My Trip To ER / Nightmare With Neurologist

[CaroleL]

I went to ER yesterday afternoon for severe electrical shocks in my head, pain, and numbness.

After a 3hour wait, I was brought into observation, then I saw ER doctor who was stumped.

I was given blood work and urinalysis. Dilaudid 1mg tablet, then Dilaudid by injection. I was still in horrible pain and I told them Dilaudid did nothing. ER Dr was in terrible rush and didnt know what to do. She called Neurology dept in another hospital.

I was transferred by ambulance, at 12:30 am to other Hospital. After a 2 hour wait I got to meet Dr. Monster, Neurologist. (MS).

I was given heck for being in ER and told to cancel my requisitions for appointment, that she is now my Neuro. She gave me a standard Neuro test, visual, reflex, etc. then she made me stand.

I was given heck for falling backwards, not being able to walk even though I could bend my knees while in bed. Dr. Monster when on and on about what I should be able to do.

Even though I was referred by 3docs to Neuro, textbook symptoms for MS, bedridden, inability to walk, she said I should be ready for a diagnosis of "IT'S ALL IN MY HEAD DIAGNOSIS".

She'll be scheduling a head MRI, because "you won't let me get away with not doing one".

Seems like I, for some reason, am running around wishing for an MS diagnosis. I guess she didn't see the notes about all the symptoms I have.

I'll be seeing Dr. Monster in 2 weeks for round number two.

Hubby and I are both furious! So much for my being anxious to see Neuro!

[swingingwillow]

I'm sorry Carol.

What is wrong with the neuros in our country?

Are they under some agenda or pressure that we don't know about?

Even if it was all in your head or in mine this would not be the way that we should be treated as it wouldn't make us all of a sudden say "Hey, I'm better now that you've slapped my wrist!"

I have a psych and he treats me with a great deal of kindness and respect. Maybe the neuros can learn from them?!?

I'm so tired of this treatment that I just had to say boo to you. I've been feeling so lonely because of all of this stuff, but I can see that I'm obviously not alone.

I'm sorry about your bad experience.

[marti]

Outrageous treatment. No one should go thru this kind of incompetent treatment. You need to file a complaint somewhere.

[MSW1963]

My one and only Neuro ER visit was the last...

CaroleL, the one and only time I ever went to ER for any neuro sx's, I started a conversation with the ER Neuro and within 10/15 mins., I walked out of the ER. I'm slow. I should have walked in the first 1.5 minutes, but I was 'in a state' of crisis, I wasn't sure what was really happening to me or between me the doc . That was 11-12yrs ago.

Thankfuly an acquaintance/subordinate from work drove me to the ER and drove me home. Although she too was surprised by the Neuro's hostile tone and manner, she was someone I just didn't want privy to that level of personal info about me, left feeling I put myself in a compromising possition at work, so to speek In 2000-01, I was dx with MS.

In 2005 I had a MS dx for 5yrs, relocated from NOLA/Katrina to the PNW. The first neuro referral I got was, you guessed it, a hostile stroke neuro who reversed my 5yrs standing MS dx, Copaxone rx, etc. That appointment ended with me smiling, graciously thanking the doc's for his time and kindness. I'd been through that routine before and it looked all too familiar. I was done with 'those' doc's.

I started this post to tell you that in 2000-01 befor my dx, I realized I probably had MS after life long episodes of ON blindness, chronic bladder UTIs, wall walking after hot baths, that couldn't be anything but MS, I started my MS doctor shopping journey.

It was the best thing I ever did for myself in terms of getting an MS dx. No more hostile doc's for me from then on. That was also true when my MS dx was reversed in '05.

Since relocating and the 'dismissing' the neuro who reversed my MS dx, I've found an excellent MS specialist. He's not perfect, but he's one of the top MS neuro's in the country.

Best of luck to you and if I can offer any support or advice, don't hesitate to post, I'll help in any way I can.

I hope this rambling post makes sense. I'm celebrating Margi Gras today

[mjan]

OMG!! These docs need to look out for karma~

So sorry hon for how you were treated. Yes ER docs only want to save lives not diagnose illness.

But gee.. what is with this neuro? Does she really think you or anyone would WANT to feel this way? For what purpose?

Here's hoping the MRI will help..
Is there a chance to see anyone else in the future?

Again, I am sorry. If there is a place online where they do ratings of doctors please go to it and add your experience.
At least you may spare the next victim.

Hugs..here's hoping you get answers and soon!

Jan

[Seasha]

Oh Carole! I so terribly sorry for your horrid experience. (this is NOT one experience that you can laugh at - as your signature states ) I suppose the best thing that came out of this is that you'll get an MRI which is a good diagnostic tool for getting a proper dx.

