Brain Demyelinating diseases OTHER than MS

Posted by delia74 @delia74, Jun 16 9:11am

Have had progressive Brain Demyelination over course of 10 yrs with no definitive diagnosis even after vast testing and seeing specialists in NYC. During that time span, many disturbing issues have arisen such as serious ataxia, gait issues, 4th optic nerve palsy/diplopia and other optical issues, sensory impairment, etc., etc., etc....
I dropped the neurologist at the medical group that had been "attending" (so NOT!) to my increasing problems. Yes, related disorders/disease (Like Graves, Sjogren's Syndrome and others) had been tested, all negative. I chose an outstanding neurologist who took one look at the 10 yrs worth of Brain MRIs and immediately sent me to get brain, cervical and thoracic spine MRIs. His diagnosis: advanced MS, which at my age of 75 brings problems with what medications can be used. He wants me to have infusion therapy with Ocrevus but hesitant due to its side effects and how it can impact a patient my age. So he referred me to a neurologist specializing in MS. She examined MRIs and announced that in her experienced opinion it is NOT multiple sclerosis causing the lesion scarring. She patiently and fully explained by pointing out the very symmetrical formation of lesions, as opposed to the more scattered demyelination caused by MS. A thorough exam followed, and she recommended that I have genetic testing to see if there were links to what she was including as possible reasons for my many physical issues (also causing processing and emotional issues). We did concur on spinal tap as a means of seeing if oligoclonal bands were present, so I had the procedure. She also ordered several tests to be done on the CSF (and on blood work) for a slew of specific testing.
Thus far: Only 1 band in the CSF and still waiting on other results. Will be discussing genetics results when completed.

MEANWHILE, we had a Virtual Visit in which she presented (based on my medical history) the possibilities of the demyelination being caused by polyneuropathies and/or polyarthritic conditions. THAT blew my mind! My rheumatologist and she will be conferring on my issues with poymalgia rheumatica, osteoarthritis, Raynaud's, and extensive neuropathies not connected to definitive causes (no diabetes, for example).

I've done a great deal of researching on my own, because I was so blown away that it is possible that I do NOT have MS (and thus would not be served by the prescribed infusion drug), and that all that I've been dealing with could well be caused by "something else."
As she emphasized: If I were to go ahead with the diagnosis of MS and undergo Ocrevus (which she does not approve of anyway due to my age), it could mask what could well be another disorder. So I've chosen to follow her guidance, much to the disapproval of my primary neurologist who diagnosed MS....as I told him at our recent followup visit "You referred me to her, and I believe it's worthwhile investigating her possible sources for the lesions."

I created charts with possible disorders, listing the symptoms, etc for each. I am dumbfounded by how overlapping they are, and how you could easily say that my lesions and accompanying issues are relatable to them and even MS (but with distinctions for the neuropathic and polyarthritic disorders).

Needless to say, I am overwhelmed and overstressed (not a good thing because stress promotes more lesion development which equates to more "dead" brain areas and related consequences). I have other medical issues with which I've been coping/dealing, including Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (which appears has now affected entire leg, not just ankle/foot). Too many other factors, way too many on my proverbial plate. But I am focusing on what I can still do and not allow dark depressive thoughts permeate. That won't help me, nor in turn help my husband.

So I ask: Anyone have personal experiences with ANYTHING that I've described/presented here?
Possibly with.....
• Genetic Leukoencephalopathy
• Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy? (CIPD)
• Chronic inflammatory demyelination related to arthritic diseases?
• Any other ideas??

I am overwhelmed and overstressed, neither of which are good for what is happening within my brain. Very difficult to find distractions, to focus on mundane things. I am trying not to tax my brain because I am struggling with the fact that it continues being demyelinated while awaiting test results and having others scheduled. TIME is so precious.

I would be so appreciative of any info from members who have had similar situation/experiences.

Por favor, No suggestions of esoteric remedies.

Thank you for taking the time to read this rather long submission...

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I hope you get some input. I don’t have any info on your issues. Man, that’s a lot to deal with. Your frustration is understandable. What do you take for pain?

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@celia16

I hope you get some input. I don’t have any info on your issues. Man, that’s a lot to deal with. Your frustration is understandable. What do you take for pain?

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Thank you for your thoughts. For pain, I can only take Aleve (approved by my primary doctor). I cannot take anything else, due to having experienced serious side effects from a slew of medications. Heat pads are a blessing when needed. Yes, my life is quite challenging, but I figure that someone else's can be even more so.

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@delia74

Thank you for your thoughts. For pain, I can only take Aleve (approved by my primary doctor). I cannot take anything else, due to having experienced serious side effects from a slew of medications. Heat pads are a blessing when needed. Yes, my life is quite challenging, but I figure that someone else's can be even more so.

