Found a new neuro group....

[Geekerbell]

And also a new familt dr, if needed.

I have friends who have each been to a neuro in this group (one for headaches and the other for fibro issues) and both had high praise for their dr and for the nurses and office staff. So I called yesterday afternoon and they have four neurologists on staff, one specializing in MS. But I can't make an appointment directly with them. Apparently what they do is get the referral from your GP, have your records sent over, then depending on the information in your records, your symptoms, etc, they schedule you with the neuro specialist that they think can best help you. I looked up the MS specialist and he has high praise and reviews and was apparently head of an MS clinic in the area a few years ago.

So I'm going to call my dr back AGAIN today and ask specifically for a referral to this clinc. If the answer is no, they can't, I have the name of another family dr (dr of a couple very good friends of mine, who have been with him for years and have experience with ease of getting referrals). I will change to him as my PCP on my insurance and go from there.

I don't care what the ultimate answer is. I just want to know what's going on with my body and I want supportive people to help me figure it out!

[Geekerbell]

So, I finally had to take the plunge and switch my primary care doctor. Got things taken care of with my insurance company and have my first appointment with my new GP next Monday. I have already spoken to his nurse and explained my symptoms and my current situation. She said most likely what will happen is he will do his exam, notate my symptoms and refer me to a new neurologist. She also said that he is very good about sending patients to specialists they ask for, if they have a specific request.

[aspiedude]

Good for you! Sometimes when people try to tell you no... the best thing to do, is work around it and don't take no for an answer. We know when something is wrong with our own bodies!!! Good luck!

[CaroleL]

Good job Geekerbell! Talk about taking charge! I'm sure you'll manage to see the MS Neuro! On top of that, these docs sound good. Yay!

Let us know how it goes!

[Geekerbell]

Thanks, I needed that reassurance. I'm usually such a people pleaser, and I felt guilty the rest of the day yesterday after making the new appointment.

[CaroleL]

Don't feel guilty Geekerbell!

Sometimes its only the squeaky wheel that gets the grease! All you are doing is being assertive, not aggressive. There is nothing wrong with that.

Are you sure what you're feeling is guilt, and not just insecurity at the newness of standing up for yourself?

Whatever it may be, pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

[lstrl]

I've never understood why this process has to be what it is. You're the one paying the dr, you should get to see whoever you want. That dr shouldn't have the option of saying no and sending you to see someone else that you don't approve of. I would hope they don't do that. I've always noticed whenever I ask for a referral to another neuro though, the nurse always says if the dr agrees to it. What are they going to do, hold you hostage? I've always gotten the referrals I've requested, but that does make me wonder if others don't get that lucky.

I hope you get in to see the neuro that you've heard such good things about. If you like your dr, it really does make a big difference. Good luck!

[Geekerbell]

I went to the new family doctor I switched to this afternoon. I was so happy, he really listened. He spent just over thirty minutes with me, listened to my concerns and long list of symptoms (and was fine with it when I actually had to take my list out to look at it) and did a basic exam.

I intentionally did not mention MS, but did tell him I had been to a neurologist for the trigeminal neuralgia, but that dr did not address my other concerns. He then told me that the clinical exam and my symptoms point to MS and he wants me to see the MS specialist in our area. That was when I told him about my previous family dr ordering a brain MRI and it looking ok. (I have not had my records sent over yet.)

He says he is still sending me to the specialist for another opinion and to hopefully get to the bottom of my symptoms that are "obviously neurological in nature". He personally called me a few minutes ago (my appointment was just 2 hours ago) letting me know that he had spoke to the specialist himself and has everything ready with my insurance referral to see him. I just have to call and set up the appointment.

I am so happy that he doesn't think I'm crazy and even more, that he was so proactive in taking the necessary steps to get me to who I need to see.

[Geekerbell]

My appointment with the MS specialist is set for April 5. Just over a month to wait. I consider myself lucky that it's not longer.

[CaroleL]

Congrats Geekerbell! Looks like you're being well looked after.

I'm happy for you!