Larry, I agree with you regarding the spinal tap - why after three years for a spinal tap? I thought the spinal tap was only done at the beginning which if TM is still active, some kind of protein is found. MRI's will show where the scar tissue is on the spine and if any new leisons have appearred and then the spinal tap to confirm another episode of TM. That's what happened in my case at least and what was explained to me.
Of course now, any MRI includes a full head and spine due to possibility of MS. But, I'm not scheduled for another MRI until next year. Really when I go see my Neuro now, it's the basic test of sticking with a pin and seeing me walk without my walker or cane which I can do for a few steps. He also fills prescrips if needed. All of which takes about 10 minutes but other than paying my co-pay so he can pay his bills, I wonder why I am going every 3 months? Candy K. -----Original Message----- >From: Larry Throne <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Sent: Jun 25, 2007 9:39 PM >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [email protected] >Subject: RE: [TMIC] from Gary > > > >What ever you do, stay flat on your back as long as you can. After my first >one no body told me to stay down and I reached to the end of the bed to get >something and Bam! I thought someone shoved a hot ice pick in my brain. That >was over thirty years ago and I still remember that pain! Other than that, I >had several others over the next few weeks and even the next few years. I >think I have had 8 or 9 total and none of the others were painful at all. >Mostly discomfort. > >I don't know why he insist on one now, I would think a MRI would make a better >diagnostic tool? > >Good luck though. Larry in Oklahoma where I am feeling better. It's amazing >what a couple of rounds of cipro will do for you > > > > > > >Larry Throne, MSW > >From: Wendy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: "'TMIC List'" <[email protected]> >Subject: RE: [TMIC] from Gary >Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2007 22:23:33 +0200 > >.shape{;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, >div.MsoNormal{margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'Times > New Roman';}a:link, >span.MsoHyperlink{color:blue;text-decoration:underline;}a:visited, >span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed{color:purple;text-decoration:underline;}span.EmailStyle18{font-family:Arial;color:navy;[EMAIL > PROTECTED] Section1{size:8.5in 11.0in;margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in >1.25in;}div.Section1{page:Section1;} > >Hi Gary: > > > >The spinal tap wasnt so bad. Just be sure to drink plenty of water >afterwards to minimize a headache. I did have a bad headache for two or three >days, but it was worth getting some answers. > > > >Just my two cents . > > > >Wendy in NJ > > > >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] >Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2007 4:15 AM >To: TMIC List >Subject: [TMIC] from Gary > > > >Thanks to all who gave an input about fatigue. I went to my neurologist today >but did not accept a prescription at this time. I think I'll try some of the >non-prescription suggestions including trying to rest more. I do work >full-time and clean our church for three hours twice a week plus keep up a >house. > > > >There is another issue about which I would like some thoughts from others: > > > >While in the hospital three years ago the diagnosis was TM. I was never >referred to the neuro who made the diagnosis as far as follow-up. I just went >to my primary physcian who just said there is no treatment. After two years I >asked if he would refer a neuro and he did. > > > >Well, the neuro was flabbergasted that I had no follow-ups so ordered spinal >and brain MRIs and the spinal was the only on the showed the "old" lesion--no >change in two years. > > > >I had another brain MRI last week and today was told no lesions. > > > >However, the neuro still won't accept firmly a TM diagnosis and wants me to >have a spinal tap because if it is positive I can take monthly IV's to help >prevent any further "damage". > >He said he hopes I have just had an isolated incident brought on by a virus >but, of course, won't say that is the case so wants the spinal tap but won't >"twist my arm" but let him know and he will order it. > > > >So, has anyone had anything similar happen? What would you do? A spinal tap >doesn't sound fun. Could it create further problems? > > > >Sorry to be so wordy. > > > >Thanks, > >Gary in Michigan > > > >Like puzzles? Play free games & earn great prizes. Play Clink now. Candy K.
