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Lhermitte's sign may land me an MS diagnosis (or not?). This is all new to me.
Main Post:
I went to the doctor a month ago after developing what I now know is Lhermitte's sign (my legs from the waist down have a baseline numbness and vibration or shock that intensifies if I look downward). It scared me pretty bad. I have had some headaches and other various symptoms for years, but shrugged them off as being clumsy or getting older (32M). My doctor suspected MS based on all of my combined past and present symptoms and ordered an MRI of my brain and upper spine, and lots of blood work. The radiologist and my doctor felt that the MRI results pointed to MS as he had thought (several brain lesions consistent with MS and one spinal lesion consistent with MS) and referred me to neuro.
I just met with a MS specializing neurologist today. He feels that MS is likely, but isn’t ready to diagnose yet. The lesions in my brain are small, and there are only about four or so of them (they showed me but I didn’t keep an exact count), but he noted that they are in areas that MS likes to attack. One was active and leaked contrast, the rest were not. My upper spine MRI was mostly clean. The radiologist noted a lesion consistent with MS, but the neurologist disagreed, saying it was pretty small to consider. He did say that although he feels MS is likely, none of my lesions should explain my continuing Lhermitte's sign, or the fact that my abdomen has been numb for the past week. He ordered an MRI of my lower spine where he suspects the lesion causing Lhermitte's sign might be, and he ordered more blood work and a spinal tap. He said that after these tests, and the next time I see him, he should be ready to diagnose MS or not.
I’m confused right now as to if this is almost definitely MS, and they don’t want to diagnose without the full picture, or if I should still be holding out some kind of hope that this is not MS. And if it is not MS, then what the hell is giving me Lhermitte's sign? The neurologist told me that we have caught this early if it is MS, and eluded to the fact that he feels MS is likely.
Another user’s post today made me feel better that Lhermitte's sign can get better or go away after a few months. I’m pretty scared and confused right now. How did you all get through the period between initial testing and official MS diagnosis? I’m just not sure what I should be thinking about all of this. I want to start accepting the idea of MS, but I also don’t want to give up hope if for some reason I should have hope that it is not MS.
Top Comment:
My lhermittes was caused by a lesion at C6 on my spine. It was my first symptom and the one that lead to diagnosis, etc.. Our stories are pretty similar. I first went to one MS specialist who said it was a CIS because my brain lesions are small, but also in the spots that MS would be at. The second doctor I went to confirmed it was MS and not CIS. Obviously this disease is pretty unpredictable, but they gave me a good prognosis. I feel mostly fine. The lhermittes went away on its own after a few months and now my only symptoms are occasional dizziness and a little fatigue.
I believe even if you don’t have MS they may start you on a drug. I’m on tecfidera now (was originally going to be Gilenya, then ocrevus, but settled on tec for now; insurance is fucking crazy) and have had little side effects. I understand how you feel right now and I’m still getting used to it myself honestly, but I feel that we’re in a sweet spot with meds and with some lifestyle changes you will live a normal life.
House near me has a "Land Bank" sign. What does it mean?
Main Post: House near me has a "Land Bank" sign. What does it mean?
Top Comment: The sign means the Cty of Columbus owns the house and they're selling it. I'm guessing the person coming and going is the former owner.
TIL that Woody Guthrie wrote “This Land is Your Land” sarcastically after he got tired of hearing Kate Smith’s “God Bless America” over and over again.
Main Post: TIL that Woody Guthrie wrote “This Land is Your Land” sarcastically after he got tired of hearing Kate Smith’s “God Bless America” over and over again.
Top Comment: I love the whole backstory, with the removed verses (one on the plight of the poor, and one that criticized capitalism and private land rights), and the evolution of the song over time. Thanks for sharing!
Seb's Neon Sign
Main Post: Seb's Neon Sign
Top Comment: Does anyone know who made the Seb's neon sign? Would be a great piece to have if a replica is attainable. Thanks in advance.