI last Friday and got the report back yesterday. It says, "IMPRESSION: Findings consistent with a demyelating disease. The most impressive lesions is in the right pons." In the FINDINGS section it reads, "There are no T2 bright lesions and there is no abnormal enhancement. (On the last MRI there were many T2 lesions. I don't know what this means). In the left hemisphere, there are fie punctate areas of signal increase at the gray-white matter interface in the mesial frontal, mid forceps minor, mid centrum semiovale and posterior parietal periventricular locations. In the right hemisphere, there are focal areas of increased signal in the white matter of the right periventricular frontal, centrum semiovale, right occipital and right thalamic regions. There is a diffuse area of bright signal int he right half of the pons just above the superior cerebellar peduncle. This rather large area measures approximately 1.3 cm in diameter. (This was on the first MRI and has been the most 'worrisome' one for the two neurologists I saw)."
Can anyone help me with the interpretation? I don't see my neuro again until January 3rd. I can't wait that long! I have waited long enough to find out what is going on. Every doctor I have seen, or who has been involved in this some way--three neuros, one rheumy, an infectious disease specialist (they thought originally I had Lyme disease and so my rheumy consulted with the ID), my PCP, and two different radiologists (had the MRIs at two different facilities) all say "It definately looks like MS." THe specialist at OHSU, Multiple Sclerosis Center for Oregon, said "probable MS." She strongly believes it is MS, even to the point that she would start me on Copaxone if I was her patient (she was a consultant for my local neuro).
I am thinking my neuro will confirm in January and start me on Copaxone. But until then, any thoughts? Also, what can I expect from Copaxone? Is it a daily injection or weekly? Thanks for ANY advise or insight you can give me! This has been a long, awful road. It essentially started 12 years ago with misdiagnoses, but it really started to get bad last April when I started to actively seek answers. ~Jlynn
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
Case in point...I had an MRI that had the very terrifying impression on it of "abnormal brain atrophy" and a further clinical explanation of atrophy (shrinkage) expectations. I totally freaked out, brain shrinkage is a big deal, and I went a week until my neuro appointment, when my neurologist promptly SCREAMED at me to never sit on something that stressful without calling her. The stress along will worsen your symptoms.