Hi Lori. Just want to comment on your upcoming appointment with the nice neuro. Yes, do take the info you have assembled, but make sure it's a copy, not the original. She may want to save it to read. Organize your tests results logically, by date and type, so she doesn't have to fish through the pages much. Your symptoms journal can form the basis of your timeline, which we talk about all the time here. If you want suggestions on this, I'm sure many will respond.
But in general, start with the date, describe symptom(s) briefly, what you did or tried to do about them, and when they abated. Go on to next round of symptoms. Don't speculate as to what was causing what. Make this whole section as brief as you can, not more than a page or two.
The idea is to get the neuro to actually read what you bring. That will get much more likely, the more concise and logical it is. Sending it in advance may or may not work. I hope others will comment on this. But even if the neuro is looking at your material while you're there, have your own copy with you. Sometimes we get nervous and forget things.
Leave MS and all other diagnoses out of your report and out of your conversation with the neuro. That will minimize any idea that you are 'too' knowledgeable or are pushing towards some diagnosis. That kind of thing is a red flag for some neuros, who will then stop taking you seriously and think of you as a hypochondriac. We've seen that here all the time.
Well, you have lots of time to get this together. And in the meantime, I hope you find ways of enjoying your Christmas thoroughly. Just pace yourself and don't try to do too much.
Have a good one,
ess
Thanks for the good info. I'm planning on putting my records together today. Your suggestions are wonderful and I will follow them. Great to have such wonderful people in my life like you. Much appreciated.
Lori
Hi Lori,
Sounds like you are still moving forward, and that's a good thing. Good luck with the new neuro!
Your 2009 does sound quite promising, you can just spoil grandchildren!!
I pray that your dx comes soon and you can get the treatment you need to feel better. You'll need energy to keep up with the new grandbaby!!
Merry Christmas,
doni
ess gave you good information. I just to reiterate do not mention MS in any way. Last appt. my neuro said you had a MRI, correct? I said "yes but it was not done with MS protocol. That was a mistake. His eyes narrowed and he said, "Did someone tell you that?" When I replied yes, I knew I had screwed up. "There is no such thing as MS protocol. The hospital does it all. There is no MS protocol."
I wanted to say, then why are all the doctors who write about MS stress how it is important. But I didn't because I at least need him to order all the tests. Then if he doesn't dx me I will take my records and find another neuro.
I hope you get your answer and have a Merry Christmas
terry