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That’s how I’m trying to cope. I’m rather overwhelmed at the moment. Trying to stay positive. You sure have a great attitude. Do you have support around you?

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@celia16

That’s how I’m trying to cope. I’m rather overwhelmed at the moment. Trying to stay positive. You sure have a great attitude. Do you have support around you?

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I'm blessed to have my hubby of 53 years💝. He does help in many ways to relieve me of taxing chores, has a great sense of humor so does make me laugh (at what our kids say are "corny dad jokes"!). He accompanies me to medical visits and waits patiently, God bless him! Our older daughter lives within our town, less than 6 minutes away, with her teen sons and husband. They provide emotional support, but lead such fully packed schedules that we don't see them often enough. We do phone chats, and the boys text with me (I love doing that). Hawken even calls me from Plattsburgh U. (where he just completed freshman year, studying graphic design) "...just wanting to know how you're doing, grandma." We can spend up to 30 minutes or so as we talk , and he fills me in about life on campus, his courses, activities, etc. He and brother Hudson are very affectionate and tell me often how much they love me. Their mom travels a great deal for her company business so we don't see each other often. But she texts during her travels, sends me photos to keep me informed, phoning on route when possible. I used to have the four of them over for dinners once in a while but over time found that I'm not up to all the extra work involved. Very draining. Our younger daughter Denise lives in Boston with daughter age 8 and son age 10, and hubby. They make trips here a few times a year, including Thanksgiving. She's in pharmaceuticals and was pre-med at Carnegie so she has so much info that she can guide me with. And I'm fortunate to also have a cousin living one town over; we sometimes have long conversations that are gratifying; we both believe in the power of prayer so we engage in mutual prayers. I'm a very private introvert so I don't confide in anyone else. I immerse myself in my writing (memoir, children and young adult), and researching online. I am a retired secondary and graduate school instructor, and it's refreshing having time to do (or not, if I so choose) whatever most appeals. There are indeed benefits to being retired.😊

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@delia74

I'm blessed to have my hubby of 53 years💝. He does help in many ways to relieve me of taxing chores, has a great sense of humor so does make me laugh (at what our kids say are "corny dad jokes"!). He accompanies me to medical visits and waits patiently, God bless him! Our older daughter lives within our town, less than 6 minutes away, with her teen sons and husband. They provide emotional support, but lead such fully packed schedules that we don't see them often enough. We do phone chats, and the boys text with me (I love doing that). Hawken even calls me from Plattsburgh U. (where he just completed freshman year, studying graphic design) "...just wanting to know how you're doing, grandma." We can spend up to 30 minutes or so as we talk , and he fills me in about life on campus, his courses, activities, etc. He and brother Hudson are very affectionate and tell me often how much they love me. Their mom travels a great deal for her company business so we don't see each other often. But she texts during her travels, sends me photos to keep me informed, phoning on route when possible. I used to have the four of them over for dinners once in a while but over time found that I'm not up to all the extra work involved. Very draining. Our younger daughter Denise lives in Boston with daughter age 8 and son age 10, and hubby. They make trips here a few times a year, including Thanksgiving. She's in pharmaceuticals and was pre-med at Carnegie so she has so much info that she can guide me with. And I'm fortunate to also have a cousin living one town over; we sometimes have long conversations that are gratifying; we both believe in the power of prayer so we engage in mutual prayers. I'm a very private introvert so I don't confide in anyone else. I immerse myself in my writing (memoir, children and young adult), and researching online. I am a retired secondary and graduate school instructor, and it's refreshing having time to do (or not, if I so choose) whatever most appeals. There are indeed benefits to being retired.😊

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Oh my! You are indeed very blessed. That sounds like a quite impressive support network. I have a large family and great friends, but most are undergoing their own crisis right now. My therapist is awesome and that really helps….And prayer. That helps the most.

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Hi Delia74
I also am 75 and more than 20 years ago was misdiagnosed with MS. By recommendation from my neurologist, I went into a trial with interferon (for 5 years). During that time I would be sick from the injection 5 out of the 7 days in the week. I decided my quality of life could not deal anymore with the side effects, so I decided to discontinue the injections and changed doctor. My new neurologist indicated I did NOT have MS and approved my discontinuing medicating. This was 18 years and I do not have MS. The opinion of 2 neurologists is that my lesions were most probably from minor vascular events. I am glad that I discontinued injecting something that was not required and that, in my opinion, may have ultimately cause some harm to my system. My current health is dealing with smoldering multiple myeloma!!! 🥲

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I also have demyelination I've been told .

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@red79

I also have demyelination I've been told .

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I'm so sorry for that...when and if you get to a point where you feel comfortable sharing, I would like to learn more. For ten years all I ever heard was "...well you DO have demyelination, but so far no diagnosis....can't offer any more help." And "...such an enigma..." Demoralizing indeed.

Warmest thoughts sent your way, Red!💖🌺

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