Never thought I'd be back this soon...where to next?

[burbanchick]

So we got a call today from the PCP...results have been handed down...Blood work was all normal, however, like I stated previously, the MRI was not.  The Cervical spine is free and clear, but the report for the brain noted several lesions likely representing demylination and 1 lesion enhancing lesions on post images (short and sweet).

The PCP didn't come out right and say MS, but said "we're lucky that we caught this early."  He then referred us to a neuro.  He actually referred us to a specific group that we, in the MRI department, refer to as "physco-neuro group."  Needless to say we won't be taking PCP up on his recommendation.  I got the feeling that he knew my dislike for them since I couldn't stop the "Pfffffffth" from being audible.  It's a tick, I can't help myself!

I shot straight for the big guns...we're headed from the burbs to the big city (Chicago). to see a specialist.  Am I wrong to aim high right off the bat?  

We have to wait 2 months to see him...should we try for a local neuro in the mean time and fall back on the big city doc in a few months?  

I keep reading the importance of early treatment, will 2 months make the difference?
I also thought that it might be helpful for hubby to have a local doc to prevent multiple trips to the city...I'm already attached to my user id, don't want to have to change it to citychick!

Thanks again guys...

[burbanchick]

Sorry, I've been away for some time.  My big guns are Dr. Bruce Cohen at Northwestern and was also told about Dr. Anthony Reder at University of Chicago.  Hope that my comments are not to late!

We just got back from an appointment with a local Neuro and he was excellent as well!

[showdogs]

Ditto to the other comments here.  Good advice from good people.  I would add a little emphasis to what Sally said about it maybe being a different experience on the patient side.  I, too, have worked in a hospital, and am amazed at the patients who love the doctors I hated.  

I happen to be a citychick (The Windy City too), and am wondering what "big guns" you are planning to see.  My PCP referred me to a neuro that I'm seeing on Monday, and she said she really likes him.  Since I like and trust my PCP, I'm guessing I'll be fine with this neuro, but just in case, it never hurts to have another name in my pocket.

Hang in there and you and future hubby stick together on this.  

~Elaine

[6-paq]

The others gave you great advice, so I have nothing to add except to say that I agree with keeping the "big city" neuro appointment, but having a local neuro on your side as well.

I'm in a big city, but I go to a "small guy".  I'm able to get my tests/appointments scheduled quickly and he returns my calls in an expedited manner.  That's working well for me right now.

I don't know about the 2 months wait and the effect on what's happening with your hubby.  He has an active, enhancing lesion now.  I'm not sure as to whether a neuro would put him on steroids for that active lesion straight away.  In 2 months time, it would probably be "old".  Hopefully, someone else here with more knowledge can advise you on that.

How is your fiance taking the recent news from the PCP?  Is it starting to sink in a bit?

And, I had to laugh at your "tick".  I have the same one myself...   :)

Take care!  Pat :)

[oncetri]

I'm in agreement.  Shoot for the big guns, but hold a litle guy in your corner.

Sometimes questions arise, or small situations need to be checked.  Plus the little guy can order tests quicker than the big wigs, and if you get your films, and the test reports, you can take them with you the big city doc.  T.O. is dead on with the folder. I've started doing that recently, and wow, night and day responses.  Once I finally got some results and a doctor on my side that these symptoms are very real, I got taken more seriously when I had come in with complaints.  That file has backed me up.  I only had to do it once, and now I have a small team I see.  I'm going today to try to get them to work together.  My chiropractor/rehab specialist (the one who first said something was seriously not right) is contacting my neurologist.  And I'm trying to get the ob/gyn to contact him as well later today.

I was told by a top of the line former pediatric expert that a good doctor will not be threatened by a second opinion, only welcome a fresh perspective in a complicated case.  I've held that notion ever since, and if a doctor seemed to be afraid or defensive if I came with information from some of my other doctors, that had findings or wanted to know what was going on, then I found a different one.  I now feel like I"m in good hands, though still scared about the reaction with second opinions and people in the same practice. I  can understand the question of what to do, but go for it, get one in the big wig specialist community, and one in the local community.

Good luck.

[T.O.fire]

Keep calling the the city Dr's office and ask to be put on a cancelation list. I wish I had been refered to a "big gun" right off the bat. I feel that i have`waisted valuble time. In the mean time create a folder to keep all you notes, questions, test results in. Every Dr you see this folder comes with you, It's will become invaluble. Also a trick I learned when dealing with Drs for my wife, get real chummy woth the recepionist, it is quite surprising what they can do in regards to scheduling. In one week I was able to get my wife in to see the a liver specialist that was the head of liver transplants in the province, all because of the recepionist.

Good Luck, and heep your head up.

[Super_sally888]

Hi,
nothing wrong with going for the big guns, but then it would be helpful to have a local doctor on side.....

You could always check them out (as the patient might be different view) and see how they perform..... you could always sack them if they are incompetent / unacceptable...

Good luck there.

S