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 have some concerns about whether or not my neurologist is competent. At my last appointment he told me that he's ruled out MS because my MRI (the first and only one so far) came back normal. After doing some online research I found that somewhere between 10% to 15% of people, depending on where you look, come back with a normal MRI even though they have confirmed MS. The National MS Society says that "A clear-cut diagnosis might be made based on an evaluation of symptoms, signs, and the results of an MRI, but additional tests may be ordered as well. These include tests of evoked potential, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood." The only one of these tests I've taken has been the MRI.
He wants me to go to physical therapy and I'm okay with that but if it doesn't work he is thinking about Botox injections in my right foot and leg. I know there are medications like Baclofen for spasticity and it bothers me a little that he didn't bring up any other options.
Another concern would be that I didn't get a chance to tell him all my symptoms on my first visit and now after the MRI he said that I only should tell him about any new symptoms. I feel like he should want to hear about them so that he would have a better chance of coming up with a diagnosis. In addition, he can't treat any symptoms that he doesn't know about so the only thing he's trying to treat is my leg.
My last concern is a little more complicated. I already have a preexisting diagnosis of being bipolar. My last neurologist thought that this was all a mental issue. I'm worried that this neurologist may think that it's mostly mental since I've had a normal MRI and that he's just stringing me along. I really don't want to waste my time with someone that thinks I'm "faking" it again. This guy found evidence of nerve damage in my leg so I know he must believe me to some extent but I'm still worried.
He doesn't see me again for another 2 months unless I have new symptoms then I'm supposed to call. So lets see what the general consensus is lol, is he decent? Should I find someone new?
He wants me to go to physical therapy and I'm okay with that but if it doesn't work he is thinking about Botox injections in my right foot and leg. I know there are medications like Baclofen for spasticity and it bothers me a little that he didn't bring up any other options.
Another concern would be that I didn't get a chance to tell him all my symptoms on my first visit and now after the MRI he said that I only should tell him about any new symptoms. I feel like he should want to hear about them so that he would have a better chance of coming up with a diagnosis. In addition, he can't treat any symptoms that he doesn't know about so the only thing he's trying to treat is my leg.
My last concern is a little more complicated. I already have a preexisting diagnosis of being bipolar. My last neurologist thought that this was all a mental issue. I'm worried that this neurologist may think that it's mostly mental since I've had a normal MRI and that he's just stringing me along. I really don't want to waste my time with someone that thinks I'm "faking" it again. This guy found evidence of nerve damage in my leg so I know he must believe me to some extent but I'm still worried.
He doesn't see me again for another 2 months unless I have new symptoms then I'm supposed to call. So lets see what the general consensus is lol, is he decent? Should I find someone new?
Just my advice.... try to calm down a bit about it. I know it is hard. The phase that you are going through is one of the worst...when you KNOW something is wrong but you don't know what and you are scared of what is happening to you.
OF COURSE i can't speak for your dr or give you medical advice but I can tell you that what you are describing about the MS being ruled out after a clean MRI is normal. And the not ordering more tests is also normal. MS is very difficult to diagnose in the early stages because so many other diseases show up the same way.
I had the most common first issue of MS (optic neuritis) and MS was ruled out because I had a clean MRI. The dr sent me home with a "it was a fluke" and i was EXCITED. oh man was I happy. I dodged a bullet! Three months later I had another flare and I was diagnosed.
So, what I'm saying is, just from what you've written I wouldn't freak out about him not ordering additional tests. Talk to him. Find out what else he is testing you for. What is he looking for? Is he waiting to see if something else happens to help with the diagnosis? Trying to understand what he is looking for may help you feel better about it.
I was told the same thing. Have you seen another doctor regarding the Bi-polar? If not I would recommend it. I went to phsycologist and phsyciatrist (spelling) and after several months it was determined that I showed no signs of bi-polar disorder. I was just recently removed from the Lithium.
Even if you do have Bi-polar then seeing a specialist is still a good idea. He can treat you better than a GP or Neuro can. Best of luck.
Lorie
However, I had to fill out a paper that had all kinds of symptoms listed, and that was how I was diagnosed, along with the optic neuritis. If you don't feel comfortable with the neuro, find a different one that specializes in MS. Good Luck.
Connie
She also had me bring a chronological list of my symptoms and listened carefully. After a full exam she dx me with secondary progressive MS...she said that I had probably had RRMS for 20 years without knowing what it was...just suffering various bouts of rt. leg weakness, spasticity, etc.
Keep searching, and change neuros if you have to to get someone to listen to you! Finding one who specializes in MS is the best. Good luck to you!