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Tell us about your GOOD neurologists!
We often ragg on our neurologists or on the field in general. We may give the impression that good, smart and capable ones are impossible to find. I do not believe this is true. If it were true it would not make sense to tell people to go looking for a good one. There are people who have taken 8 or more before they found one that seemed to look carefully and listen intently, but others have found a great doc in 2 or 3 tries.
I would like to hear stories about finding that great neuro. About finding one you trust to keep all the facts and evidence in mind while they search for an answer. So many of you have a doc you respect and trust. It is important for people in limbo, or who have been badly treated by a neuro, to know that there are lots of good ones out there and the search is worthwhile.
Please, if you feel confident in your neurologist, tell us a little about him/her and tell us how many it took for you to find a good one. How did you find the good one?
Please, no discussion about bad ones.
Quix
I would like to hear stories about finding that great neuro. About finding one you trust to keep all the facts and evidence in mind while they search for an answer. So many of you have a doc you respect and trust. It is important for people in limbo, or who have been badly treated by a neuro, to know that there are lots of good ones out there and the search is worthwhile.
Please, if you feel confident in your neurologist, tell us a little about him/her and tell us how many it took for you to find a good one. How did you find the good one?
Please, no discussion about bad ones.
Quix
I am as many know not easily impressed, so my good neruo has to pass the final test before he is qualified to enter the thread, his notes. I'm sending off for them and if I find he has written or done anything contrary behind my back he's sacked, but to date has shown an excellent lever of thoroughness. Even after my first session with him where I yelled at him so much he ran out of the room and grabbed the nearest elderly confused agency male nurse to protect him, promptly thrown out again by me (nurse has probably gone home to his own country now realising we're all nuts here) - somehow he managed to salvage a consultation from that and after an hour and a half has been on top of my case so much it is damaging my neuro sterotyping as t o s s e r s reflex response. Damaging my reflexes eh...is that good?
He is the only consultant I have ever met who corresponds with me personally by email, his direct mail, not through his secretary. But I need him to pull his trousers down and exposse his real manhood first, I'm not an easy pull. The notes show consistancy with his approach, he has the stamp of approval from me. Otherwise I have martial arts training with the use of a stick, and can use it when needed.....
British humour for those who take this seriously :)
Oh to be less cynical.
wish
He is the only consultant I have ever met who corresponds with me personally by email, his direct mail, not through his secretary. But I need him to pull his trousers down and exposse his real manhood first, I'm not an easy pull. The notes show consistancy with his approach, he has the stamp of approval from me. Otherwise I have martial arts training with the use of a stick, and can use it when needed.....
British humour for those who take this seriously :)
Oh to be less cynical.
wish
I had this good neurologist for 2 DAYS ONLY! I hope this counts as a "Good Neurologist Story" even though it was for such a brief period of time.
While I was in the hospital last May my mean neurologist happen to be off that first weekend so I got his colleague, a lady neuro, who is also the chief of neurology at this hospital The first day, she came in and introduced herself and went about the exam in a rather matter-of-fact and focused way. When she was about to leave she said she was going to order a head MRI. I told her that I had a head CT and they didn't find anything, but she said that she wanted to do the MRI to be sure she wasn't missing anything. The first thing the next morning I had the MRI. After I was brought back to the room the nurse in to tell me that they were going to discharge me. I was scared, couldn't stand up well enough to get around and still didn't know what was wrong, but if the nurse says your going home, then you're probably going home, right? So, I had my daughter get my things packed and my clothes ready cause I guess I'm going home. The internist came in and said I can go home if I want (what does that mean if I want) then the Case Worker came in and helped plan my home PT. Ten minutes after the case worker left, she came back and said "your neurologist is on her way in and she's not a happy lady right now." When I asked what happened she said that they, her and the internist, got quite a scolding from this lady neuro who said "she" would be the one to decide if I was well enough to go home, not them. The lady neuro came back in looking calmer than they led me to believe and did another exam and asked me to walk to the bathroom and back, which I did. Then she told me about the MRI results saying that there were some small lesions found and that she wanted to do more tests on the spinal fluid that was still in the lab to check for something. She also said that she wanted to treat me empirically for MS with solu-medorl for the next several days. Oh, and one more important thing...She pleaded with me not to go home and to give some serious consideration of acute rehab unit. She looked over at my daughter who is maybe 105 pounds soaking wet and said "Sarah, do you think you would be able to help get your mom up if she were to fall?" My daughter said "I don't have any secret muscles under these clothes" and the doctor said "what you mean you don't have a secret button you push and the muscles pop out!!" We all laughed and this was coming from someone who I wasn't so sure about the day before. Long story for such a brief experience, but it was a good one for sure. This lady wasn't lazy or looking for an easy weekend while just filling in. Nope, she was trying to be proactive for me and what she did for me that short weekend was more focused on what is more possibly a diagnosis that the path her colleague is going down right now. I appreciated and still appreciate what she did for me.
