I just got my MRI results yesterday. IT's the only one I have had after being sick for about 15 months. It was perfectly normal, and I'm embarrassed to say I actually found myself feeling disapppointed! I was hoping for some validation, some lesions to say "hey, this chick really IS sick!" I have so much neurological involvement, brain fog, depression, the works...how can my MRI have been normal? I just feel like it's one more piece of medical information that DOESN:T support or validate my diagnosis. I have never had a positive Lyme test, but had the rash and all the symptoms, and on IgM was positive for band 23, which Dr. D says is a positive result. Do most people have abnormal MRI's? My sister with chronic Lyme had a brain lesion, I feel cheated! ( and stupid to have said that, but I bet you understand! )
Posted by WildCondor (Member # 434) on :
Its is a good thing that your MRI was normal. If I were you I would focus my time, strength and energy on my treatment, instead of all the testing. If you still want to see some results regarding neurological stuff, maybe you should have a SPECT scan or neuropsychological testing. They will not do anything to treat you, but if you arent worried about the $$, then you can do the tests, and maybe you will have some results there. Many people who have chronic neurological Lyme do not have lesioins on their brain. Then again, many people who have MS, have lesions on their brain, actually have Lyme. Either way, its good that you have a normal MRI. Hang in there, learn more about the disease and treatment and keep your focus on treating and getting well. All the BEst!
Posted by cgooge (Member # 7922) on :
My wife had several negative MRIs, spinal taps and lyme tests....Just remember that this is a clinical diagnosis.
My wife had numerous neurological problems from this disease(been sick 6 years). Most of them have been eradicated after 3 weeks of ABX. We still have a long way to go but we are on the right track.
Hang in there!!!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
You can be extremely ill from Lyme and have tons of tests come up negative.
I agree with WC...concentrate on getting well. But yes, I do understand your being perplexed by a normal MRI!
Posted by hurtingramma (Member # 7770) on :
I've been where you are many, many times. I've had every test available to disprove MS, all normal. I also remember feeling like giving up. I want my tombstone to read "See, I told you I was sick!"
Posted by prconn (Member # 7113) on :
Believe what the others have said. You do not want brain lesions your already sick enough.
I do have lesions and cried for days after. It is the last thing I wanted and it was not good news.
The only benefit I believe it has helped with, was getting SSDI. I would trade this situation with anyone. But would not wish it on anyone.