MS Specialist in the Dallas area

[Deb61]

Does anyone know of a really good MS specialist in the Dallas area?  I need a second opinion.

Please PM if you know of someone.  

Thanks!
Deb

[Traceylyn]

What are your thoughts on Dr Munoz?  I have seen her twice and then the PA's the rest of the time since Dr Courtney left.  I am trying to be objective, but I really want Dr Courtney back!

[Mckstacy]

Unfortunately, Dr. Courtney - my rockstar neuro, LEFT UTSW Dallas Sept. 2012.  It's taken until April 2013 for a neurologist to be "assigned" to me, Dr. Sharon Munoz.  Scheduled to see her soon.
BTW, Dr. Courtney moved to another practice in the Seattle area I believe.  My follow ups have been w/the P.A.'s.

[txsapphire]

I am debating about seeing a doc in my area regarding a diagnosis of MS.  I have CRPS, Sjogren's, and fibro.  I can't have an MRI due to having a spinal cord stim implanted.  I have blurry vision, horrible memory, tingling hands, and profound fatigue...all currently attributed to my autoimmune illnesses, I worry that it could be MS.  My older sister, plus a cousin both have MS.  Current docs only thinking about what I've already been diagnosed with.  I am in the Dallas area.  Any suggestions?

[Deb61]

I meant Dr. Courtney!

[Deb61]

Hi Jen,
I'm seeing Dr. Courney April 9th unless someone cancels and I can get in earlier . . .  

I hope I will finally get a doctor that will sit down and review the July 2011 (1.5) MRI with me since it showed new lesions.  I wonder if she'll order a new one since it will be about 9 months by the time the last MRI was done.  I also hope I don't have to have another LP (which was completed in 2007).  My LP results from Mayo (the report about the o-bands) was lost . . . Unbelievable, I know . . .  I was laid up in bed for two weeks with a spinal headache.



  

[jensequitur]

I used to have a regular neurologist (the guy who diagnosed me) and the specialist.  The general neuro has since retired (no great loss, he wasn't very good.)  The process was actually pretty quick - I had to send all my records to the clinic, and make sure that they had all my MRI scans and stuff.  

I would think that if you're experiencing a relapse that they would see you right away.  This depends upon whether you're an established patient, or if you're a new patient.  You probably won't see a neurologist, but the PA is pretty good - I saw Meghan Orchard last time.

[Deb61]

Wow, that is a long time!  Do you also see a regular neurologist, or do you only go to the MS specialist at UTSW?

How long did it used to take to get you in before the two neurologists left?

If this works out for me, my sister is also thinking about trekking down to UTSW, but she's not in very good shape and needs to see a neurologist about once a month at least because of the Baclofen pump, the fast progression of her disease, and the amount of pain she's in (she'll probably still keep her local doctor and maybe see the MS specialist once a year). I could probably go for about six months, but things inevitably crop up, but I suppose most of the stuff could be handled by calling the office . . .  Will they squeeze you in if you're experiencing a significant relapse?

[jensequitur]

I'll keep my fingers crossed!  I just had my appointment on the 2nd, and they weren't able to schedule another until October.  Sheesh!

[Deb61]

Hi Jen, I just read your email!  I went to look up to see who your doctor was.  I finally got all my records sent to UTSW--including a CD of my MRI.  I'm still working on the 22 page questionnaire that was sent to me through email.  

They've asked me who I wanted to see, and I didn't know at the time other than the head of the department, Dr. Frohman who isn't taking new patients.  I will ask to see Dr. Courtney when I email my questionnaire.  Most of the stuff on the questionnaire is a guess because I can't remember when everything started.  I also have many, many symptoms.  I'm not sure whether to list everything.  My report is sounding very scatter-brained and disorganized because my memory and concentration is at its all time worst.  Additionally, my medical history is complicated by other problems that could be considered "mimics" like migraines, hypothyroidism, arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc. etc.  I cannot remember which symptom came first and whether or not to list all of it.

I hope that they are able to hire two more really, really good neurologists and I can get in . . .  I don't want this long report to be for nothing!  I have some high hopes for this place!

Thank you so much for your suggestions . . .

Take care, Jen,
Deb

[jensequitur]

Hey, Deb - just had my appointment with UTSW, and apparently two of their neuros have  moved out of state!  So getting in to see anybody is difficult right now.  Try Texas neurology and see what they have available.

[Deb61]

He Shell!  After typing the PM, I began thinking that perhaps I should post the reason behind why I'm considering see an MS specialist.  

I originally didn't post the reason because I didn't want to feel dumb to stick with my current neurologist, if I decided to do that.  I may go ahead a post something on this thread or different thread about the whole ordeal.

Thanks for your concern again!

Deb

[Deb61]

Thanks, Jen.  I was thinking about Dr. Frohman there before I got your response.  I am questioning where he'd be too busy.  I will look into Dr. Courtney and Ted Phillips.  Thanks for the names.

Deb  

[jensequitur]

Texas Neurology is supposed to be really good - Ted Phillips is the resident MS specialist there.  I go to Dr. Courtney at UTSW, and I'm pleased with the care there.

[sllowe]

http://www.texasneurology.com/MSCenter/

http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/education/medical-school/departments/neurology/patient-care/multiple-sclerosis.html

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/txh/programs-services/local-ms-clinics/index.aspx

Deb - tell us what's going on when you are ready.
-Shell