Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis & Neurologist visit

On December 1st I had a Brain MRI that stated I had 9 -13 lesions on my brain and was told I had Multiple Sclerosis. Yesterday, I had my first visit with a neurologist. My neurologist has set me up for a battery of medical tests. First next Tuesday, January 12th 2010, I am scheduled for a Lumbar puncture aka a spinal tap to analyze my Cerebrospinal Fluid. I’m not looking forward to it at all. But I am tough and will make it through. Then Friday, January 12th 2010, I am scheduled for my third MRI this for my L-Spine. The other MRI I had was of my hips as I dislocated my left hip in an auto accident in 1986 (a whole other issue). My neurologist also wants me to set up an internal medicine primary care Doctor to help hold everything together and I think handle the blood work. So I have set an appointment up with a new Doctor for Monday, January 18th 2010. The next few weeks will be busy!

Yesterday, the neurologist did a battery of tests on me which was good. Similar tests had been done just before the Brain MRI but not as thoroughly. But still I left the appointment feeling like I was right in the same place I was before, totally confused. I feel like I made a huge step backwards and still there is no sign of relief or understanding of my “leg numbness, weakness, pain arm weakness or my memory issues ect”.

I can hardly walk most days, mornings are horrible. I now hate stairs and use a cane, yep, independent me using a cane. The depression I am trying so hard to avoid is overcoming me. I have so many wonderful blessings you wouldn’t think I would have such a deep depression taking over me. Thankfully the neurologist noticed and has started me on a new depression medicine, Lexapro, which I started this morning. There isn’t a generic form of Lexapro as of now so it is kind of pricey. Hope it works!

Today well I am in a better place and understand that I should go threw the battery of tests just in case there is something we are missing. I’m sure they will just confirm the original diagnosis. We need to be thorough.