23/1/1999
Well, thought I might update my story from
October 98. I am guilty of not following the internet postings the
past 4 months. My second flare abated slowly. The spasticity and
weakness in my left leg has improved but comes and goes so now I have a
permanent limp. Bladder frequency and mild incontinence are also
appearing. I have developed new problems with my vision including
intermittent dimming of my sight from the right eye. The color vision
is also distorted from my right eye so at times, it is like wearing 3D
glasses. I have had bouts of stabbing eye pain, and occasional double
vision. I have now seen 7 neurologists from Windsor to Toronto,
Ontario. Also, throw in a rheumatologist, and neuro-ophthalmologist
for good measure. I have had all types of responses to my numerous,
unusual problems from compassion and concern to the other end of the
spectrum One neurologist spent 5 minutes reading my chart while I was
talking, spent about 1 minute examining me then suggested I had an anxiety
disorder. This, after driving 4 hours through a blizzard to see
him. Being a physician I felt like reporting him to the College of
Physicians and Surgeons! I am becoming more convinced that my problem
is evolving into multiple sclerosis though, MRIs have not been abnormal thus
far. I am keen to start interferon therapy, however, without plaques
to see, my neurologist is not keen to prescribe. Unfortunately, as I
write this I am once again having severe neck pain and suspect flare #3 is
starting.
I am always taken aback by the responses I
have had from co-workers, friends and families. One friend emailed me
recently and asked "how is the wheel chair ramp coming". Is
that supposed to be funny? People at work try to be helpful... but
when you are asked how are you feeling 30x time in a day it becomes
taxing! Unfortunately, working in a smaller city, it is harder to
preserve my privacy. People I hardly know suddenly feel entitled to
know the details of my medical assessments -- I guess I should be grateful
to see this perspective first hand. I hope it will make me a better
physician. But for now, I have to struggle with adapting the workplace
so I can be comfortable and continue to practice medicine.
The literature the past few months has been
scant. One Scandanavian study looked at EMG studies (shocks applied to
muscle groups) with patients presenting with TM. Patients with
abnormal EMGs early on may have more long term disability.
I would be interested in knowing if anyone has been
started on interferon or Copaxone without a firm diagnosis of MS (ie
recurring transverse myelitis).
Sincerely,
C. Leighton MD