DEAR DR. GOTT: I have noticed every time you mention multiple sclerosis in your column, that you write with such gloom and doom regarding this disease. Surely you realize that there are many people walking around with this diagnosis and you would not even suspect that they have been diagnosed with MS.
I, myself, was diagnosed in 1994. My first neurologist told me to take a multi-vitamin and come back to see in him six months. When I returned, he said, “I thought you would be a lot worse by now based on the results of your MRI, so maybe you don’t have MS.” I asked, if I didn’t have MS, then what did I have? He responded, “I have no idea, but keep taking your multi-vitamin and come back to see me in six months.” Needless to say, I did not go back.
Over the years I have gone to other neurologists because, although the tingling went away, I developed occasional dizzy spells or vertigo and sudden severe pain or spasms in my head. I’ve also had occasional periods of fatigue. (But as a single mom with four kids, who wouldn’t have fatigue at times?) They put me on different medications and among them was a weekly injection of Avonex.
I took the injections from approximately 1999 to 2007. The medication is extremely expensive and, quite frankly, I believe I have lost jobs because the “self-insured” companies can find out why their insurance rates are so high even though it’s illegal to discriminate for this reason. But that’s another story and issue.
Nevertheless, I am feeling fine and cannot recall the last time I have had any tingling sensations, although I did have one spell of vertigo about a year ago and do occasionally have fatigue if I am out in the sun too long. However, when I read your columns and the doom and gloom you seem to present to anyone ho has MS, I get perturbed and don’t want anyone to know that I have been diagnosed with MS. Will you please mention that MS affects everyone differently and not everyone with this diagnosis is ready for a wheelchair and nursing facility?
DEAR READER: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder in which the protective sheathing covering the nerves (myelin) is mistakenly attacked and destroyed by the immune system. This can alter the ability of the brain to communicate with the rest of the body.
Symptoms and severity can vary greatly depending on the nerves affected and extent of the damage. Early diagnosis can be difficult, as the initial symptoms can be attributed to several other disorders. The condition also commonly occurs in bursts or attacks followed by a remission which can last from several weeks to several years. For some, the condition is progressive, worsening with time.
You appear to have few of the signs and symptoms that others experience. This may be the result of an extremely mild case, meaning the damage is minimal and you are in an extended remission period or this may be because you don’t actually have MS, as your first neurologist suggested. Given your statement that you have seen several neurologists over the years, I believe you simply have an unusually mild case. In my opinion, you should be under the care of a single neurologist. It’s in your best interest to have a specialist familiar with your case and your health, especially if you suddenly experience a progression or worsening of your symptoms.
Those interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis should start with the Frequently Asked Questions page on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website here.
