Birmingham MS Center

[Sunnytoday]

Anyone familiar with this one? I may need to go there, depending on how this whole thing plays out, becuase I can't necessarily keep flying up to NY forever, with my family, life and insuranec being in AL. Problem is, I trust my doctor in NY, and I haven't heard anything about the Birmingham MS center. Aren't they for Peds?

See, when I go on any strong medicine, my body reacts with nausea and I drop weight so fast it's not funny (yeah, I'm already kinda skinny) and I will most likely end up needing to be on IV's if they do decided to do some type of strong treatment.... and I know that Dr. Kister had thrown out the MS center at B-ham as a possibility even though it is still quite a few hours from home... Mom was wondering how I felt about that, and I really didn't want anyone else taking over my care, but I guess if we have to, we have to, but I'm going to hang on to him as long as possible!

Thoughts anyone?
~Sunnytoday~

[Sunnytoday]

WELL... you see, I had this terrible neurologist here locally, and sorta lost a lot of time with him blaming all my symptoms on hidden depression. Now that I've tried going to NYU and found that dr,'s can care and do care and that Dr Kister is so wonderul, I won't jepordize it for a minute. I have a PCP that will work with him, though, and we may just have to go that route.

Yes, i know that will probably have to do the hospital IV route sometime, and I'm not to sure how that will work, but I'm going to hope for the best, and keep NYU on the phone and my PCP at my beside.
Thanks for the wonderful input, it was great!
~Sunnytoday~

[risnerrose]

I don't like being in limbo either, and . . . no, I am not receiving any treatment.  

I've seen Vanderbilt mentioned a few times on the forum.   Would that be any closer?

I wish I had a neuro (that I had confidence in) nearby.  I read so many accounts of people going into the hospital for IV steroids, and would much prefer being closer to home if this need ever arises.  Do you see anyone local?

[Sunnytoday]

Hmmmm.... so that means, that you actually had a diagnosis, but this dr. wasn't willing to act on it? Have you received any treatment from him?

Not too happy about hearing that at all... I've worked hard toward a dx. not that i have one yet, but NYU is getting there, and we are NOT going back on it.

No, I haven't heard anything about UAB, frankly... I vaguely remember reading a bad review about it a long time ago, but Don't take my word on it... I can't remember why I think that, it's just a weird feeling i have. We are over 4 or 5 hours away, not exactly sure right now.

~Sunnytoday~

[risnerrose]

He is quite friendly and seems to listen.  I do find him rather conservative, but my symptoms are "atypical".  I was actually diagnosed by a local neuro (that I didn't care for), so my pcp recommended a specialist.  Dr. Rinker was not willing to "label" me with MS . . . a year has passed . . . and I am still undiagnosed.  I'm not sure how I feel about this.  

Have you been diagnosed?  What have you heard about UAB?  I've actually heard some very good things about the center, but I don't have much to compare it to.

By the way, I'm in NW Georgia . . . about two hours from UAB, what would your trip be like?

Sherry  

[Sunnytoday]

SWEET!!!!
First, do you like this doctor? Has he diagnosed you? And is he the type of doc. to work with another dr.'s diagnosis and plans?
~Sunnytoday~

[risnerrose]

I actually go to Dr. Rinker at the MS Center of UAB.  How can I be of assistance?

Sherry

[Sunnytoday]

nope, it's the UAB center at Birmingham, AL.
I hope this works out, and I can only go once or twice a year to NYU and have a local doctor work with him. The tickets are "bad face with tongue sticking out inserted here" high priced sometimes.
~Sunnytoday~

[sllowe]

Hi Sunny,

I agree w/Elaine.  Hopefully, you won't have to go back and forth so much once everything is finalized.  And, finding a center closer will be needed.  

Is Birmingham the one in Boston? I'm forgetting.  If so, Doublevision, who I've not seen much at all lately went there.

Stay sunny, and strong!
Shell

[monotreme]

Hi Sunny!!  I am sure you could keep Dr. Kister as a consulting doctor to monitor your progress once or twice a year.  Another thing...maybe you could have your first dose of meds at NYU and stay in the area for a few days to see how your body responds.  That's another way to look at it.

Elaine