Frustrated after neuro visit . . . again!

[risnerrose]

It seems I only post after I've seen my neurologist, who always seems to frustrate me.  Sorry, Folks :(  Last year and again today, when I've shared new symptoms he has either not responded or claimed the symptoms are not caused by MS.  Last year he said my swallowing/choking issues and my muscle atrophy in my leg were not caused by MS.  

This summer I went to my family doctor thinking I had an ear infection.  My ear was fine, but the pains persisted for a week . . . even moving upward on my scalp.  The pain finally subsided and my ear canal began going numb.  This is still occuring periodically.  The neuro told today that this was not a symptom of MS.

Am I crazy or is he??????

[jensequitur]

I know it's terrible to have to look for a new doctor, but I suspect there are some treatment options that you're missing out on.  I switched from a teaching neurologist to one of his students, and was much happier.  Evidently he was a better teacher than a neuro!

[risnerrose]

Thank you all for validating my sanity :)  I find that once the neuro starts dismissing my symptoms, I clam up and it's all over.  I've hesitated to find a new doctor, because it will mean greater travel distance . . . and someone else will have to drive me :(

Thanks again,

Sherry

[Guitar_grrrl]

Ditto to the above comments.  New neuro time!

Just sayin'
Lisa

[jensequitur]

I have frequent pains inside my left ear, and scalp symptoms as well.  Time for a new neuro - this guy doesn't know MS, and there are ways of treating your symptoms that you're not getting, because he isn't doing his job.

[saucygrl]

At my neuro appt. at few weeks ago, she asked me if I was having problems swallowing or choking. She said that is absolutely a problem with MS patients.  I have to remind myself to really slow down and think about what I'm doing so I don't choke.  I agree with the others.  Find a new doctor if you're able.

Just a thought, I was having similar ear/head pain and it turned out to be a tooth.  It never hurt, but I had very similar symptoms to what you are describing.  The tooth and root were both decayed underneath a crown and once it was pulled, the ear and head pain went away.  They found it on just a regular cleaning appointment.

Best wishes!!  
Chris

[jenphilly]

I cast a second vote for another neuro if you are able to change...  If your doctor is not taking your symptoms and concerns seriously, make the change....  I've told the story before, my first neuro was a real weenie, but found a new neuro that I absolutely adore and she really sits down, listens and if its something she doesn't think is related, will run some bloodwork or point me in some direction to find out the source!!   It turns out I have a secondary issue of Sjogrens, so explains my weird eye involvement but not vision.  

I hope you can switch doctors...  if you can, make an appointment asap so you can get in within the next few months for a full workup!!

Good luck!

Jen

[doublevision1]

LEG atrophy.  

[doublevision1]

When he says those symptoms aren't caused by MS -and he may be right - does he offer his opinion re: what might be causing them?  If not, seems kind of lazy to me.  At my last neuro appt I mentioned my very mild swallowing problems, and was surprised that he absolutely thinks it's because of my MS.  I figured he'd have me see a GI specialist first to rule out other causes.  Anyway, I got a very speedy referral to a speech pathologist, referred by my GP at the request of my neuro, and I see her this Thurs for an assessment.  My understanding is that perhaps she will give me some tips to manage with it, as opposed to fixing the underlying problem which I figure isn't possible.  Unless there's something in her assessment that might reveal I should get a GI referral.  No idea really but I can let you know how it turns out.  

With your frustrations with your neuro, are you in a position to see a different one? In the meantime, can your GP refer you to speech pathology to get their opinion?  And to PT for the keg atrophy, and ENT for the ear pain?