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Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Question Title: diagnosesForum: Neurology Forum
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Re: diagnosesPosted by CCF NEURO MD on May 04, 1997 at 19:04:19: In Reply to: diagnoses posted by Shan on April 27, 1997 at 14:24:00:
: I would like to know how a person goes about getting a diagnoses when they are limited to only certain doctors by insurance. I have had progressive muscle pain, stiffness, weakness, fatigue, speech difficulties etc. for many years. I have been tested for Lupus, MS, heavy metals, and whatever the current doctor thinks I have, when nothing proves out they simply drop the search. I am using a power wheelchair, prayer and tears to get through my days. My current doctor says he thinks I have MD, but he doesn't know what kind. Muscles biopsy from arm showed nothing. All I take is Parafon Forte for the spasms and Ultram and Ibuprophen for pain. Other than that I'm on my own. My doctor changes again in June. Is there any way for folks like me to get a diagnoses? = Insurance is becoming an increasingly limiting factor to patient's medical care. It is equally frustrating for the physicians. Your problem sounds complex and quite debilitating. Unfortunately, the longer one cannot diagnose a patients disorder the less likely it will become. Despite your extensive workup, no one has been able to give you a diagnosis. You are not alone. My best advice would be to chose a well known, academically oriented hospital to have an evaluation. It may be worth your money to see a world renowned neurologist, if you insurance company refuses the referral. I would advise you to bring all previous records, results of tests and imaging studies to the evaluation to avoid duplication. If this is still financially unfeasible, I would recommend staying with one primary doctor who can coordinate your care and understand you needs. Use resources at your local library to research yourself. At some point, however, one must realize that there may never be a diagnosis. The person must then return as best possible to normal daily activites and become involved in other activities, so as not to be soley focused on one's own problems. I wish you luck in your search.
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