Julie
While I was in the hospital last May my mean neurologist happen to be off that first weekend so I got his colleague, a lady neuro, who is also the chief of neurology at this hospital The first day, she came in and introduced herself and went about the exam in a rather matter-of-fact and focused way. When she was about to leave she said she was going to order a head MRI. I told her that I had a head CT and they didn't find anything, but she said that she wanted to do the MRI to be sure she wasn't missing anything. The first thing the next morning I had the MRI. After I was brought back to the room the nurse in to tell me that they were going to discharge me. I was scared, couldn't stand up well enough to get around and still didn't know what was wrong, but if the nurse says your going home, then you're probably going home, right? So, I had my daughter get my things packed and my clothes ready cause I guess I'm going home. The internist came in and said I can go home if I want (what does that mean if I want) then the Case Worker came in and helped plan my home PT. Ten minutes after the case worker left, she came back and said "your neurologist is on her way in and she's not a happy lady right now." When I asked what happened she said that they, her and the internist, got quite a scolding from this lady neuro who said "she" would be the one to decide if I was well enough to go home, not them. The lady neuro came back in looking calmer than they led me to believe and did another exam and asked me to walk to the bathroom and back, which I did. Then she told me about the MRI results saying that there were some small lesions found and that she wanted to do more tests on the spinal fluid that was still in the lab to check for something. She also said that she wanted to treat me empirically for MS with solu-medorl for the next several days. Oh, and one more important thing...She pleaded with me not to go home and to give some serious consideration of acute rehab unit. She looked over at my daughter who is maybe 105 pounds soaking wet and said "Sarah, do you think you would be able to help get your mom up if she were to fall?" My daughter said "I don't have any secret muscles under these clothes" and the doctor said "what you mean you don't have a secret button you push and the muscles pop out!!" We all laughed and this was coming from someone who I wasn't so sure about the day before. Long story for such a brief experience, but it was a good one for sure. This lady wasn't lazy or looking for an easy weekend while just filling in. Nope, she was trying to be proactive for me and what she did for me that short weekend was more focused on what is more possibly a diagnosis that the path her colleague is going down right now. I appreciated and still appreciate what she did for me.
Julie
My current general neurologist has been thoughtful, dilligent and tireless from day one. As someone who accidently bumped into my current diagnosis of CIS and probable MS, it has been a scary road for the last year. My lesions were discovered accidently on a CT scan I had after an accident. My PCP referred me to my current general neurologist immediately and from day one he suspected MS. Test after test, appointment after appointment, and question after question he never gave up or got frustrated. He referred me to an MS sepcialist after my LP was negative. The specialist was dismissive and rude, and my general Neurologist still didn't give up. He has pressed on with the MS diagnosis, following my case with monthly appointments and bloodwork, quarterly MRI scans, and LP and all the referrals you can image. I developed optic neuritis at the beginning of August and he was quick to recognize it and send me to an opthomologist, follwed by an orbital mri. He may not have diagnosed the MS yet, but he makes me feel secure in his hands.I have another referrel to a different MS specialist in a month, all at his urging.
