Doctor ?

[havingfun]

Hello,
I will ask my nurse practitioner as well, but I have a question about choosing a neurologist. I would love to see the MS specialist at Banner but cannot get in for over 2 months. There are other neurologists at Banner that see MS patients.

I could also make an appointment with a MS specialist at Barrow, a research hospital. When I researched her on the Internet there were recent negative comments about her and the Barrow MS department. There were lots of positive comments about the other neurological departments at Barrow.

My NP thinks I need to see another neurologist fast. My legs are steadily getting weaker among other symptoms. Both Banner and Barrow are a 4 hour drive which my husband has to take a day off to take me. Dizziness has prevented me from driving freeways for years.

I'm not sure if I should go to the non-MS specialist at Banner, which seems more patient friendly, or the MS specialist at Barrow, which is an awesome hospital other than some negative patient reviews about the MS department.

[Suebee]

Hi. I lived in very rural area for some time and ran into this problem. I couldn't drive either and if I needed a stay in Hosp for IV steroids I didn't want it far away.
I choose a nearby general neurologist. I called every office in area and asked what percentage of patients seen had MS. I choose dr with highest percentage. Because i had young children, I also discussed at first visit my desire that IV steroids if needed be done on an outpatient basis if my condition allowed. With regard to negative reviews. I think neurologists have a general reputation for having bad bedside manners. You need a neuro that understands latest treatments and listens to your concerns. Although I have had great neuros over the years, I've come to realization that western medicine means they will actively treat MS while in acute stage and give pharmaceuticals for symptoms but living with MS and learning how to function every day is up to me to figure out. For this reason, My husband affectionately refers to any of my neurologists as "the steroid dispenser". If you have other questions you can contact me privately if you'd like. The important thing is to get your flare under control and manage your disease. Good luck. Suebee

[ActiveMSers]

HF, also note that oral steroids are available (pill form). According to studies they are just as effective as IV, and far more convenient. They are used often in New Mexico, as there are many rural residents with MS who cannot easily get to an infusion center. Hang in there!

[celia]

Plus, prednisone high-dose pills are generic, and cheap (the last episode cost less than $20, and the neuro prescribed them over the phone). Many people (and cats, incidentally), bliss out on them - all the aches you accumulated over your life go away. Just don't make any major decisions while you're on them!

[Beckydalton]

Phoenix area Neurologist

I go to Dr. Gary Reese in Scottsdale Arizona. He is wonderful and sees mostly MS patients. I would highly recommend him. His number is 480 947-7671. Not sure how long it will take to get in to see him. Once you are his patient he always gets you in whenever you need to. If you call and ask to speak to him, he personally calls you back. One time when he was on vacation and I had a relapse, his covering DR called me back and got me started on steroids. When Dr. Reese returned he called me personally and asked how I was doing and if the Doctor on call was prompt in getting back to me. Very impressed.

[havingfun]

Thank you for all the replies. At this time I am going to the neurologist at Banner for the 2nd time next Wednesday for an EMG and results of the neck and spine MRI. I am still slowly going down with slurring of words when the face twitches weirdly the newest symptom-more off than on but a bother when it happens especially in public. The ER said not a stroke and let me out knowing I had the neuro appt set up. At this time I don't care what the diagnosis is, just tell me what is happening. Thank God for a wonderful family.

[havingfun]

Hello,
Thank you for all the helpful replies.

The neurologist said it is not MS. It is fibromyalgia. He said the twitching is from the muscles and ligaments due to the fibromyalgia. I have an appointment with my rheumatologist next week.

I hope you don't mind me continuing to read and post on this site. I have found so many helpful comments (still love my trekking poles!!!) and motivation to keep moving. People here are so positive compared to some other forums I have looked at. I need positive right now as I apply for disability, cannot drive, selling my horse, etc. I know I'll get through this and keeping moving gets those feel good in the mind (even if sore in body ) chemicals going.