I did it!!!!

[Corriel]

Yesterday I met with my first MS Specialist. An oddity since I have a diagnosis and through the diagnostic period and the almost 3 years that I have had MS I have only had a general neurologist. My physiatrist took pity on my dilemma of wanting to switch but that I feared offending anyone or having any kind of confrontation so she did my referral the specialist for me.

I like my general neuro just fine but disagree with a few things he has told me and I have had issues with his staff. I am slightly passive aggressive so I struggle to be an advocate for myself even when knowing I need it.

Yesterday I was very honest with the specialist when he asked for specifics and he gave me the choice to stay with my current neuro and he would write up a letter with some specific recommendations for my guy to follow or I could become his patient, knowing it is a two hour drive which could be tough during a relapse especially if I have a recurrence of my visual field loss.

I opted to switch knowing that I could be making my life slightly difficult in the future. The relief I feel after this decision has been tremendous. I am actually a bit tearful today when I think about how much stress my situation with my general neuro was and I didn't realize it.

For those out there who have trouble advocating for yourself, if you really can't find a way to do it directly, there are other, more indirect ways. Please do something and don't add to your stress level. Your health is too important.

I should probably feel some embarrassment for having done things this way but I don't. All in all I had the best outcome I could expect given that I couldn't bring myself to stand up to my neuro.

Corrie

[ConfirmedRachel]

Oh good for you Corrie, that must've been a toughie x

I'm sure your feelings of relief now confirm this was a good decision, well done for being brave.
Nx

[HVAC]

I switched MS Specialists right after I was diagnosed. The first guy and I did not click. It is like a marriage. I did the same with oncologists. It took me three before I was happy. Good for you for advocating for yourself. It gets easier to do.

Alex

[TLC1104]

Hi,
Fantastic Corrie!
Also inspiration to others, I'll definitely be taking inspiration from you as I'm very much as you explained.  
Thankyou!
T

[Joiedecour]

Corrie, this is so great. I am happy for you and encouraged by you too. So glad you found a neuro you like who can help

[Dagun]

Great! Congrats on this decision. Always do what is best for you, this is our health (mental also) so this matters.

My best wishes,
Dagun  

[doublevision1]

Hey, whatever works. And for the amount of facetime we actually have with our neuros, a two hour drive once or twice a year probably won't be a huge deal in the big scheme of things. I used to drive 4.5 hours to see mine. A pain, but manageable. I'd usually roll it into a shopping trip.

[4happygnomes]

That's fantastic!  You shouldn't feel embarrassed at all, you have to do what is best for you!  I hope you don't get much face time with the new Neuro, because then that means you are doing well! =)

Karen

[cjtmn]

Congratulations, Corrie!! I am so very happy for you. Way to stand up for yourself & go after what you need in a way that was most comfortable for you. Well done!

Cheryl

[kwarendorf]

Congratulations!

Our relationships with our neuros is like a marriage. For the time being we are in these relationships for life. How you find the right one doesn't matter. Finding him/her does :-)

Kyle