New neuro - Red Flags

[pennstater]

I know where I can look to find MS Neuros, but does anyone have a personal reference? I live in East Norriton, PA and am willing to travel to center city or other suburbs.

I had my 1st appt. with new neuro since last one retired. My old one was not a specialist, but a great neuro and stayed on top of MS research.

New neuro is in same practice, but does not seem to be up to date. Nice, compassionate, but not sure right for MS.

Red flags:
1. relies on radiologist reports of MRI, doesn't look at actual images.
2. Told me that Tysabri affects immune cells, but only targeted. Would not leave me open to catching other infections, such as the respiratory infections I have had trouble with.
3. That vitamin D level fine. It is at bottom of normal range. Didn't seem aware that research indicates to seek higher levels.

I had planned to go multiple visits before making up my mind. I think from a personal point, I would be ok. Am I right to consider above as red flags? My head is spinning. did cog issues make me scree up what I thought I knew?

Thanks for the help.

[JerryD]

Kathy,
I live in King of Prussia, PA. My neurologist is Dr. McCarren in Collegeville. He is an MS specialist and is very sharp. I recommend him highly. good luck

while I live in PA, I live in the other corner of the state (and I am sure you were not willing to go this far for an appointment). I think you would be okay staying with this Dr. temporarily, but only until you find someone better suited to an MS patient. If there are any in traveling distance, a teaching college hospital is a good place to look. Often you will find younger doctors that are more proactive and also are more up to date and "cutting edge".

[pennstater]

Jerry thanks. I checked the website out and am impressed. Love that he actually has MS specific forms for patient to update each visit. His reviews are great too. I recognized the name. Was he previously at Jeff's MS clinic? I almost transferred there since close to office when working and think that is why I know name. I may call tomorrow with some questions related to Tysabri treatment and if OK, schedule appt. I am really grateful to you.

Hunter - thanks as well. We have both Thomas Jefferson and Univ of Pennsylvania, as well as some MS clinics. I just had bad experience when I had 2nd opinion at big teaching center. It was definitely not personal and take a number feeling. It was like "yeah, you have MS" followed by sales pitch. No talking me thru MS diagnosis, Q&A, etc...That being said, I decided today that if I can't find both personable and MS expertise again, going with expertise.

[MSW1963]

pennstater, sorry I can't offer any recommendations, but sounds like you've gotten something promising.

I'm not thrilled with my MS specialist, not based on one single thing, more of an accumulation of small 'red flags' over the years that led to a loss in confidence.

The pickings are slim and my MS doc is among the best I've seen, so I guess for the time being, I'm sticking with the devil that I know. Good luck with the promising prospect.

[pennstater]

Thank you JerryD.

I just wanted to thank you Jerry for the referral. I gave them your name from your profile. I was really impressed when he wanted full MRI discs, all 9 since 2006, and even 1993 if I can get it. Also wants all OCTs and full neuro file. Really impressed. I won't see him until end of May. While I don't really need to get in that quick, I figure with this monster, want to get in the existing patient list ASAP.

I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again, really grateful.