Don't give up. There are good doctors out there. :)
-Amy
Don't give up. There are good doctors out there. :)
-Amy
To Everyone:
Please tell us about your good neurologist: What qualities make him or her good? What did it take to find him/her?
Let's keep this list growing. The docs are out there. Many of us have found them, so lets let others know!
Quix
Please tell us about your good neurologist: What qualities make him or her good? What did it take to find him/her?
Let's keep this list growing. The docs are out there. Many of us have found them, so lets let others know!
Quix
Laura made a huge observation in her post. A great neurologist is one who looks at you and listens to you, examines you with skill and care. And then, thinks. All of the evidence is considered, knowing that some pieces may not fit the pattern perfectly.
We are not after a specific diagnosis, at least we shouldn't be. We are after someone who will be a true physician and lead the search for what may be wrong. Sometimes the diagnosis surprises us. Other times it merely confirms what we know in our hearts.
We're still looking for your good stories!
Quix
We are not after a specific diagnosis, at least we shouldn't be. We are after someone who will be a true physician and lead the search for what may be wrong. Sometimes the diagnosis surprises us. Other times it merely confirms what we know in our hearts.
We're still looking for your good stories!
Quix
Thanks Quix for this thread and for all of you that have shared your good neuro experiences!!
I think I have found mine now too. I had been to 4 others before researching and taking a referral from another member on this forum and one on another forum I belong to. I had to travel 2 1/2 hours to see him and I could tell at first he felt a little pressure when I told him that but I could also see such a difference in the way he handled my symptoms and timeline. He sat with me and reviewed every single line adding to it before he examined me. His exam was thorough and very comprehensive. He then gave me his opinion and answered all my other questions before going over what we should do next.
When I called with the headache after the LP he called me back within 5 minutes and sounded very compassionate. I am going back for my follow up in 2 weeks to review the tests but regardless of what he says Ifeel confident that he is capable of leading me to (hopefully) the end of limboland.
Hang in there everyone who is still searching, you will know - just like Sunnytoday did at NYU, when you have found a keeper.
Love you all!!
Kristin
I think I have found mine now too. I had been to 4 others before researching and taking a referral from another member on this forum and one on another forum I belong to. I had to travel 2 1/2 hours to see him and I could tell at first he felt a little pressure when I told him that but I could also see such a difference in the way he handled my symptoms and timeline. He sat with me and reviewed every single line adding to it before he examined me. His exam was thorough and very comprehensive. He then gave me his opinion and answered all my other questions before going over what we should do next.
When I called with the headache after the LP he called me back within 5 minutes and sounded very compassionate. I am going back for my follow up in 2 weeks to review the tests but regardless of what he says Ifeel confident that he is capable of leading me to (hopefully) the end of limboland.
Hang in there everyone who is still searching, you will know - just like Sunnytoday did at NYU, when you have found a keeper.
Love you all!!
Kristin
You found 11 good testimonials about neuros - you mean you think there are more than that out there in this big wide world? LOL
It is heartening to read these words written by people in need of compassionate, capable care. I'm glad some of us have found it - the rest of you should keep searching until you find the right fit.
If you notice, a big key to this patient satisfaction doesn't seem to hinge on the neuro saying what we want to hear, but rather the neuro listening to their patient.
My best,
Laura
It is heartening to read these words written by people in need of compassionate, capable care. I'm glad some of us have found it - the rest of you should keep searching until you find the right fit.
If you notice, a big key to this patient satisfaction doesn't seem to hinge on the neuro saying what we want to hear, but rather the neuro listening to their patient.
My best,
Laura
After seeing the neurologist that I have now, I had completely given up hope. Before I was diagnosed, I probably saw about four rheumatologist and one dodo head neurologist (well two if you count the migraine specialist).
My neurologist took me seriously from the get-go. He spent probably a couple of hours the first time I saw him and ordered tons of tests to rule out mimics of MS. I was a complicated case, because I had been misdiagnosed with other problems and have other autoimmune diseases that muddied the water. However, he welcomes challenges and I think he thrives on them. He loves people--it's obvious.
