"When Should I go to the ER?"

[Momzilla]

Hi, Forum Family!

We've addressed this question before, and I think it may be time to revisit it.  It comes to mind because of Melissa's situation with her fall and not being able to get in to see her neuro.  I think a trip to the ER is not out of line for her if she cannot get in to see her internist.  And I'll tell you why.  Just try to stop me.

----Disclaimer:  I am going to be addressing those who have NO diagnosis YET.  I think Dr. Q should speak for those who are diagnosed with MS.-------

First of all -- If you FALL -- CALL.  Call your neuro if you have fallen due to leg weakness.  This is serious and needs to be evaluated. People don't just go around falling due to leg weakness.  This is big.  Let your neuro know that you have fallen because your leg is weak or it couldn't support you.

IF your doc has no time for you, that's OK.  It happens.  See if your internist can see you. Either way, you must be seen.  If your internist doesn't give you the time of day, don't go to your ObGyn.  Not the next best choice.

Go to the ER.  Go directly to the ER, do not pass GO, do not collect $200.  GO.  Here's why:

First of all, you really and truly need to be examined by a doctor.  (Tell them that you are under the care of a neuro and that you've fallen and that your neuro can't fit you in.) They will give you a neuro exam.  Your reflexes will be tested.  Hopefully, they will test other things, too.  They will check your strength.  They will care for you, as you need to be cared for.

Secondly, they will DOCUMENT what their findings are.  This may help in getting your diagnosis if you indeed have MS.  They most likely will not give you an MRI in the ER.  But there will be a record in black and white for all to see that you had a documented episode of weakness that was observed by a medical professional.

Don't think that's much?  It really is.  I am certain it's what got me SoluMedrol and an admission to the hospital last time I had an acute attack (of complex migraines!). The hospital I went to looked at my prior records and, without consulting my neuro drew up a dose of steroids.  They didn't buy the migraine theory even at the time of my discharge.

Now, there are times when the ER is over used.  I get this.  I am not suggesting that anyone run to the ER any time they get a tingle or sharp pain in the eye.  But it serves a purpose when it's needed.  If you are having an acute attack-- GO.  New symptom of weakness and doc can't see you? GO.  It certainly helped me on many occasions.  I've been there with leg weakness three times after hours, I think.  Once was when I was "between neuros."  Documentation is extremely important when trying to get a diagnosis for a disease whose diagnostic criteria is so stringent.

I hope others will join in and add their two cents.  

Feel well,

Zilla*

[Momzilla]

I'm sorry someone made you feel like you were there for anxiety.  We have to come up with a good line for medical professionals who say things like that to us.  Something like, "I'm sure you'd feel anxious, too, if the room were spinning."

Or, rather, hopefully we can get to a point where it just won't bother us in the least when someone says something so thoughtless.

A good point you bring up, is to be sure to go to the hospital that your doc is affiliated with, so she or he WILL get the reports.  If not, always know that you, as the patient has the right to get copies of all the reports from your visit.  They should be easy enough to get with a signed "Authorization to Release Medical Information" form, or something like it in the US, at least.

Thanks, Andie!

Zilla*

[Wobbly]

well. I went to the ER a few times over the past year.... mostly it was my Vertigo?? spells...when I couldn't get up or move my head... the room was moving back and forth.

I had short breathing and chest fullness...so I called 911... this happened when I worked in 2006 a few times...at a  restaurant...at home when I was by myself.

I got nervous about my breathing and the spells just seemed to last forever...10 - 15 mns??  But I went to ER... the put me on machines for my heart...I was fine with that.

took xray of my chest...said I have asthma...but they found out I don't...but I do have Reactive airway disease..?

the nurse came up to me and said, you have been here a couple of times for these dizzy spells...maybe you should get a puppy or something...for you anxiety.... I was not impressed...

I haven't gone back to the ER since...but my Dr stated that he gets all the reports when I went there and it's on the file...which is a Very Good thing...sooo...

I agree...if you need to get something tested and reported...go..

take care
andie