OT - Don't know how concerned I should be

[2flamingos]

I will try to make a long story short - I have been having neck issues for quite some time (pain, stiff, limited range of motion, tingling and numbness in extremities). Had an epidural in March which helped some, but in June I developed a new tingle and pain was returning so I was scheduled for a second epidural. When explaining to the pain doc about the tingle he became concerned when I said it started at the base of my skull, moved up and around to my cheek. After some questions and "tests" I told him that I did not think I had had a stroke - he laughed that I knew where he was going.

He scheduled me to see a neurologist who ordered a MRI and Doppler Carotid Ultrasound. The MRI report indicated that I had a few lesions on an MRI I had had several years ago, but there were now more and some had gotten larger. It said Idiopathic something or possible MS. I know the MS should be a concern, but neurologist doesn't think its that due to my age, sex, (late 50's, male) etc. I am to have another MRI in December. He didn't mention the Carotid thing, so I assume it was not an issue.

Initially, I was not overly concerned. However, when I told my Primary Care doc, he expressed more concern than did the neurologist. After getting a copy of the report (thank goodness for centralized digital filing), he pointed out a few phrases and said we should repeat the MRI in a year. When I told him it was already planed for December (six months) his eyebrow went up (he didn't realize I noticed).

Now, I notice every little twitch, stumble, visual and auditory blip; worry when I can't remember something; and generally think about it too often.

[JDS74]

it sounds as if whatever is going on is slow so nothing urgent is happening.

In life there are things of concern that can cause worry.
You can divide them into two classes - ones that are out of our control and ones that are not.
For the ones out of our control - there's no point in worrying - worrying just make you feel bad and doesn't accomplish anything. For ones that we can control - either do something and not worry or don't do anything and see class one. In any event - worrying doesn't ever help. It does add to stress and that doesn't help ever.

It sounds as if you are doing something to resolve what is going on. Just keep track, get all the medical reports, make sure all your doctors are kept up to speed, and don't worry.

[kteague]

It can be hard to make sense of the little glitches our body gives us, as to whether they are significant or not. I wouldn't go so far as to suggest journaling your each and every twitch and tingle and giving things more attention (time out of your life) than they deserve. But I do think it's a good idea to jot down some notes to see if a pattern emerges or if they are helpful puzzle pieces when you see your doctor again. My brain scans show "microvascular ischemic lesions" that grew in number and size over the years. I have some pretty scary symptoms from time to time. A part of me wants to demand solid answers, another part feels "it is what it is" and just try to live my life. What works for one personality type will not be comfortable for another. I don't have answers for you, just saying I get what you're saying. Sounds like by scheduling a repeat scan in December they are exercising caution and are not the type of doctors to ignore whatever is going on with you. That would make me feel better about things.

[Janknitz]

You can divide them into two classes - ones that are out of our control and ones that are not.

Personally I believe we have more control than we recognize. It starts with what your hand puts in your mouth, every bite.

MS or not, I would not sit around until December waiting for an MRI to decide. Go out TODAY and get a copy of the book The Wahl's Protocol by Dr. Terry Wahls. Whatever it is, this WILL help The control is in your hands.