Not only is a brilliant doctor, but has a wonderful sense of humor. When I first came to him, I had all but lost hope that anyone would take me seriously and figure out what was wrong. I'd also had absolutely no trust in doctors, either. Now, I actually enjoy seeing him, because he says something or does something that cracks me up.
He is one of the biggest advocates that I can think of, when it comes to his patient's health. He fought the insurance company for my sister when it came to getting her Tysabri infusions approved. He was obviously angry when I told him about how someone told me that I may be having psychiatric problems when I went to the ER for help (before my diagnosis)--he banged his desk with his fist. He may be a little unconventional because of his passion, but he truly cares about his patients. He's a God-send--an answer to prayer.
Deb
My neurologist took me seriously from the get-go. He spent probably a couple of hours the first time I saw him and ordered tons of tests to rule out mimics of MS. I was a complicated case, because I had been misdiagnosed with other problems and have other autoimmune diseases that muddied the water. However, he welcomes challenges and I think he thrives on them. He loves people--it's obvious.
Not only is a brilliant doctor, but has a wonderful sense of humor. When I first came to him, I had all but lost hope that anyone would take me seriously and figure out what was wrong. I'd also had absolutely no trust in doctors, either. Now, I actually enjoy seeing him, because he says something or does something that cracks me up.
He is one of the biggest advocates that I can think of, when it comes to his patient's health. He fought the insurance company for my sister when it came to getting her Tysabri infusions approved. He was obviously angry when I told him about how someone told me that I may be having psychiatric problems when I went to the ER for help (before my diagnosis)--he banged his desk with his fist. He may be a little unconventional because of his passion, but he truly cares about his patients. He's a God-send--an answer to prayer.
Deb
Please everyone with a good neurologist, Please add your story. It can be short. Just tell us what yur like about this doctor, how you found him/her and how many tries.
We need this info! this is a thread of hope and reassurance for those people we tell to move on and find a capable doctor!!
You lurkers, if you can please add to this!
Quix
We need this info! this is a thread of hope and reassurance for those people we tell to move on and find a capable doctor!!
You lurkers, if you can please add to this!
Quix
So gladd this is a topic today!
I only wiish everyone was a fortunate as I.
Of eight year going on now and seeing regament of doctors ans specialists below. ONly three i did not like... the rest, even not all neurologists have been SOhelping .
Optomotrist ...poohead!
PCP :)
Opthamologist :)
Neuro-opthamologist :)
MS Neuro :))))))
Neurosurgeon :)
another MS neruo ....double poophead!!
Rheumatologist :)
Neeeuro-otolyronoggist :- (the virdict still out)
CArdiologist (4...in same clinic) :)
Electrophysist :)
Urologist :)
Neuromuscular neuro.... gazillion poop head!!
ENT :)
Psychiatrist :)
Movement Disorder Specialists (2 in same clinic) :))
and some p.t. :)
My MS neuro and MOevment Disiorder Specialists have been so wonderful never stopping tring to get me dx'd correctly. They have the ability to think out the box and listen and hear me even when evidence is not always in front of them.
MS neuro always said how i present was more than "just' MS and he and movement specialistwouldn't rest til we now now i have MS and progressive Cerebellar ATaxia (most likely SCA)
He takes my e-mails, fits me in next day clinic if i have to be seen emergent type appt. has called me sundays, or on his way to sons baseball (drving through fast food placing the order), and discussed me at a 'neuros' cocktail party... IMAGINE what kickkks that party would be!!! LOL HA
I am proof a person can have more than one disease, and with good doctors, answers can be found (might take time!) When they loook at you, admit 'I don't know, and sometimes we just never do', it isn''t for lack of wanting to know or trying.
So , yes there are good and GREAT docotor and neuroologists. amo
I only wiish everyone was a fortunate as I.
Of eight year going on now and seeing regament of doctors ans specialists below. ONly three i did not like... the rest, even not all neurologists have been SOhelping .
Optomotrist ...poohead!
PCP :)
Opthamologist :)
Neuro-opthamologist :)
MS Neuro :))))))
Neurosurgeon :)
another MS neruo ....double poophead!!
