It seems strange that I am positive and very happy with my first Neuro appointment. But I am…
First off we discussed my medical history ~ lots of ‘strange’ symptoms going back over the past 3 years: Neurological pain in my fingers tips, central neuropathy, dizzy spells & a numb tongue ~ which has since come back. I explained to my Neuro,that each of the symptoms had lasted a few weeks & then by the time I got to see my Doctor/s about them they had all but disappeared, so I didn’t ask for, or go back for further testing. I’ve also moved about a bit this past few years, so didn’t mention previous symptoms to other Doctors - the Doctor I saw back in May (numb tongue) had looked back on my notes and did write on my notes “query MS??”
Professor Zajicek said that, this often happens ~ and then a more significant thing happens like my paralysed right leg and the pieces of the jigsaw start fitting together. Along with the results of an MRI showing large areas of multiple lesions.
We then discussed the symptoms I have now/since leaving hospital after having IV steroids. He said he couldn’t say off hand whether these are caused by another bout of inflammation or whether it was the same inflammation which caused ‘the leg’ and didn’t mention another MRI or further testing, so I’m a bit sketchy about that bit. He explained about how things happen in waves, and that this could be that I’m still in the original wave… or that may have spiked with my leg back in September and then shortly after a new wave may have started.
My Daughter who was with me did notice though that after we discussed my medical history he did start using the term/words MS.
We also discussed my Anxiety/depression - and he is referring me to the Psychology Department here in Derriford Hospital: he said so they can help to unscramble my brain, he also said that they will be able to help with the cognitive issues I have and this in turn may help with the fatigue.
I have to go back to see him in a few weeks (?? why)… but he did mention many drugs which will help which we can discuss at my next appointment - he also mentioned an MS Nurse.
All in all I felt like it was a good first appointment - We were in his office for 45 minutes, and it felt like he was happy to just sit there and listen & then answer, without making us feel pressured to leave.
Karina.x
Hello Karina, i am under the same specialist as you [small world] very good ms specialist. i had a lumbar punch on thurs just gone and having mri on my spine this thurs it has all moved very quick,.
hope you are feeling a bit better.
joanne.x
Hello Karina, i am under the same specialist as you [small world] very good ms specialist. i had a lumbar punch on thurs just gone and having mri on my spine this thurs it has all moved very quick,.
hope you are feeling a bit better.
joanne.x
Hi Joanne
It is a small world ~ Strangelyy I do feel a bit ‘better’ today thanks. Not that I’m going to jog around the block or leap around anytime today. But it feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders ~ I have a pretty bad tremor, but today it’s a nice gentle shake.
I had my MRI back at the beginning of September, which showed multiple lesions in MS places but have not had any further tests - apart from loads of blood tests.
I don’t know whether he will order a LP, he didn’t mention it anyway.
Professor Zajicek is very good, very patient and very thorough - I Googled him this morning and he has a lot to do with MS research and treatment. I feel very reassured that I’m going to get the best possible treatment from him.
Karina.x
Hi Karina.
That sounds positive 
Not sure if I should say this, but the fact he hasn’t sent you for any more tests and he’s mentioned an MS nurse and meds means that it also sounds like a diagnosis even if he didn’t explicitly say it.
I hope I haven’t done the wrong thing in saying this.
It also sounds like you have a really lovely neuro there, so you are in good hands. And not too long to wait to get help and meds sorted out - definitely a positive appointment.
Karen x
Hi Karen
It does sound very positive and it did sound like a diagnosis (although he didn’t say it) ~ that’s fine though. I am quite prepared for anything from now on ~ it’s onwards & upwards. I think that I was reassured by his unrushed, well explained approach.
He even said he was going to email the psychology department that afternoon and follow up with a letter : He said that even though he has an excellent secretary, by the time shes typed a letter and then it comes back to him to check and sign, a week could have gone by… so by emailing it will hopefully speed it up.
I do feel a bit better today, well, less stressed and a bit calmer… as you said it seems like I’m nearly there, especially where meds and unscrambling my brain are concerened anyway.
Karina.x
Hi Karina Glad your neuro was so helpful and knowledgeable! It appears that you do feel better having seen him and asked what you wanted to know. Knowledge is power as they say. That is so true. We need to know and often want to know what is happenning to our bodies! Hope you get the treatment that you need! Teresa xx
Hi karina, you sound very much less in a panic now. That`s good! And as for your Professor chappie…hang on to him, eh?
luv POllx
Hi Teresa & Poll
My Daughter noticed a difference in me today too - she said I had my ‘old smiley face back’. I said less of the old!
In all seriousness I do feel a lot calmer, it’s strange isn’t it. Because nothing has really changed since yesterday… just knowing that things are getting sorted, or that I am travelling on the road to getting them sorted is enough for the time being anyway.
Karina.x
Yes Karina, it definitely makes a difference when you know that someone is working to find out what is wrong with you and will hopefully get you some effective treatment. Keep on smiling. You’re on the road to dx hopefully! Teresa xx