Yes. They did a visual evoked potential. A BAER for hearing. EMGs of my arms and legs. My VEP and BAER were abnormal. They sent me to a neuro opthalmologist who said I definetly would be diagnosed with MS. She looked at my MRI and did lots of tests. I have had double vision since the 1960's. They just hook electrodes to you and track how fast your body reacts to stimulus. Not much to it.
Alex
I wish I could edit these posts lol. My auto correct is ridiculous. Pins and needles was what I meant to say.
All done with my testing. I did have some issues with my right hand and forearm after the emg. It felt like my arm was partially asleep all day and most of the night. Pit's and needles I guess you could say. I had terrible neck tension and spasms after the test. The drive home kinda suckered because it was really uncomfortable. But this could all have been stress related
It will be good to have an answer. You will probably be all over the map emotionally that is normal. You are relieved to know what it is. You will be sad and angry and frustrated. You might go into denial. We call it the roller coaster. What ever you do don't blame yourself for causing problems for your family. My husband loves me regardless of my illness. I worried about the money. Be kind to yourself and your family. Everyone has to deal with this in his or her way.
Alex
Well, I'm back. So doc said that she is reasonably certain that it's MS. She talked for a bit, went over my MRI with me and wants to do some tests and would like to do another MRI later on. She got me set up for some more testing this Friday. That's all I know as of now.
Let us know what the doctor says. If he wants your husband it has to be important.
Alex
Can you bring a friend along? The fact that the neurologist asked you to bring your husband means there is something significant to discuss. From my own experience being recently diagnosed, I can tell you that I've been lucky to retain 50% of what the doctor said at those first few appointments!
Just something to consider. Wishing you all the best. Let us know how it goes.
Cheryl
No $7500 is a lot when you do not have it.
Alex
It cost me $10,000 with insurance to be diagnosed with MS in 2007-9. It really is unfair. My cancer treatments are $100,00 a piece so it puts in perspective.
Alex
Make sure if you get a LP it is for MS. They are looking for o-bands in the CSF and not in the blood serum. They draw blood at the same time as the LP and send it to a special lab usually the Mayo. If they do a normal LP it will do you no good for a MS diagnosis. They look for different things in a standard LP. CSF pressure and infection. That will do you no good. The only one who can diagnose MS is a neurologist the insurance will not accept it. My family doctor found my MS but it too two years and several neurologists two years to diagnose me. The first neurologist said it was MS but would not diagnose me. I was told I would be diagnosed with MS but It took 5 MRIs and a LP and a bunch of other tests like for Lupus.
Alex
I get the financial. I use to worry about money when I was diagnosed with MS. I then was diagnosed with advance cancer, Now what I owe is obscene between both ilnesses.
If it were MS the problem is MS can progress with or without symptoms.If you have a relapse it is not a matter of treating it and going back to where you were before the relapse.
It is a pay now or pay more later scenario. The treatment is high. Being in a wheelchair can be much higher.
It is unfair it really is. Hospitals will work with you. I pay so much every month forever.
Did they say about how many lesions? If it were one or two that might be true. Three or more is different. I would ask the doctor if you have something called Dawson's fingers. It is something you see in MS on the brain MRI.
Also if you catch MS early before you have many symptoms you can keep your disability down. Again you may not even have MS. Let us hope you do not have MS.
Alex
The location of the lesions is where MS lesions can be. That does not mean you have MS. An MRI does not diagnose MS but it is part of the puzzle. You might want to see a MS Specialist. Neurologists specialize and not all of them know about MS. You knee thing does not sound much like MS but a doctor would have to figure it out. When being tested for MS RA nad Lupus are often tested for.
Is your neurologists still following you at least every six months?
Alex