Rheumatologist :)
Neeeuro-otolyronoggist :- (the virdict still out)
CArdiologist (4...in same clinic) :)
Electrophysist :)
Urologist :)
Neuromuscular neuro.... gazillion poop head!!
ENT :)
Psychiatrist :)
Movement Disorder Specialists (2 in same clinic) :))
and some p.t. :)
My MS neuro and MOevment Disiorder Specialists have been so wonderful never stopping tring to get me dx'd correctly. They have the ability to think out the box and listen and hear me even when evidence is not always in front of them.
MS neuro always said how i present was more than "just' MS and he and movement specialistwouldn't rest til we now now i have MS and progressive Cerebellar ATaxia (most likely SCA)
He takes my e-mails, fits me in next day clinic if i have to be seen emergent type appt. has called me sundays, or on his way to sons baseball (drving through fast food placing the order), and discussed me at a 'neuros' cocktail party... IMAGINE what kickkks that party would be!!! LOL HA
I am proof a person can have more than one disease, and with good doctors, answers can be found (might take time!) When they loook at you, admit 'I don't know, and sometimes we just never do', it isn''t for lack of wanting to know or trying.
So , yes there are good and GREAT docotor and neuroologists. amo
When my PCP thought MS was a possibility she sent me to a local neuro who is an MS specialist. (I referred to him Super-Hero Neuro on this forum.) He ruled out MS, did help with some of my difficulties, but when he no longer was helpful he referred me to a rheumy, who in turn referred me to the immunologist at the Cleveland Clinic who eventually put the puzzle together and started treatment that gave me my life back.
Had it not been for the neurologist's ability to say, "I don't know what this is," an ability to be humble, I would not be feeling WONDERFUL now. He knew something was wrong but it was out of his area of understanding so sent me in the right direction. For that I will always be grateful to him.
There are good doctors out there. Have faith.
Wanna :o)
Had it not been for the neurologist's ability to say, "I don't know what this is," an ability to be humble, I would not be feeling WONDERFUL now. He knew something was wrong but it was out of his area of understanding so sent me in the right direction. For that I will always be grateful to him.
There are good doctors out there. Have faith.
Wanna :o)
I feel so blessed because i hit the jackpot on the first try! I suffer from AS, and after having all sorts of weird symptoms witnessed by my mom (G'd bless her!) she looked at me and said "I have the feeling that might be MS" Thank G'd for the amazing "minding everyone elses' business Yiddishe Mame!" so i went to my favorite hospital's website and "window shopped" for Neuros. I came across the one that had written an article about MS a few weeks before. So i made an appointment. I was some hot mess when i came into his office for the first time, with no control of my right side, tremors and lack of sensation. He looked and me and said "honey, why did you wait so long before seeing a neuro??" so he ordered the MRIs and blood tests and all the wonderful tests that come with MS. After i got the results, he looked at them, sighed and said, "i'm sorry, honey, but you have Multiple Sclerosis" and he explained everything that could happen, what to expect, etc. He gave me his cell number and emphasized he was on call 24/7 in case of an attack. Ever since, we have developed a great relationship, he laughs at my stupid sense of humor, does not judge for my tattoos and piercings (like most Drs) and basically, he's just there for me. He also is constantly keeping an eye on my AS.He takes all the time in the world asking and LISTENING. And, as i'm answering or telling him about this or that symptom, he is adding all that feedback to both the Hospital's computer and his own personal one. He's kind and nice, he's funny and compassionate. He's awesome. I feel very blessed for having a great neuro that's 100% on team Farrah.
He might not be as good looking as Dr House, but at least i know i can trust him!
He might not be as good looking as Dr House, but at least i know i can trust him!
I've only seen a neurologist once, but I feel like I really struck gold with him. My appt. was an hour and a half. We went over every single symptom, family history and he was straightforward and honest with me on the possible diagnoses...whether viral, stress or something serious like MS or Lupus.