I know it's been a long trial for you. You must be exhausted today. I can only hope Dr Monster will be more accommodating when you see him. At least more human like!! Maybe he was having a bad night, but still there is no excusing this behavior.

I had to go thru 3 neuro's before I found one that was right for me.

In the meantime, get some rest! Sending you a big bear HUG!

[mlissa67]

Carole,

Can you just keep your requisition and go see whomever you were assigned too and explain what happened?

That's scary medicine, I'm so sorry you had to go through that.

[Leannrough]

Carolel I am so sorry this happened to you. I too had a bad Neuro experience last week.
But what stuck with me from someone awesome on this board was its not the neuros job to question our symptoms obviously they are not feeling them but it is there job as a doctor to treat our symptoms.
That stuck with me an I will continue to search for a doctor who is a health CARE provider and not a judge.
Again I'm so sorry, Go to someone else.
I would not give that Dr one more minute of your time.
He should be reported

[fishead]

OH Carole hun,

I am sorry you had to endure that. UNACCEPTABLE!!! Why must we go through this humiliation to get this ugly diagnosis? Know it will not make you feel better, but the neuros in US are just as lame!

I wish I had some advice for you, but know you are in my prayers.

[lstrl]

Wow. I really hope your MRI shows something and you get much better treatment in 2 weeks. If not, you need to find out whatever it takes to find someone better.

Sadly, it really seems like most drs are like that, based on what so many people say. I really don't understand it. The worst part about it is, when it finally does come back to bite them, it'll be at a patient's expense.

[ghostgirl]

Aww, Carole. I am so sorry to hear that this happened to you. I don't feel that this is the doc for you, but the next one will be. So hang in there hun and keep that chin up.

*walks away muttering about how rude people are that are SUPPOSED to be the caregivers*

[CaroleL]

I want to thank you all for your support! this is really hard to take. My hubby is also at wits end with these doctors.

I was we'll prepared for my appointment. After 2 years of not walking, who wouldn't be! I had a list of all MS symptoms from the last 25-30 years. My other doc had asked me for this so I had taken a copy with me.

Dr. Monster took this as a sign of me looking for MS specifically, and not as a result of my research.

She asked me why my hubby wasn't with me in the ER. I told her he had been, while in the first hospital, but I'd sent him home to rest. He's been sick all week.

She inferred that if my condition was serious enough, he would be worried and therefore would have stayed with me.

She informed me. That I should not have gotten a handicap parking license. I got heck because my previous doctor hadn't had my license revoked.

She the told me that she was calling the license bureau to have my driving permit revoked. What a witch!!

MEANWHILE... My daughter finally got a call back saying that instead of going through neurology only to be referred to MS clinic, my referral has gone directly to MS clinic and they'll be calling me for an appointment.

How I wish I'd waited! The clinic is part of another hospital and I'm going to try and find out if DR. Monster is part of this outfit. If they have their own neurologist, I'll switch.

If they don't have their own Neuro, I'd be scared if I were referred to Dr. M again.

When were sick, we shouldn't have to go through this. She acts like she is God's gift to humanity! I was down before, now I feel flattened, physically and emotionally.

[MizMeesha]

I'm sorry the last trip to the ER was so upsetting for you. I understand when you're frightened and needing answers or help, how easy it is to be overwhelmed.

To that, I think I should mention a few things.

Doctors in Ontario are legally required to report all Drivers who may be a risk on the road as a result of any illness or injury to the Ministry of Transportation - they face fines if they don't. This reporting does not mean the automatic revocation of a license, but could be a temp. suspension in a crisis and at the very least, a notation on your file so that if something horrid were to happen there could be recourse of action to protect you.

The Civic, General and Riverside hospitals are all connected and are teaching hospitals; so if you have a green hospital card, all practitioners with privileges at these facilities have access to your file.

There are 3 MS specialists in Ottawa, they are all at the MS Clinic at the General, 2 part time and one full time (the clinic director). All area doctors who look to eliminate MS toward a diagnosis of something or who suspect MS will send their patients to the MS Clinic. There is a process and protocol in place for the clinic and it is strictly observed. Also, when you go to the clinic, you will fill out a couple of forms, one of which is the Ministry of Transportation information form explaining the requirement to report.

Also last Wednesday, CBC reported there were some budget cuts at the General and over 90 nurses and additional support staff were cut. Including a support staff at the MS clinic.

I just thought this info might help you make a little peace with some of that last visit to the ER.

M

[CaroleL]

Thank You Miz,

Is there a way for me to find out if Dr. Monster is part of this clinic? Sort of like a double jeopardy if she is!

[Debby]

Carole...I am deeply troubled that you had this horrible experience. From what you've written on these boards, I am sure your decision to go to the ER was not something you took lightly, and that you would not have gone unless it was critical. The way you were treated is absolutely unacceptable. My heart goes out to you...