Hi Everyone, I wasn't sure where to post a question and introduction so I chose this area.

I live in Ann Arbor, MI and am 54 y/o past smoker of 30 years. This past year was tremendously difficult due to fighting my way through the medical jungle. After a year of spinal taps and many sub-specialties I was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

About 6 weeks ago I noticed I had a canker sore. It was more painful than I remember. I looked at it several times and thought it strange that it kept getting bigger. Two weeks ago I had an acute Parotid Gland Inflammation and was placed on antibiotics for 10 days and referred to an ENT.

I was concerned when two more lesions/sores appeared. None of these looked anything like a canker sore. They are gray looking with shades of pink and white. The tongue feels thickened where the sores are. I just thought I would have the ENT guy look at them when I saw him.

My appt. was yesterday. I friendly doc introduced himself and asked why I was there. I explained the Parotid thing. He said "these things generally resolve on their own". I said mine was mostly resolved but not entireley. He suggested that I massage my cheek and express the pus through the cheek gland (I have no idea where this gland is). I am thinking--why in the world am I here???

I mentioned the things on my tongue.

He took two wooden spatulas and examined my tongue with them. I never touched my tongue or anywhere inside my mouth. He never touched the outside of my mouth. Actually he touched nothing.

He said "they are aphthous ulcers, they might be just starting or they might be healing up now". I asked him, "how do you tell if they are these ulcers or if they are cancer". He said "the borders on yours are fairly consistent.

I was not given a follow up. It have to wonder why I was referred by the urgent care doctor.

I hope to god that he is right, and these are these ulcers. my concern is that my mouth is burning. Sometimes it feels hot. I eat and don't taste---then the burning starts.

The absense of taste happens with MS but not to this degree and not with the sensory sensations of burning.

I don't know what to make of all this. I feel bad that my insurance had to pay this guy when he did nothing.

Is this going to be another battle? This time minus the neurologists and bring in the ENT's?

Do any of you have similar stories or outcomes?

thanks!!

Red