He struck me as intelligent and was serious at times but at the same time he was funny and I love a doc with a sense of humor! He has a deadpan kind of humor that immediately put me at ease. While he was zapping me with electrodes on my leg I asked "are we done yet?" and he sang "we've only just begun..." then he said "oh we've got hundreds more nerves to check, we'll be here all day if that's ok?" When he said "time for the big needle" I almost passed out but of course he was joking.
He also told me we would "figure this out" and he'd see me again in 3 months no matter what. I feel like I'm in good hands.
I think I'll be staying with this neuro for sure.
He struck me as intelligent and was serious at times but at the same time he was funny and I love a doc with a sense of humor! He has a deadpan kind of humor that immediately put me at ease. While he was zapping me with electrodes on my leg I asked "are we done yet?" and he sang "we've only just begun..." then he said "oh we've got hundreds more nerves to check, we'll be here all day if that's ok?" When he said "time for the big needle" I almost passed out but of course he was joking.
He also told me we would "figure this out" and he'd see me again in 3 months no matter what. I feel like I'm in good hands.
I think I'll be staying with this neuro for sure.
So far, so good is what I could say about my new neuro. Even though she is not a MS specialist, she knows more than your average neuro. From what she said ,she worked closely with an MS specialist in New York when she was a resident.
She listening to all my complaints and to my husband's comments about what he has seen, which is more than any neuro has done so far. I'm hoping and praying that she will be the one to DX me. I think she will be the one that will be able to put the puzzle pieces together and I'll be able to move out of limboland for good.
She is not leaving any stone unturned and she is not taking MS off the table because of negative test results. I am looking forward to seeing her in October when she will see that my c-spine came up positive for a lesion and I am hoping that she will be able to DX me then, based on my brain MRI and c-spine MRI.
She listening to all my complaints and to my husband's comments about what he has seen, which is more than any neuro has done so far. I'm hoping and praying that she will be the one to DX me. I think she will be the one that will be able to put the puzzle pieces together and I'll be able to move out of limboland for good.
She is not leaving any stone unturned and she is not taking MS off the table because of negative test results. I am looking forward to seeing her in October when she will see that my c-spine came up positive for a lesion and I am hoping that she will be able to DX me then, based on my brain MRI and c-spine MRI.
Oh, meant, Thank you Quix! I read that and thought Heather posted it!
Lol, must have our Earth Mother on my brain this a.m.....
-Shell
Lol, must have our Earth Mother on my brain this a.m.....
-Shell
My experience w/my Neuro who I feel is very good.
When I went to my Neuro for the 1st time, described what was going on with me, told him that I went to the MD, etc. and she ordered a brain MRI but thought it was stress. He looked at me, and said "this is not stress." I was relieved and felt in good hands.
He mentioned MS and was confident. He knew my symptoms correlated with a lesion in my spine. When the report verified, I was confident that he knew what he was doing. However, he did not offer any help, ran more tests. This was frustrating, as I was not well. Progress was at a standstill and slow.. I was aggrevated with him. I was upset, confused, and worried. I thought I'd have to move on that he absolutely did not know what he was talking about.
BUT then my LP came back positive, his confidence showed more. He was definite about his course of action for me, and meds. I still felt for quite a long time afterward that I had to re-intro myself time and time again, visit after visit I felt this way. I felt, why doesn't he know me after all this time, and 3 month visits. My frustration came back a bit.
After well over a years time now, I finally think he knows me. I think I know him, his ways, his style, and hopefully he continues to see mine. I do wish he would be more technical w/me, but he's beginning to be. I wish he would give me a more thorough exam too, but maybe he will. I've decided to stick it out and trust him, but give him a little more of me, so he doesn't forget. Durnnit...ha/ha
I wouldn't know how to find a good one on my own. I was referred to him from a friend. I didn't know critical it was to get a good one with lots of experience with MS.
I got lucky folks and I don't even know why. My Neuro was confident enough to make the dx. He respected and trusted my history and knew what he was looking at. He asked me to get a 2nd opinion, which again speaks to his character.
I'd like to be a part of an MS Center team of Docs at some point in time. But for now, I'm just happy enough to introduce you to my Neuro, who like us is not perfect, but at least knows what he is dealing with, and willing to treat the disease.
