Last week i finalliy had my first neuro appointment after a 3 month wait even though it was suppose to be an urgent referall. Saw the neurologist (Dr kasti) and explained that i have had symptoms for many years which i have put up with but now my symptoms are t the point where i can not live my life properly and there scaring me. I have problems with my legs feeling like jelly when trying to walk, hot/cold sensations and pins and needles in my arms and legs, bowel and bladder problems and problems with nuralga on the left side of my face along with sight problems with my left eye, i also get what poeple describe as the hug around my ribs which often wakes me up and of course everyones favorite, Fatigue. After explaining this and asking me to walk on my toes and heels i was told i need a full MRI scan of the central nervous system and was then prescribed pregabalin, when i asked if she thought it was MS she said not to be stupid and all my symptoms were probably down to my lower back as i have had surgery to it several times in years past. I dont believe this for one minute and feel deflated and lost. Every day is a battle for me and i feel like my life has been stolen and i cant do anything to get it back. today i was told the MRI would be at least a 5 week wait and my follow up appointment is in October, urghhhhhhhhhhhhhh, absolutley at my wits end
I ask myself why would any one make up such symptoms and being told not to be stupid disgraceful. There are so many stories on this forum that read the same and yet so many of us are in limboland. I have been made to feel stupid. I had a follow up appointment yesterday with my doctor who I saw four weeks ago, she was meant to have had a case conference about me but said that the doctors had all been to busy. I couldn’t stop the tears falling, I tried to discreetly wipe them away. I was so disappointed. She is genuinely concerned and is going to refer me back to the neurologist. If when the letter comes the appointment is months away I am going to ring his secretary and ask for a cancellation. October seems a long way off. If you are not right go back to your gp they may sympathise and try and speed up the follow up appointment. Failing that ask for a sceond opinion with someone else. Lou x
Colins, I fully understand why you feel at your wits end. I would too. I can’t see how lower back problems can cause symptoms in your head and arms.
It is important to remember that many other conditions have symptoms that mimic MS, and further tests are needed to help your neuro determine what is causing your problems but telling a patient not to be stupid is not very professional.
You do have the right to seek a second opinion - speak to your GP if you want to go down that route. But bear in mind that a new neuro will probably want to repeat tests and that may mean it takes even longer to get a diagnosis.