In the beginning there was the "BAD" news. Part II

My 2 hour plane ride and visit with Brandee's doctors was a definite step in the right direction. Per their advice my sister once again braved the snow and ice to drive me to see Dr.Latif in Watertown, NY for a new MRI and nerve conduction testing. Those of you not familiar with this test all I can say is never insult a Nazi or he will shock the shit out of you all under the guise of
" You need this done to test your nerves". I will ask any of you if you have ever touched an electric fence or possibly were stupid enough to stick a fork in an electrical socket? Well? Do you remember that?

I lay on the exam table in his office ready for the prodding to begin, my sister by my side for support. Dr. Latif asks "are you ready Derek?" I reply "only if you are!!". He places the probes on strategic areas of my arm to start and.... ZAP! The first jolt makes me jump almost off the table. Then ready for more... ZAP! my arm takes another hit. Ohhhhh man will I make it through this without passing out? I looked over at my sister and saw a look of horror then had to look at the wall so she would not see me tearing up in pain. Enduring shock after shock the doctor finally stopped and said the worst part was over and asked if I was ready for the needles. I laughed and said sure. Problem was he was not joking and proceeded with the needle procedure. I just laid there and tried to go to my "Happy Place".

I will spare you with more pain issues but be sure that needles equal pain. My sister being the consummate nurse she is was fascinated by the test asked lots of questions so she could relay them to me after I became more coherent. Thank god she was able to listen as I just stared at the wall unable to stop from thinking I just crapped myself. Another ewww moment of my life.

Dr. Latif stopped the testing short saying he would like me to have another MRI with a special dye to see more of my brain. Super another scan, but I felt very comfortable as he was very good explaining why he needed it. Off I go for the picture that would hold the true story of what is up.

MRI in hand I return to Dr. Latif's office for my consultation and findings appointment This time he asked me to sit in his office with him. Very cordially he said he did not like what he saw and proceeded to show me the scan on his computer pointing out several areas on my brain that he called lesions. Then the bad news "It's MS Derek, I'm sorry" he states to me. I felt sick to my stomach, with a huge welt starting in my throat I tried my best not to break down. He quickly tried to console me by telling me that my life was not over and that I was not going to die. Sure I thought to myself, that's easier to say than believe.

Sitting there stunned he asked if I would like another opinion and would be happy set it up for me with the MS center in Rochester if I would like. Of course I said yes to make sure. "I do not want to wait, lets do this" I tell him.

One more time my sister to the rescue. A few days later and a 3 hour drive we end up in Rochester to see Dr. Goodman the chief neurologist of the MS center there. This time no shocks or needles just test results. Well, the news did not get better. He concurs with Dr. Latifs findings and recommends I start treatment called DMD (Disease Modification Drug). He tells me several are available and I needed to speak with Dr. Latif to decide which is best for me.

Now I am scared to death and trying to learn as much as I can about the disease and what to expect from the drugs. I had lots of questions that I was hoping Dr.Latif would answer for me. Informing me about the options he recommended the DMD called Betaseron. http://betaseron.com/patients/about_betaseron/what_is_betaseron.jsp
It's an every 2 day shot that is self administered for the rest of my life that will help slow the progression but not stop the disease. I receive an info pack to read and watch a DVD to get started.

The Shot heard around the world!!!!!.......Next blog!!!!!!