MS diagnose

New diagnosis and before diagnosis
1

Hi,

i seen my consultant about a week and half ago and he was wanting to hold of diagnosing me with MS but a few day later I got a call at home from him to say he was going to diagnose me with MS after going back through all my results and the chat we had as it looks like I’ve had a relapse after my optic neuritis in Jan. I was told my next MRI with dye would be done in Aug but that now been brought forward to 4th July. I am still having a load of symptoms that the consultant said is related to my MS. He is also concerned about my health and has asked me to look at drugs and mainly the strong ones which I looked at and got scared and couldn’t read anymore. Also waiting to see MS nurse who will explain the medication the consultant is talking about and other stuff.

My doctor had now put me onto 20mg Amitriptyline and 5 vitamin D tablets a day. To see him in another 3 months unless I am concerned about anything.

i have prepared myself for worse but don’t think I have taken it in yet. I am really worried about the drugs that they are talking about the the side affects. During all this I have split with my husband and am mainly bringing up my two daughters on my own. Life is not in good place for me but thankfully I have my faith otherwise I am not sure what state I would be in.

2

Hi Mum,

In my experience, of a dozen different drugs, the side effects are minor compared to the symptoms.They usually involve a bit of trial and error at first so don’t expect everything to work perfectly in the beginning. If one prescription doesn’t do the job there are alternatives.

At first I kept a daily diary noting medication, dose, times, symptoms and side effects which is useful when you speak to the Nurse, GP or Consultant. I don’t have children but I’d find it impossible to remember every detail between appointments. I’m on Amitriptyline 50 mg and I’m very pleased that I am.

Having a MS specialist nurse is a huge plus (some people in the UK don’t have access to one). Your neurologist sounds very sympathetic (again, some of us haven’t a good relationship with our consultants).

This Forum is a huge store of experience, wisdom and compassion. It’s been said before that between us we understand more about MS than any neurologist. I’ve learnt a lot on here myself. Feel free to use this place as a sounding board, to vent your frustration, hopes, fears, whatever you have to say, someone will understand what you are going through and have empathy with you.

Best wishes,

Anthony