John Hopkins..good enough to travel to for opinion?

[ErinZoe23]

Hey yall. I just returned a lil bit ago from my trip to ohio for my cousins funeral. My mom started talking to someone in my family who was a neurologist and came to find out she works at John Hopkins. My mom told her whats been going on and she offered for me to come visit down in baltimore i believe it was.. for another opinion and  see whats going on......I was actaully highly mad my mom even asked/brought this up, i dont like when people talk about my disease when im not ready to tell/talk about it to certain people and definalty not at my cousins funeral day. He passed from marfans disease i belive its called... made it 16 extra yrs then any other doc thought  sweet sweet man i could go on and on about him great guy......I heard hopkins is a good place? but how good and is it worth it to go to baltimore for?

[patientx]

I think some of it depends on what you're looking for.  If you're looking to rule out Lyme vs. MS, you might to know that Hopkins will go pretty much by the book when it comes to Lyme (not that I'm saying that's necessarily bad).

If you're in doubt about having MS, or you just want a second opinion, Hopkins is probably a good place.  And Baltimore isn't that far of a drive from Pittsburgh.  They have a good reputation, but like anything, neurologists differ, and much of your experience there is going to depend on which neuro you see.

[sllowe]

My experience was a good one at Hopkins. It's pretty well run and like Ess says, they are tops in Neurology rankings. They held #1 spot too I thought, but hey, 2nd is just as fab!

I had to send all my paper to an advance team of sorts. Nurses sorted and decided who you would see based on reports they had in hand.

Good luck w/your decision ErinZoe!
-shell

[rendean]

I agree with Ess's opinion. Johns Hopkins does have a good reputation but it is a different experience for every one as each person has a different set of symptoms, etc.

I say, if insurance would cover it, I'd go for another opinion, especially if you doubt your current doctor. Don't forget all your previous testing , etc as Ess said.

Wishing you luck with your decision and your health.

Ren

[msbites]

YES it's worth the trip, check them out on the Web, there are places you can stay that located near the Hospital. They hve Free Shuttle service to/'from the Hospital, park at the hospital, you can purchase tickets in the hospital to lower the cost of parking. EXCELLENT, KNOWLEDGABLE STAFF. To learn more, call 410-735-HUSA (4872)

[essdipity]

I'm sorry about your cousin. Don't know a lot about Marfan's but I know it can be very serious.

Hopkins is very highly rated in neurology, 2nd in the US, I believe. Its MS clinic is very well thought of. That doesn't tell you anything about what your experience there would be. It's all so individual that I wouldn't want to promise anything. You would need a referral and all your test results from your previous doctor, also any MRI films or CDs you have. Usually you'd have to wait a few months for an appointment.

If you have a relative there who is a neurologist, though, she might well be able to speed things up and cut through red tape. In that case, why not take her up on her offer? You'd need to make sure your insurance would cover an assessment and evaluation, but if it does, you have nothing to lose but your time. I see you're in Pittsburgh--that's a 5 or 6 hour drive from Baltimore.

Good luck,
ess