Calling all Canadians

[Wordsgood]

Think I somehow missed this thread before.

I'm in BC. Waiting lists and doctor situation here is baaaddd!

But hello my fellow Canucks!

[babyduckling]

I also missed this thread. Edmonton Alberta

[khloe51]

Hello from Calgary...

Hey guys,

Just wanted to say hi from Calgary... Am I the only one on here from CowTown?

Krysta

[miss36]

st.mikes

I have dr.o'connor he is a great doctor. I am still undiagnosed but he listened to me, asked me questions and did not make me feel like I was making up my symptoms or crazy.

I found that the receptionists and the tech that did the evoked potentials were in a rush, they seemed to be very disorganized also. And the hallway was the waiting area.

I did meet any other doctors there. My original appt. was with Selchan. but thanks to my GP she called got me in sooner and with O'Connor. I was very pleased with him.

[aspen]

St. Mike's

The gentleman I saw made me feel like I was a doctor-, diagnosis-chasing lunatic :-P. Plus the clinic was SO unorganized and unprofessional -- the receptionist actually rolled her eyes behind this neuro's back when he was being particularly unorganized. I was left with the words, "It's not ms. If it's not ms, it's not our department." (i.e. we're done). Two of the other neuros I observed there seemed VERY good, however, so it's not the whole clinic, and perhaps it was just a Very Bad Day at the office :-).

Thankfully, I had one more referral, and used it -- I was seen in Kingston yesterday. I had many more neuro tests than they did at St. Mike's (in 1/4 of the time!). He is bringing me back for a whole day of tests, because "although your mri doesn't look like ms, there's something definitely wrong and we need to figure it out."

Night and day experiences between two ms specialists, for sure. I didn't even want to go yesterday; I was done after the last appointment. So glad my family doctor convinced me to give it one last try.

[ratsuchend]

Hello from Calgary!

It seems that few Canadians have replied lately to this post, which is a pity as we Canadians are in a very different situation insurance-wise than our American friends generally speaking. Nevertheless, just because the provincial gov'ts in Canada are supposed to pick up health care tab of course doesn't mean that we're free of problems and this blasted disease provides for no shortage of them!
I'm posting this only to say hello. Quite a few Canadians here and now one more.

[misslux]

Hi from Toronto

PPMS here. First had issues when I was living in the US from 2007 to 2012. Moved back a year ago. I have first hand experience with both systems and am SO glad to back!

[Azaelea]

Think I somehow missed this thread before.

I'm in BC. Waiting lists and doctor situation here is baaaddd!

But hello my fellow Canucks!

I soo hear you on the wait lists and bad doctor situation here in BC.
the only thing keeping me going is an amazing psychiatrist as I'm once again w/o a GP since she was totally incompetant and I'm better of w/o her and going to a walk in clinic instead.

[misslux]

Are you able to get into one of the MS clinics?

http://mssociety.ca/bc/clinics.htm

[Azaelea]

Yes, that's where I found an awesome psychiatrist whom I go to for much of my medical care.
The neurologist I've been giben is someone who only sees me once a year.
The nurses are good for occasional questions so at least I have some medical resources.
But for general health I'm going to walk ins and I've found a couple of good ones - thank goodness after that nutbar GP.

[misslux]

The gentleman I saw made me feel like I was a doctor-, diagnosis-chasing lunatic :-P. Plus the clinic was SO unorganized and unprofessional -- the receptionist actually rolled her eyes behind this neuro's back when he was being particularly unorganized. I was left with the words, "It's not ms. If it's not ms, it's not our department." (i.e. we're done). Two of the other neuros I observed there seemed VERY good, however, so it's not the whole clinic, and perhaps it was just a Very Bad Day at the office :-).

Thankfully, I had one more referral, and used it -- I was seen in Kingston yesterday. I had many more neuro tests than they did at St. Mike's (in 1/4 of the time!). He is bringing me back for a whole day of tests, because "although your mri doesn't look like ms, there's something definitely wrong and we need to figure it out."

Night and day experiences between two ms specialists, for sure. I didn't even want to go yesterday; I was done after the last appointment. So glad my family doctor convinced me to give it one last try.

So sorry you had a bad experience at St. Mike's. Mine has been the opposite -- professional, caring, etc. from everyone involved.

Having said that, I am glad you found a place that you are comfortable with and like!

[Surlysomething]

Hey, what's up, Canada?

[canadiankait]

Hello there from North Bay! My name is Kait and I am 22 years old in the process of getting diagnosed. From the looks of many people's stories I've gotten pretty lucky after my diagnosis of optic neuritis in June as my doctor decided to pick me up as a patient after seeing me in emerg (previously I had had no doctor for about 4-5 years). Since then I've had 2 MRI's showing active lesions in the head and neck and I'm currently being sent away to an MS specific neurologist, once they set me up an appointment. My doctor seems pretty confident in my diagnosis and after what he's calling a flare up I've been put on high dose steroids. Hopefully things can get moving along but I'm feeling very lucky with how this whole process has turned out.

[canadiankait]

Hello there from North Bay! My name is Kait and I am 22 years old in the process of getting diagnosed. From the looks of many people's stories I've gotten pretty lucky after my diagnosis of optic neuritis in June as my doctor decided to pick me up as a patient after seeing me in emerg (previously I had had no doctor for about 4-5 years). Since then I've had 2 MRI's showing active lesions in the head and neck and I'm currently being sent away to an MS specific neurologist, once they set me up an appointment. My doctor seems pretty confident in my diagnosis and after what he's calling a flare up I've been put on high dose steroids. Hopefully things can get moving along but I'm feeling very lucky with how this whole process has turned out.

[Anneke]

From Calgary

Hi Every one,

My name is Anneke (or Ann which is easier), I am only 48 and I live in Calgary. My biggest hobbies are: reading, cooking/baking and meeting people.

I was formally diagnosed with MS this January. My first serious symptoms started in 2011, problems with my bladder function, fell a sleep at work, balancing problems, back pain. Those symptoms did not ring any bells but caused enough problems to loose my job.

In 2012, I lost eyesight on one eye (which is better now, phew), this was the first "real" MS lesion and in January they noticed other spots as well in my back.

I find it very hard to be at home and some times feel very lonely. We immigrated from The Netherlands 10 yrs ago and all the kids are grown ups (well supposedly ) so I am home alone a lot.

My symptoms have worsened a lot, I have a lot of trouble walking, pain in both my legs and my back. Nut I am otherwise fine

I spend my good hours (which are not too many at this point) with my family: husband and 4 kids, plus 2 dogs and 2 cats and I am starting a new foundation called Meaningful Meals.

My psychologist at the Optimus Program would like me to go to one of the MS groups and meet other MS'ers but I am a bit apprehensive, I'd rather meet people in a less formal manner.
Does any of you have experience with these type of groups?

Well, that was a hole lot about me hope to meet other Canadian/Calgarians here!