Neurologist

[raekay35]

Well, today is a decent day, emotionally speaking...I was just notified that I have an appt with the UCSF MS Center in San Francisco on Monday, Nov 30.  I hope they will be able to help me.  One question though...They mentioned that I may want to get a Neurologist closer to home (as I live in South Lake Tahoe, CA about 4 hours away from San Fran).  Is this a good idea and is this normal to have more than one Neurologist at a time?  Are there any suggestions that anyone can give me as to questions to ask and important things that I should say to the doctor at Monday's appointment?  I hope finally I can get some relief of symptoms and get some more answers.  Thank you all

[raekay35]

Thank you sooo much wobbly!!!  I will let you know what, if anything I find out.  Had a thoracic MRI today should be the last one for a while.  Thanks again and happy holidays!!!

[Wobbly]

hi there.. just wanted to say good luck at your appt and hope you find some answers to you concerns and symptoms.  Let us know after your appt when you feel like chatting, OK..

have a good holiday
take care
wobbly
dx

[raekay35]

Thank you for clarification of the lab result, I thought that's what it meant but wanted to be sure.  Yes Reno/Sparks is definately much closer and less congested as far as traffic goes.  My PCP is very addiment (spelling?) about me going to the UCSF MS Center, so I thought I would see what they have to say and then go from there, but they are the one's that already suggested I get another neuro closer to home.  I am going in today for a thoracic MRI, as that is the one that is left to do and want to have as much in order for the center for my appointment.  Well, I hope I find out some answers very soon...thanks again all of you!!!

[Lulu54]

Raekay,
thanks for giving me the chance to plug one of my all-time favorite sites ....
labtestsonline.org

This is run by lab doctors and technicians and if you put in the test, you can find out what they are looking at and what the normal ranges should be.  

And they also allow you to submit questions if you need more information and then the really do answer.  

I haven't plugged this group in quite a while - check them out.

I'm sorry but my brain just does not retain all the technical information and I can be of absolutely no help.  Quix and many of our other community members are great sources of information.

good luck,
Lulu

[Quixotic1]

The Mononuclear cells are of no consequence.  Everyone is allowed a few white cells in the CSF.  You have only ONE cell and it is a mononuclear white cell.  That is why it is 100%.

If the trip to see an MS neuro is a long one, it is a good idea for there to be a closeby neuro or interested internist to help with the day to day stuff.  Many people have two neuros.  Would you go on into Reno?  That would probably be your best bet for finding a good one, though there might be one in Minden or Gardnerville. I checked out msneuroratings.com and found a guy in Sparks.

http://www.msneuroratings.com/showthread.php?t=1573

Quix

[raekay35]

Thanks so much for your advise!!!  I greatly appreciate it.  No, I haven't been officially dx with MS yet.  I had a positive Brain MRI (at least 7 lesions), greater than 5 O-bands in CSF, negative MRI C-spine, go in tomorrow for Thoracic MRI.  I was wondering if there is anything you could tell me about the results of my LP and what the values mean.  
CSF Glucose 52.0
CSF Protein   18.1
RBC #  2
WBC # 1
Polys % 0
Mononuclears % 100
O-bands   >5

I was concerned because it say mononuclears are high at 100%-what does this translate to? and is this normal in MS
Thanks again

[Lulu54]

I travel about 90 minutes to see my MS neuro and only have one neurologist.  My PCP is great and willing to handle any treatment he might suggest.  Their office is moving even further in a few months and I will have about a 2 hour drive, on way.  

I had not even thought about having a second neuro.  There are no MS specialists in town, even though our region population is over one million people.  


sorry, but I don't remember if you have been diagnosed with MS or not.  I'm assuming not, since you are traveling to see the specialist.  

So here is my one serious word of caution - do not take a printout with you from this website or any other web site.  

The quickest way to be shown the door is if you show up looking like you have been researching MS and have already decided you have this disease.

good luck - its great that you can get in on Monday.  Waiting is the pits.

be well,
Lulu

[rendean]

Yes, it's normal to have more than one neuro. I have my "local" general neuro who referred me to the academic hospital where my MS neuro works. They don't agree on the same treatment but both agree to do WHAT I WISHED as long as I am stable. Both of my neuros presented plans and both are content with my choice.

The local neuro is great to see on a "same day" or "next day" basis if I have something going on. Although, I will say my MS neuro responds to phone calls usually the same day HIMSELF, no wading through the nurse first, which I love!

Is your local neuro an MS specialist or just a general neuro? I would take your own timeline. One fault I recently discovered are mistakes in my local neuro's charting. I have requested a copy of all of my records to check for accuracy since the one error I know about, almost kept me from qualifying for disability and influenced my MS neuro.

Wishing you the best and keep us updated!

Ren

[raekay35]

Thank you for your input...I have one that my PCP asked me to do and have also been keeping it up on the tracker here on my profile, although not everyday.  I was thinking about printing that out and bringing it with me.  What do you do if one doctor says you have MS and the other doctor won't dx you with it.  Just in case, don't know if that will be the case with me but don't know.  All I know is that I want help with these symptoms, I don't believe anyone should have to suffer!!!

[jensequitur]

Well, first of all, I'm glad that you have an appointment with the MS Center in San Francisco.  I hear they're good.

And yes, it's normal to have more than one neurologist.  You'll want a neurologist that you'll have regular checkups with.  When you have a flare, you don't want to have to drive 4 hours to see him.  And he/she will want to see you during a flare, so they can decide whether you need steroids or not.

I presented the neurologist with a timeline of symptoms.  I think it's very important to show him how these symptoms are going on through time.  Try to keep the list short and sweet - many doctors see a long list as being a little too obsessed...