Neuros - primary symptom vs. 'all' symptoms?

[gazdajl]

I am very frustrated with the two Neuro drs I have seen, for this particular reason: they both just seem interested in my 'primary complaint/symptom', when I believe they would get a much more accurate picture, for eventual diagnosis, by reviewing ALL symptoms. I know they don't have time to 'treat' me for all symptoms (and I am not asking him to)...because, again, they seem to look at each one as separate.

When I was just at my last Neuro appt, he asked what my primary complaint was...at least while he was with me, he never looked at the paper I had given him, with a 'complete' list of symptoms. I also gave him a short, two-page 'history', which he actually loved.

In my view, my health issues, tell a much more complete story, by looking at all my symptoms, globally, than one at a time.

I am wondering what others think of this topic, or if you feel the way I do. Anyway...thanks for listening. Love and Light...Jan.

[dyin_myelin]

I agree. I write everything down, just so we save time and I don't forget anything. I insist that it goes into my record. It even has snappy illustrations. I hope this doesn't end up there, but if I apply for disability everything is documented.

[Thinkimjob]

I don't know, Jan, though I'd say they are probably asking about your main issue to help work out whether what you're experiencing is MS or something else.

I was diagnosed after two clinically separated (by time and kind of symptom) neurological events. At that stage, I didn't have to write a list. Numb feet, then double vision. Bit of fatigue. MRI, diagnosed.

These days, I could write a short (make that quite long) book on the subject of my symptoms.

Have you had a MRI yet? That's the best way to get a diagnosis, although there are people here who have been diagnosed after years of negative scans and a lot of waiting and wondering.

I'm sorry you are going through this and feeling so unwell. Good luck.

[MSW1963]

My personal experience with General Neuro versus MS Neuro is General neuro's typically want the primary complaint, versus MS Neuro's, like my current and previous MS Specialist, want a complete medical history with a thorough clinical exam lasting over an hour, particularly for initial visits.

Hope your sx's resolve soon and that you get the answers you are looking for. Best of luck.

[gazdajl]

Thanks, all!

Dyin...you sound very organized! You are a role model for me!

Think...yes, I have had a couple MRIs...verdict is still out (Neuro says one thing, radiologist says another...still close in opinion, tho). I will be doing a lumbar puncture probably pretty soon.

My symptoms haven't been very isolated, although I can document when one started and ended pretty much, then another one seems to take over. My heavy legs lasted a couple months, along with fatigue, then right after that, it seems, I have had the spasticity pretty bad...now that is ebbing. We shall see!

MSW...I understand what you are saying, about the general Neuro vs. the MS Neuro. My concern, though, is that, according to the UNM, unless I get 'diagnosed' with MS by a general Neuro first, a MS neuro won't see me (I am still a limbo lander).

I am just taking it one step at a time, right now. I believe that all will work out as it is meant to...but I am still going to be a relentless 'advocate' for myself! Thanks again, all...your insights are helpful! Love and Light! Jan.