Kind of excited...getting referred to an MS Specialty Clinic...

[gazdajl]

My primary doc (who is wonderful, btw!), is referring me to the MS Specialty Clinic, at the Univ of New Mexico.

My hubby and I, who currently live in SD, have just purchased a place in NM, because we both have health issues with the extreme cold, here in SD.

So, I was told about the UNM teaching hospital, and asked my doc about it. Turns out, she went to medical school there, so she knew all about it! I can't wait for when I will be able to see a Dr. who specializes in MS. I have been tested for all of the major 'mimics', and all are normal. I also think a diagnosis, of any kind, would help my hubby too...this is hard for him, too, in a different way. Anyway...one step at a time, right? Thanks. Love and Light. Jan.

[DebbieB]

Hi Jan, great news! I go to the Johns Hopkins MS Clinic and it honestly has been life changing. Excellent care - I'm very fortunate. I have no doubt that you'll find UNM the same. good luck!

[gazdajl]

Thanks, DebbieB...it pleases me greatly to hear that, from you! I am hopeful! Take care. Jan.

[misslux]

That's great! I hope they can give you some answers.

[aspen]

Glad you have some "next steps" in place! Hopefully things go smoothly for you .

[22cyclist]

My primary doc (who is wonderful, btw!), is referring me to the MS Specialty Clinic, at the Univ of New Mexico.

My hubby and I, who currently live in SD, have just purchased a place in NM, because we both have health issues with the extreme cold, here in SD.

So, I was told about the UNM teaching hospital, and asked my doc about it. Turns out, she went to medical school there, so she knew all about it! I can't wait for when I will be able to see a Dr. who specializes in MS. I have been tested for all of the major 'mimics', and all are normal. I also think a diagnosis, of any kind, would help my hubby too...this is hard for him, too, in a different way. Anyway...one step at a time, right? Thanks. Love and Light. Jan.

Glad you are moving to a more hospitable climate. Your MS specialist will require several things that you might want to get together now.

1. Any MRI CDs that you have. If you don't have the CDs, simply go to the place where you had the MRI done and ask for the CD as well as a printout of the radiologists report of the MRI. These you can hand deliver.

2. Ask your neurologist to either give you your relevant medical records or fax them to the new doctor.

3. You should keep meticulous records, even back records about your exacerbations. Anything that lasts over 24 hours, is continuous, and the symptoms should subside for the most part and no new symptoms should start for another 30 days after the last symptoms stopped.

4. Be sure not to forget anything that is why I say write down everything.

Good luck and let us know how it goes, OK?

Take care
Lisa

[gazdajl]

Thanks to Miss, Aspen, and Lisa, for your kind thoughts, and advice. It is much appreciated.

Lisa...thanks for the great 'list'...I have already begun working on it!

I am wondering, though...re. writing down all symptoms, etc. I do keep a small, daily journal, of any symptoms, foods eaten (because I am sensitive to many foods), and anything out of the ordinary.

But, my journal probably isn't as organized as it could be...I saw a couple different MS websites, that state you should keep track of 'symptom, foods, duration, stress level, etc. I get overwhelmed thinking I need to write down all of that info for each of my symptoms!

I am trying to also make a quick 'chart'...that will kind of 'plot' a pattern, of symptoms. So, does anyone have any advice re. how to find the energy, to keep a detailed log of symptoms? I appreciate any and all advice! Love and Light. Jan.