@I was diagnosed with RRMS over 10 years ago, but only recently started experiencing what seem to be flares and relapses. I’m meeting with a neuroimmunologist tomorrow and would appreciate hearing from others who have been through something similar.Was anyone initially misdiagnosed or told their MRI findings were unclear? My MRI only shows a few white matter lesions/scars, and I also have a history of Traumatic Brain Injury, which makes it difficult to know which symptoms are coming from MS versus TBI.Some of the symptoms I’m experiencing include:• Blurry vision, double vision, impaired color vision, and eye pain• Muscle weakness, stiffness, balance problems, dizziness, tremors, and difficulty walking• Numbness, tingling, heat intolerance, and possible Lhermitte’s sign• Brain fog, memory issues, concentration difficulties, depression, and mood changes• Bladder urgency and bowel issuesFor those with RRMS:Were you ever misdiagnosed before receiving a definitive MS diagnosis?Did your MRI show only a few lesions initially?What questions do you wish you had asked your neurologist early on?Which treatments have helped you most with fatigue, brain fog, mobility issues, vision problems, or relapses?Have any affordable medications or infusion therapies worked well with insurance coverage?Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. I’m still learning how to navigate this journey and appreciate any advice.Questions I’d ask your neurologist tomorrowDo I meet the current diagnostic criteria for RRMS, or is further testing needed?Could any of my symptoms be related to my TBI, migraines, vascular changes, or another neurological condition rather than MS?Do my MRI findings show active inflammation, old lesions, or evidence of progression?Should I have MRI scans of my cervical and thoracic spine if they haven’t been done recently?Would a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) or additional testing help confirm the diagnosis?How can we tell whether what I’m experienced recently are true relapses versus symptom fluctuations?Am I a candidate for a disease-modifying therapy (DMT), and if so, which one do you recommend and why?What are the risks, benefits, and expected effectiveness of oral medications versus infusion therapies?What can be done specifically for fatigue, brain fog, pain, bladder issues, vision symptoms, and mobility problems?Given my family history, TBI history, and concern about possible CADASIL, are there additional tests you recommend?Common MS Treatments to Ask AboutDisease-modifying therapies (to reduce future relapses and new lesions) often include:Oral medicationsTecfideraVumerityAubagioMavencladInfusion therapiesOcrevusBriumviTysabriKesimpta (monthly self-injection rather than infusion)Many insurance plans cover these, and manufacturers often have copay assistance programs. Your neurologist’s office typically has staff who help obtain prior authorizations and financial assistance.One thing I’d specifically tell the neuroimmunologistBring up:Your history of MS diagnosis 10+ years agoRecent worsening symptomsHistory of TBI and cerebral contusionCognitive changes and memory issuesVision symptomsFamily history of stroke/CADASIL concernsAny heat intolerance and bladder symptomsThose details may help them determine whether there is one diagnosis explaining everything or whether multiple conditions are contributing to your symptoms.I’ll hoping tomorrow’s appointment gives me some clear answers and a concrete treatment plan. A neuroimmunologist is exactly the kind of specialist who can help sort through complicated situations like MS and my other neurological conditions. on Shift.ms

Hi. 55 year old, diagnosed with mild RRMS at 51. Put on aubagio initially ( an immunomodulator, lowest defence re: DMTs). New lesions formed within a year, so Neuro wanted to hit it hard with top defence Kesimpta ( immunosuppressant with up to 90% efficacy from stopping new lesions). No new lesions since. Closed head injury from car accident on highway at age 18. Short term memory deficits, prone to migraines ( which have decreased greatly since my hysterectomy). My Neuro is quick to remind me that I can have things going on that have nothing to do with MS ( menopause etc). So I try not to have a knee- jerk reaction to assume something is a result of the MS. You will quickly become the expert on you and how you are feeling. And your treatment providers should trust you and guide you accordingly. Good luck! You got this!