Everyone is deserving of this. Thanks Heather for bringing this important topic up.
(((Hugs)))
Shell
When I went to my Neuro for the 1st time, described what was going on with me, told him that I went to the MD, etc. and she ordered a brain MRI but thought it was stress. He looked at me, and said "this is not stress." I was relieved and felt in good hands.
He mentioned MS and was confident. He knew my symptoms correlated with a lesion in my spine. When the report verified, I was confident that he knew what he was doing. However, he did not offer any help, ran more tests. This was frustrating, as I was not well. Progress was at a standstill and slow.. I was aggrevated with him. I was upset, confused, and worried. I thought I'd have to move on that he absolutely did not know what he was talking about.
BUT then my LP came back positive, his confidence showed more. He was definite about his course of action for me, and meds. I still felt for quite a long time afterward that I had to re-intro myself time and time again, visit after visit I felt this way. I felt, why doesn't he know me after all this time, and 3 month visits. My frustration came back a bit.
After well over a years time now, I finally think he knows me. I think I know him, his ways, his style, and hopefully he continues to see mine. I do wish he would be more technical w/me, but he's beginning to be. I wish he would give me a more thorough exam too, but maybe he will. I've decided to stick it out and trust him, but give him a little more of me, so he doesn't forget. Durnnit...ha/ha
I wouldn't know how to find a good one on my own. I was referred to him from a friend. I didn't know critical it was to get a good one with lots of experience with MS.
I got lucky folks and I don't even know why. My Neuro was confident enough to make the dx. He respected and trusted my history and knew what he was looking at. He asked me to get a 2nd opinion, which again speaks to his character.
I'd like to be a part of an MS Center team of Docs at some point in time. But for now, I'm just happy enough to introduce you to my Neuro, who like us is not perfect, but at least knows what he is dealing with, and willing to treat the disease.
Everyone is deserving of this. Thanks Heather for bringing this important topic up.
(((Hugs)))
Shell
I've heard the expression, that "three times your out," but in my case, number three was a charm. After two attempts at Neuro's, my third Neuro turned out to be one of the most compassionate and caring woman that I have ever met.
She explains everything fully, never has me sit on the examining table, but pulls up her chair side by side with mine, facing me, holding my hand, patting my leg, reassuring me and talking to me as a human being, instead of a patient. It's absolutely wonderful and very comforting to find someone so caring. If she has me walking on my heels across the room or closing my eyes, while I bend my head back, she is right there beside and behind me, reassuring me that she is right there, if I feel dizzy or feel like I am going to fall.
These kinds of compassionate doctor's ARE out there Quix. Even her nurse calls me between visits to say that Dr. A wanted her to call to see how I am doing. She called every week, when I first started Copaxone, to encourage me in my treatment and see if I had any questions. How great is that?
I kept searching and alas I have found someone I would trust to have beside me, through thick and thin.
Heather
She explains everything fully, never has me sit on the examining table, but pulls up her chair side by side with mine, facing me, holding my hand, patting my leg, reassuring me and talking to me as a human being, instead of a patient. It's absolutely wonderful and very comforting to find someone so caring. If she has me walking on my heels across the room or closing my eyes, while I bend my head back, she is right there beside and behind me, reassuring me that she is right there, if I feel dizzy or feel like I am going to fall.
These kinds of compassionate doctor's ARE out there Quix. Even her nurse calls me between visits to say that Dr. A wanted her to call to see how I am doing. She called every week, when I first started Copaxone, to encourage me in my treatment and see if I had any questions. How great is that?
I kept searching and alas I have found someone I would trust to have beside me, through thick and thin.
Heather
I just posted a great review about my neuro as part of my LP followup post. Like you, I believe there are good doctors out there but it is human nature to focus on the bad.
I was referred to the MS Clinic at OSU and opted for a quick appointment with the new doc in the practice rather than wait two months or more for the doctor my PCP wanted me to see. According to their website they follow over 4,000 patients.
