I keep seeing that people are in stage one or stage two etc. How do doctors determine what stage youre in? Being i was only diagnosed 17 days ago im unsure about a lot. I dont even know what type of MS i have. I know i have a lot to learn so i ask lots of questions. I apologize if i ask to many questions i just want to know all i can.
Did you ask your doctor ? You need to be your own best advocate in this process and ask you doctor questions when you feel information isn't being provided.
Did your doctor recommend that you begin taking one of the MS Disease Modifying Drugs (DND's) ? If so than he/she has classified you as having Remitting Relapsing MS (RRMS) . Reason being that the USA FDA has only approved the DND's for treatment of RRMS and insurance will only assist in the cost of the DMD if the person has been DX'd with RRMS.
With that said during the exam process the neurologist performs a variety of tests to evaluate mental, emotional and language functions, strength, coordination, balance, reflexes, gait, vision, and the other four senses to access the type of MS.
You can never ask too many questions when it comes to your health.You need to talk to your Dr write down all your questions and take them with you and ask dont worry about asking too many questions if you dont ask you'll never know Your Dr is supposed to be there for you and explaine this process to you.If you find his not find you another Dr it toke me 4 Dr's before i found the right one.Hang in there we are all here for you.hugs hugs!!!!!!
I had a MRI showing i had a large lesion on the left frontal lobe and the base of my brain. It also said i had several lesions scattered throughout my brain. My left arm became numb and my left hand has lost @ 85% of motor skill. I complained about severe neck pain and pain that would shoot up the top of my head and down my spine but the numbness is what sent me to have like 5-6 MRI and 4-5 CAT SCANS. Ive had numbness in other area especially in my legs and my right hand but it only last a hour or so. My left arm and hand on the other hand have been like that since January 20th. My vision has been bothering me too so i seen an eye dr Tuesday. He said the optic nerve looked good but i have cataracts in both eyes and need bifocals. I finally see a neurologist on the 24th so im excited but also nervous. Being a Type 1 diabetic doesnt help things but i can really tell the difference in what my diabetes does and what MS does. Im still new to MS but im learning all i can. I want to know which type of MS i have so that i can learn more. Thanks for your answer. Its so much appreciated.
For now the use of an mri plus analysis of your symptoms and neuro conversation is about it, but now a blood test is in the works to tell you what stage
If at all possible, finding a Neurologist who specializes in MS is the best of all worlds. Unfortunately, due to insurance companies that is not always possible.