12/17 appointment with Dr. Batzdorf

[laratterman]

I just got the phone call an hour ago... I'm off to see the wizard!   LOL!

I will be leaving on Wednesday, December 16th and heading out(from IN) to CA to see Dr. Batzdorf, the Chiari specialist, at UCLA Medical Center.  I know I will be there for a bit, but not sure exactly how long.  I will know more after the appointment and will update you.  What I do know for sure is that it will be at least through January as there will be tests ordered and, of course they will have to wait for the insurance approval.  (My pcp has already been denied.)

This means I won't be home for Christmas, but my sis and her family will take good care of me and there will be plenty of holiday cheer in CA!  I will try to get together with my family here this weekend, but worst case scenario, we'll get together when I get back.  The good thing is getting the appointment!  What's more, getting out of this cold may help me feel a bit better... And best of all NO SNOW!  YAY!!!

As always your prayers will be appreciated as I travel and meet with the doctor.

I will update as I know more.

[not_all_tonsils_are_in_your_throat]

I had sent a email to DR B which he was kind enough to answer right away.  My daughter is having a new cine mri tomorrow, I am going to send that report asap to see what he says.  Best of luck out there, and don't worry about the mamo till you talk to a dr.  mine ALWAYS come bck "iffy" for 20 years now.... mamos are just not the best tool, often show iffy stuff that is nothing.  I agree with you, your sister is wonderful for supporting you out there so far from home!

[laratterman]

I did see Dr. Batzdorf himself.  He was very attentive and though I was scheduled for a 90 minute appt., he spent over two hours with me.  

My first impression was very positive.  I felt that he was a very caring man... and funny to boot!  (Great thing for a doc, in my opinion, as this is very stressful.)

I will be getting some blood work and a CINE MRI in the near future and am waiting on his assistant to call me back with regard to these.  They were out of the office from the day after my appt. until yesterday, so they are pretty backlogged.  I am waiting on Lela, Dr. B's assistant to call me back after she talks to him.

I will post more as it happens, but for now, I am still in CA.  I am so blessed to have a sister that lives out here, not too far away, and am eternally grateful to her and her husband for their love and care.

In the meantime, I had a mammogram before I left Indiana and it came back with concerns, so I have to have that rechecked on Thursday.  I am so nervous and stressed.  If it comes back with anything definite, I don't know what I'm going to do yet.  I have just finally got this whole process rolling with Dr. B and I don't want anything more added to the stress...  just venting, but I would appreciate all the thoughts and prayers I can get with regard to it all!

I pray that your daughter is doing well and that you find the doctors that will do everything they need to bring peace and well being to her.

Blessings!
Lori

[not_all_tonsils_are_in_your_throat]

how did your office visit go?  still doing tests etc?  Did you see DR B himself or a colleague?  I am stronglt thinking of trying to get an appointment for my daughter there  in the next couple of months.  I am curious what your impressions are.  Thanks for any input.  I hope you can find relief!!!!  I know that seems like a lofty goal, but have faith, stay strong and things will work out for the best.

[selmaS]

I pray u have a safe journey to CA and can meet with ur family here b4 u go and that u have a wonderful holiday season in CA......lucky u.....warmer temps : )

Dr B has a good rep in the chiari circles....and I pray ur appointment goes well.

Good luck
"selma"