The odds of being misdiagnosed with MS are crazy high

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Chapter 12: Roll of the Die

Sit Down Before Reading is an epic medical memoir unlike any you've ever read. This unbelievable story of stories is unfolding in near real time. That means the conclusion of this tale isn't written yet... because it hasn't happened yet. The story I'm telling will challenge the medical establishment to reexamine life with a debilitating disease, send reverberating shockwaves throughout the disabled community, rewrite the rulebook of healthcare (God willing), and potentially change your entire future. I recommend you buckle up and hang on, it’s going to be one hell of a rip-roaring ride. A new chapter releases every Wednesday here:

https://www.activemsers.org/sit-down-before-reading

David, the reported odds of being misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis are frightfully high—better than 1 in 6, the roll of a single die. Not a Yahtzee. Not two of a kind. Just one number on a standard six-sided die, not even enough bones to play craps at a casino or pass Go and collect $200. Was I feeling lucky? Because the consequences of waking up your soundly sleeping wife at 1:30 a.m. for a false alarm could be calamitous. Chapter 12: Roll of the Die releases today along with a preview for Chapter 13. Below is the direct link to the home page of Sit Down Before Reading: A Memoir where all available chapters are displayed. Don't like clicking links in emails? Copy the link above into your internet browser or go to the home page of ActiveMSers.

Sit Down Before Reading: A Memoir

BONUS CONTENT: Misdiagnosis Research

I’ve dropped into the forum a couple abstracts of studies researching misdiagnoses and multiple sclerosis. In one study that reviewed 241 cases, it was discovered that 110 years of unneeded treatment was provided, in the other, 33% of thos misdiagnosedwere misdiagnosed for 10 years or longer. (Interestingly, Lyme disease isn’t fingered as a common culprit in either study.) There are many more research studies out there on the topic, so feel free to share more on our forum.

Misdiagnosed Forum

As you read about me second guessing decisions swirling around my fateful MS diagnosis, you might find yourself asking the same questions. In fact, you might have already gone that extra mile, getting second or even third opinions to confirm your diagnosis. And since you are still with me, they were likely reconfirmed. But misdiagnoses happen, Lyme disease notwithstanding, and those not-so-uncommon cases are the reason I am urging you to take a closer look at your own case and seek out another opinion in the coming months. Because even the best neuro—or informed patient—can overlook a zebra when all he or she sees is a horse. A horse is a horse of course of course; these are not the zebras you are looking for. Yes, I just did a mashup of Mr. Ed's theme song and a scene from the first Star Wars for your entertainment. You’re welcome. Be active, stay fit, and keep exploring!

Dave Bexfield

www.activemsers.org

p.s. Seriously, get that second opinion appointment set up, and I’d recommend sooner rather than later. Neurologists can get booked months in advance.

be active - stay fit - keep exploring