How would someone get tested to find out if they have multiple sclerosis?

I've found info on the importance of diagnosis which didn't say anything about how to get a diagnosis, and info on treatment which I didn't need either. I just need to know how to find out whether or not I have it and whether or not I can even afford to do what ever is necessary for that procedure. I don't want to pay a ton of money to have someone tell me either way. Paying to find out I don't have it would feel too much like giving someone money for telling me nothing at all and paying to find out I do have it would seem more like buying bad news, which isn't worth a lot of money. I just want to make sure I have time to enjoy life a little before I kill myself, if that's what it comes to, before I end up like my father who could only beg people to kill him due to being phisically unable to do so himself.

Hello,
I am a 49 yr old F with MS..First of all..let me give you some reassurance..MS is and can be a serious disease but it is very treatable ! I have had MS for a lot of years and I still work full time and lead a very active and productive life..MS is NOT a death sentence. Only somewhere around 20% end up in a wheelchair and even fewer become totally bedridden.
On the subject of being diagnosed..It was a very easy process for me..My Primary Care Physician refered me to a neurologist.She ordered an MRI. The MRI was a piece of cake, slept through it .That was it..the lesions were visable and I began disease modifying drugs.I havent had a major attack in almost 8 years.
The cost of MS can be a bit of a stretch without insurance..MRI's are quite expensive and the drugs are as well.. but there are foundations and the MS society that can and will help you find funding if needed.
What if any testing have you done? I assume your PCP had at least discussed the possibilities of MS with you..gone over symptoms ect.
My best advise is to spend the money for the diagnoses. and if positive get on one of the disease modifying drugs..they really are our best defense. Take care of yourself..eat right EXERCISE and stay active..You will be alright

MS (Multiple Sclerosis) is a VERY serious disease. If you are ill enough for a doctor to believe you have it then you need to get him to arrange a test. Its not something you can get done yourself.

I may be wrong but I didn't MS runs in families. I know a number of people with MS and none of them have other family members with the condition.

Seeing your father as he is, must be terrible for you and frightening too. But please don't panic. Go to your family doctor and talk to him. tell him how worried you are. If you can't talk to him, ask to see a nurse or even someone from the MS Society. Please don't let the fear of something like this blight your life when it might not be as bad as you think.

There , currently, is no sure way to diagnose MS. It involves symptoms, MRI's and a spinal fluid collection. Often several MRi's are needed over a period of time, so if money is the major concern, I'd wait until it no longer was. Dr's thought that I had MS, but They searched further and diagnosed me with Antiphospholipid Syndrome, (APS Or Hughes Syndrome.)People who do not know me, may think that I have MS, but there are similarities between these diseases.
Good luck to you. BTW, neither is a death sentence