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HollyParker

Referred to neurologist

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HollyParker

Hi.

 

I'm a type one diabetic with other autoimmune diseases, so I was reluctant to go to my doctor with the numbness because I was concerned she would say it's diabetes related. But it isn't.

 

When I was about 19 they found an abnormality on my brain. They called it a mass on my forth ventricle, but no follow up was done on it and it was about the same time I got diagnosed with diabetes, so that took priority.

 

I've been being seen by rheumatology who tell me I have joint hypermobility, but that doesn't explain the weakness I feel and the numbness.

 

About 6 or 7 years ago I was diagnosed with trigenimal neuralgia. My doctor believes this to be a potential sign of MS.

 

I had an appointment with her today and she has decided to refer me to neurology.

 

So, just really wanted to know what to expect.

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Scully

Hello Holly,

 

And welcome. You have been through some stuff haven't you? Bless you, but you will find lots of help and support here.

 

It's great that your GP is on the ball and has referred you over to the neuros..some GP's seem to drag their heels a little bit, so the first positive thing I can say to you, is that you are now on the right road.

 

I've had a couple of attacks of Trigeminal Neuralgia...it's dreadful, the shooting pains in my jaw and face were definitely the worse pain I've ever encountered..

 

Ok, your neurologist will take a full medical history from you, then carry out a full physical examination, testing for weakness, balance, eyes, and a whole bunch of stuff.

Depending on what he finds he may suggest an MRI and more blood tests than you can imagine!

 

A word of caution here. MS is extremely difficult to diagnose. There is no single test that will give a diagnosis. MS mimics dozens of other conditions and therefore it's often a case of ruling everything else out! Sounds a bit odd, but that's often how it is.

 

When you go for your appointment it's worth taking someone with you, another set of ears. Often we have these appointments, that whizz by, we get outside and think...sod it, I didn't ask this or that.

Secondly, take a brief list of symptoms, a bullet point list is best. Describing a symptom ( like the TN ) when it started, and importantly how long it lasted, those points are the only thing he/she will need.

 

In the meantime, we are here to help, support and encourage you through the difficult and sometimes long process of diagnosis. So do feel free to ask anything you want to.

 

It's a little quiet here at the moment, but others will be along.

 

Scully

  • Like 1

They are not brain lesions..........they are just bright ideas

 

"The truth is out there"

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HollyParker

Thanks scully.

 

I'm more than used to blood tests. I have had so many recently. They already ruled out deficiencies.

 

I do feel lucky with my GP. I only see her. A few years ago I cut out gluten and felt a lot better for a time and my trigenimal neuralgia reduced greatly. But I couldn't eat the gluten needed to do the coeliac test. So she said not to eat the gluten, because I don't really need to have a formal diagnosis.

 

She always really listens to what you say. She's an amazing GP. I hear these horror stories of people with their GP, so I only ever see her. She gave me more test strips for my diabetes when others were being refused by their doctors and had to fight for them.

 

I do consider myself lucky

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Nick

Hi Holly and welcome to the forum.

 

Scully as said it all so well! Not much to add, accept to say that the forum here can be very useful and in my book the very best place for good support on all matters MS

 

Nick


Just another Warrior...........

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