Change Doctors mean old DX reviewed again?

[bluebell1234]

I was Dx with MS in 2002 and have been on Avonex.  Recently my Doc moved his practice and I have met with a Doctor closer to home.  The new Doc wants all new testing etc, not convenienced I have MS.....from the very beginning I had 3 opinions  verifing my DX before starting therapy......is it normal when changing Docs, get all new tests and  then he re Dx's me?

[SarahL2491]

I am aware of this GinaMarie, I am not the one going to a new doctor.
It was my diligent keeping of records that saved me from having to
go thru testing all over again.  I think your comment was intended for the original poster.  But we appreciate the reminder.

[GinaMarie62]

SOME MOST DRs FILES ARE ONLY KEPT FOR 7 TO 10 YEARS SO IF YOU WANT COPIES GET THEM WHILE YOU CAN AND COPY THEM YOURSELF PUT THEM IN A SAFE PLACE FIRE FLOOD PROOF SAFTY DEPOSIT BOX OR YOU WONT BE ABLE TO PROVE ANYTHING

[SarahL2491]

as usual our Shell puts it in perspective, gotta love her

[sllowe]

Hi Bluebell,

Did this doctor state "why" he was not convinced?
Have you been stable Avonex?

If it were me, I would call doctor office who moved, ask to speak with the doctor.

When he calls back, make him aware of this doctors current intentions. At this time, you are not in a situation where the new doctor is removing the dx, but has mentioned not convinced. See what the doctor says.

Because you have had 3 confirming opinions on your diagnosis, my thoughts are that, I would not run from this doctor yet, unless you are faced three situations:

1) attempted removal of diagnosis and availability of medicine
2) No consult between the old and new doctor
3) No evidence provided by the doctors (including consult results) that this is another disease process. Or, those reasons why it could be

Don't let this scare you off :) Worse case scenario, this new doctor disagrees. If so, apply/demand above :)
(((Hugs)))
shell

[maxthecat43]

I had the same thing happen with every neuro I saw, until the last one... She just looked at my other doctor's notes, looked at the MRI's I had, and examined me.  She then pronounced that I do indeed have ms.  So, now she and the other doctor (both neuros on the same medical team) treat me together.  But I definitely went through my share of neurologists who doubted me, and all my tests- and I don't think they reviewed any of the other doctor's notes.  I was told many times that I had a conversion disorder.  (Even though true conversion disorders are fairly rare...)  

You should think about finding a new neurologist.  Perhaps a little research into the doctor first would be beneficial.  

Sorry you're going through this.  I wish I could help.
Tammy

[bluebell1234]

thank you

I ( My husband and I )  went thru all the doubts, I had several opinions  at the very first when all this started....... I have seen another..he just reviewed my file......and he agrees with my old Doc...........it just seems that since I am doing so well that one Doc wanted to redo everything.........

AS I read all the posts seems that many go thru this I appreciated your reply......it really "works" on your mind and just keeps that doubt there once again......

[Deb61]

I wanted an MS specialist for my new neurologist.  I got the full work-up minus the LP.  I still have the diagnosis of MS, but I went through all of the tests again.  

[candy158]

I have had that very thing happen to me.... but, with the NEURO'S, and I have seen plenty.  Then they ask  "Why are you anxious" ...
well, DUH !!!!!  when the Dr's keep putting us through the same old thing,, over and over.... not because WE don't get it, but because ALL OF THEM HAVE TO !!!, to protect themselves from lawsuits.  I guess.

I live in Canada, and that is the way it has been for me..... I am and have been on Copaxone for 6 months, and now they want me to see yet ANOTHER dr. to see if it is working.   ggrrrrr..

I get your frustration !!!

Good luck,
Candy

[OldFatChick]

I would find another doctor. I keep preaching that not all doctors graduated top of their class. It sounds like this one is wanting to pad the bill.  I had the same thing happen a couple of years ago. Not all doctors are created equal.  Keep looking until you find one you feel good about.

[SarahL2491]

no, not always.  you might consider a different doctor.  repeat testing could get expensive.  a good doctor would want to review your old doctor's files.

but if you have felt uncomfortable with your Dx, you might want to.

My new neuro, the one who dx'd me, looked at everything I brought with me (MRI, files, etc) and did brief neuro exam in his office and Dx'd me the first day.  He said he saw no reason to retest, the evidence was right there on the MRI and wondered why no one had caught it.

just food for thought