Our first appointment was 90 minutes - and I walked out shaking my head and voiced my frustrations here. "looks like MS, walks like MS, but it still isn't MS until..." was the gist of my post. However, I also said then that I would keep an open mind and see how my next appointment would go.
Today I have to eat crow and tell you I am very impressed and now understand the rationale of what he suggested completely. While we talked he pulled up his stool, looked me straight in the eye and paid close attention to all that I had to say. I was able to ask my questions, he encouraged me to continue asking them, and gave his blessing to burning up the fax machine with my lengthy notes. Today he showed me that he really does understand the frustration being in limbo will cause, and how hard it is to walk through this diagnosis.
I did point out that if we find it is not MS he will have to kick me out as a patient, since they exclusively work with MS patients through this clinic. He thought that was a harsh choice of words and he assured me if that times comes he won't just kick me to the curb and will help me find a suitable replacement for him. I think that will be a hard role to fill after I had the chance to interact with him today.
They only take doctor referred patients at the clinic, but if you want more information including his name and number, please send me a private message.
My best,
Laura
I was referred to the MS Clinic at OSU and opted for a quick appointment with the new doc in the practice rather than wait two months or more for the doctor my PCP wanted me to see. According to their website they follow over 4,000 patients.
Our first appointment was 90 minutes - and I walked out shaking my head and voiced my frustrations here. "looks like MS, walks like MS, but it still isn't MS until..." was the gist of my post. However, I also said then that I would keep an open mind and see how my next appointment would go.
Today I have to eat crow and tell you I am very impressed and now understand the rationale of what he suggested completely. While we talked he pulled up his stool, looked me straight in the eye and paid close attention to all that I had to say. I was able to ask my questions, he encouraged me to continue asking them, and gave his blessing to burning up the fax machine with my lengthy notes. Today he showed me that he really does understand the frustration being in limbo will cause, and how hard it is to walk through this diagnosis.
I did point out that if we find it is not MS he will have to kick me out as a patient, since they exclusively work with MS patients through this clinic. He thought that was a harsh choice of words and he assured me if that times comes he won't just kick me to the curb and will help me find a suitable replacement for him. I think that will be a hard role to fill after I had the chance to interact with him today.
They only take doctor referred patients at the clinic, but if you want more information including his name and number, please send me a private message.
My best,
Laura
I too went to the MS Society website and found an MS clinic in The Colorado University Hospital. I think that it helped that I came prepaired with past lab tests, MRIs and records. MS was suspected in 2000 when I went to the Mayo Clinic due to a brain tumor. The symptoms I was experiencing didn't match the brain tumor I had. I tried to ignore my MS symptoms for 7 years, but a bout of ON lit a match under me and I had my "official" MS diagnosis within 3 months. I have a great caring agressive neuro who cares and asked my husband and I lots of questions and listened to our answers. Thanks for all the work you do Quix and I believe these stories of good neuros is really positive and will offer a lot of hope.
I'll start.
After realizing that my first neuro was a dud, I first looked at the MS Society website to see who else was listed. I didn't realize that there was not a selection process. I found a doc at another medical center who was assistant director of a large MS Clinc. I called and found out they follow about 800 MS patients. He accepted my insurance and I got an appointment within 6 weeks. He also (at that time) would see people without a diagnosis - many don't.
He is very smart. My first appointment lasted a good 2 hours. He seemed rushed all the time, but really did listen to me. His manner is cold and I feel no compassion at all from him, but I have confidence that he will treat my disease well and very competently.
Quix
After realizing that my first neuro was a dud, I first looked at the MS Society website to see who else was listed. I didn't realize that there was not a selection process. I found a doc at another medical center who was assistant director of a large MS Clinc. I called and found out they follow about 800 MS patients. He accepted my insurance and I got an appointment within 6 weeks. He also (at that time) would see people without a diagnosis - many don't.
He is very smart. My first appointment lasted a good 2 hours. He seemed rushed all the time, but really did listen to me. His manner is cold and I feel no compassion at all from him, but I have confidence that he will treat my disease well and very competently.
Quix
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