Advice for upcoming neurosurgeon appointment

Hello to the forum again,

I have an upcoming appointment with a neurosurgeon that I tracked down after some (great) advice on this forum. I can't say one way or the other if I have CM but I have a lot of similar symptoms so might well have something realated to it, if not CM itself.

Does anyone have any advice on what questions I need to be asking at the appointment? I sent a copy of my last MRI scans (from June 2009) to the NS to review along with a letter with all my symptoms etc so I really don't know what to expect from the appointment.  

Many thanks,
Cindy :)

[selmaS]

Hi Cindy...it can be diff to be ready with questions bcuz u never know what the dr might say...we do have a thread here of questions to ask.....but the most important is how u can get in touch with the dr to ask questions u think of after u leave the appointment, bcuz that is when u think of them ...once u r home : )

here is some of the info from that thread:

Well.....until he gives u his dx and suggestions it can be diff to have all the questions ready u will want to ask....so,

I suggest u have someone go along to take notes...bcuz we can bcome deer in headlights and forget to write things down....

Ask how to contact the dr afterward in regards to questions u thinks of after u get home.

U wan to know how they do surgery if it is suggested....endoscopy.... bony decompression or PFD...w/ duraplasty...and what kind of patch.

Will he check u for tethered cord...Ehlers Danlos....and other related conditions.

What % of benefits does he feel this will offer.

If no surgery then what treatment options r available..... pain management.....will he monitor u...how often.....

After surgery...how often will he monitor u.....

Is everyone in the OR covered by ur insurance and do they get all the info when u sign up w/ the drs office.....how much do u need to do extra?

How long after surgery do u need to remain in the area?

I am sure someone else will give a few more ideas.....

[ChickenBoo]

Selma, thank you for taking the time to post that.

That's a great idea abotut asking the best way to contact him after the appointment - I wish I had had that tip a long time ago for many appointments I've been to!

Yes, I think you're right, will mainly have to roll with it and just make sure I explain my symptoms properly.

Thanks again,
Cindy :)

[selmaS]

Good Luck Cindy and let us know how it goes : )


"selma"

[*Stormy*]

Hey Cindy...

I probably told this to you already but make sure you list all your symptoms and questions on a piece of paper b4 you go. So often we go to these appts and forget half of the things we wanted to say. Plus, don't let the appt end until you get all the answers to your questions or you will leave there kicking yourself (I know I've done it lots myself!)

Selma has given you some very good advice..

Again, I am so glad that you are finally going to get some attention to your symptoms..good luck!

Carolyn