My wife has just been diagnosed with MS, although the neurologist having said its MS wont give a confirmed diagnosis until a lumbar puncture has been done ( she’s had an MRI which shows scaring ). She’s had 2 episodes ,one which until after seeing the consultant today ,became apparent to us as the first episode ,as it was mild. ( She had loss of feeling down one arm and weakness ,we assumed an attack was something that meant a hospital visit .) Then 4 weeks after, the second ,which meant she had to go to hospital ( blurred vision,weakness,slurred speech to name a few, she was put on a steriod drip.) Her vitamin D levels are very low and he has advised supplements by the consultant.
Does she have to have a lumber punch to confirm its MS, as ive read on the forum that some people have been diagnosed without one?
most neuros want a lumbar puncture to confirm the diagnosis but some will go on the results of the MRI.
you can support her by helping her to keep calm and having a sense of proportion. not easy for either of you.
i have found that the ms therapy centre in trafford helps me. they have loads of therapies and a great crowd of msers.
its a godsend when i need to chat to people who know what my symptoms are like.
your wife might not be ready for this though.
it might be something you could both go to. partners can get a lot from it too.
most of all show her that you are trying to understand.
its mortifying the first time you dont make it to the toilet. i wanted to curl up under a stone but tena lady came to save the day!
so if it happens to your wife and she is mortified too, just suggest a trip to Boots to see what they have.
another difficult phase was my mood swings. i went from being calm and level to quite manic. i didnt want anti depressants but came to realise that i need them. i take citalopram and amitryptilene.
i try to have something to look forward to - meeting friends, going out for a meal, or a pint, cinema etc
in september i went to festival number 6 at portmeirion. i had a free ticket for a carer but nobody could go with me so i went on my own. i had a fantastic time and it felt like a real achievement.
i hope these suggestions help
its hard to say what you should do because we are all different and you know her best
As far as the lumbar puncture goes, no, it is not strictly necessary according to the most up to date diagnostic criteria IF the patient has had at least two attacks and there is objective evidence of at least two areas of the nervous system having been affected. You can read all about it if you download Polman et al. Diagnostic Criteria for Multiple Sclerosis: 2010 Revisions to the McDonald Criteria. ANN NEUROL 2011; 69; 292-302.
Lumbar punctures generally sound a lot worse than they are in practice, but approximately 10% of people with MS get a negative result, so before you decide it would be sensible to ask your wife’s consultant exactly what happens if her result is negative.
What you can do for her really depends on what kind of person she is, but I think we all need plenty of cuddles, someone to talk to and with, as well as someone who supports us throughout. This whole process is scary for both of you so make sure you get some support too.
One thing to please try and keep front of mind: MS is NOT the end of the world. It’s going to take a while to adjust, but you will get through it. Life really can still be good.
Hi Beef - I didn’t have a LP but was diagnosed on the changes on my second MRI. Horrible horrible time I went through so many emotions - cried an awful lot. So agree lots of cuddles and supportive words. Sure you’re doing this already . That your wife is still the same person and life goes on. Perhaps with a few more challenges though. But these can be overcome. I would advise to read up on the MS NICE guidelines as these are what doctors follow. If your gut thinks that a diagnosis is likely. Look at the NICE definition of what a relapse is. If you think your wife has had 2 significant relapses then she should be eligible for Disease Modifying Drugs DMDs. These are scientifically proven to reduce progression and reduce relapses. So if she does meet the criteria it will be important for her to get on them ASAP. Sometimes in this NHS world in my experience you have to fight and be assertive. Supportive hugs Min xx
Lot and lots of hooge cuddles. And re-assurances that it won’t change who she is, just they way she does things. The fact that you even posted on here shows what a fantastic husband you are. Lucky lady!!