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@Aster 

Last reply

Aster

Tricky situation

Well... Hello everybody, It's going to be a little bit long, so bear with me. For the past couple of years I've been feeling mildly sick (a little bit feverish, tired, had some stomach problems, not sleeping well, muscle pain, sweating), so I've talked with a friend of mine, whose a head doctor at a local hospital, and she told me to come, stay for a couple of days and she'll do the tests. So I went there and she has diagnosed me with chronic hepatitis c, which was unexpected. But, she also ordered an MRI, "since you're here", and they have found 4 lesions in my brain, which was even more unexpected than hep C. She has told me to wait six months, and then come and re-do the MRI, and not to read anything on the web. Of course, after around 4 months I've decided to browse the web and my mind went into overdrive, I've basically diagnosed myself, and started having a lot of symptoms after reading them on the web (bladder problems, weakness on one side of the body, i'm more careful when i walk, i feel my mouth moving differently, pins and needles, everything). I didn't have problems with that before, at least i hadn't noticed them. So, I went for a full MS diagnostic work-up (brain+neck MRI, VEP, LP, neuro exam), and was expecting a DX. Got the results today. VEP - negative LP - negative neck MRI - clear brain MRI - same as in January. neuro exam (seemed a thorough, 30 minute exam) - no abnormalities I don't know what to think now. What/When to push for further tests? Does anyone here has experience with treatment of hepC if you have MS? I'm super confused now. Thanks for reading! Have a lovely evening ;)
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@Stumbler
@Stumbler
 

Hi @Aster and welcome. I can see why you've joined us. The brain lesions and symptoms are suggestive of MS. But, there are several causes of brain lesions. And those symptoms also present in various other conditions. Hence the reason why it is difficult for Neurologists to make any diagnosis. It's a question of eliminating the probables, then investigating the possibles. There are also strict criteria for diagnosing MS, the McDonald criteria (https://www.mstrust.org.uk/a-z/mcdonald-criteria) . Only your Neurologist can provide answers for you. And, at the moment, he doesn't have a lot to go on. All the Specific MS symptoms could be autosuggestion. The brain can be too clever for itself in these circumstances. But, do keep a log of these symptoms, i.e. when they start and their duration. Providing a short summary of this information to your Neurologist will be useful for the ongoing investigation. I can't see that your Hep C would have a part to play. This affects the Liver and the blood. But, I'm not medical. At the present time, the Neuro doesn't seem too concerned as their tests don't indicate any progression. But, you need to keep asking questions and providing additional information. Hope this helps.

@EdmontonAlberta
@EdmontonAlberta
 

@aster Let me see if I understand this properly... You have a friend - a Head Doctor who is 100% on your side. She gave you all the tests possible; you have NOT been diagnosed with MS... Am I correct??? I know nothing about Hep C, but I do know when someone needs a gentle cuff on the back of their skull. Take a deep breath, relax & enjoy life... ;-)