How is MS diagnosed - what can I expect

Hi Marcus and welcome

There are many different conditions that carry similar symptoms to ms - not all of them necessarily serious either - on top of that there isn't any 'one' particular test for ms so it can sometimes be a long haul to receiving a diagnosis. Having said that, it varies a lot - just like ms can. For me it took 6 months from the first time I saw my neuro to the day I received my diagnosis.  

Other tests that your neuro may arrange include countless blood tests - to help rule out other things - maybe VEP tests, EMG tests and possibly a lumbar puncture. It very much depends on the results of each test as to where he goes next as well as your symptoms and relapses, so it's important that you keep him up to speed with how you feel and any new symptoms you experience etc.

A lumbar puncture isn't necessary for a diagnosis - although it can sometimes speed up the process of getting a diagnosis - so if your neuro does suggest it at any point then make sure that you're happy to have it done because it's an invasive procedure (although it's not as bad as it sounds) and you do not have to agree to it. It doesn't necessarily follow that a negative result means it's not ms either - which confuses matters even more 

If you have a look at the 'what is ms' section it gives lots more information that both you and your family may find useful. You can also download, view online or order (by post) various publications which pretty much cover all matters associated with ms - including work and financial issues too. The MS Trust is also another excellent site to look at, but please try and stay away from unofficial websites because whilst the internet is a wonderful thing, there are also a lot of people out there making wild claims of cures and the like - all for a fast buck! 

Unfortunately (generally speaking) if others cannot see with their own eyes that something is amiss then they won't necessarily believe it. But they would if we had a plaster cast on! But not everyone is the same and sometimes just learning about the kind of symptoms you're going through can help them understand. 

At the moment the very best thing you can do for yourself is to look after you, rest before you get too tired and try to keep an open mind on what could be responsible for causing your symptoms - it's not necessarily an open and shut book! 

Everyone says 'try not to worry' and 'stay positive' but unfortunately that's not so easy to do and we can't always think that way, much as we'd like too. Stress can and does make us feel worse and can exacerbate symptoms, so try to find ways to combat that by doing things that you enjoy that will help take your mind off things for a while. Even the smallest of things can make a difference.

Hopefully the mri scan results will shed a bit of light on things for you. Depending on the results, ask your neuro where he's going from here and try to take one day at a time.

Good luck - will you let us know how you get on?

Debbie xx   

Hiya..and welcome to the site..being in limbo is not a great place to be..but hang in there..hope the next lot os tests go well for you..and that you get some answers to what is causing your synptoms..there is lots of support here.and you are amoung friends..so do keep us posted..:-)...your neuro sounds thorough and its thier job to find out what is wrong..as as the previous person says in the meantime look after you..try not to worry about those closest to you..who may seem mystified but I think its human nature..and sometimes in times such as these we dont always get the support we need from those closest or they dont know how to support you..you may haveto spell it out to them..

em x