Can you help me

Weissman, Peter (PWeissman(AT)Richter.ca)
Wed, 3 Feb 1999 18:16:02 -0500

Hi, its Peter from Toronto. I have never been given a firm diagnosis of
anything other than a herniated disc at C5-C6 that was scarring my
spinal cord and needed surgical removal and fusion. At the time this
problem was diagnosed my doctors found two small blips in my brain MRI
and my neurologist thought I might have MS, not just a herniated disc.
Anyhow, he finally backed off of his witch hunt and told me I didn't
have MS, but, hey, that didn't mean I might not develop it (what a swell
guy).

My surgery was successful but I have had lingering symptoms such as a
L'hermitte's sign and tingling in my hands and feet. I also get some
numbness in my fingers from time to time.

I find that the symptoms go away completely and then come back for 1 or
2 months with differing severity each time. When the symptoms do flare
I find that exercise (like the Stairmaster) makes them worse. I also
find that the symptoms get worse as the day progresses and as I get
tired or stressed. Every time these symptoms flare (especially the
L'hermittes) I get worried that I've herniated another disc. I know
that the reality is probably that I have spinal cord damage that has
left me with a chronic problem. I know it could also mean that I do
have MS or TM or something and I have made an appointment with a new
neurologist (but it's not until March 17).

I'd like to know two things: ONE do any of you have the same problem
with your symptoms (i.e. varying severity, worse with
exercise, you get L'hermitte's, symptoms worse with stress and
tiredness)?

TWO: I'm prepared to try some of the new drugs
such as Avonex even without a firm diagnosis of MS
or TM. Have any of you found any of these drugs particularly helpful
for your symptoms?