Well I have been a lucky Canadian. I went to the hospital because I was have symptons that were scaring me. I had just had a phyisical and the doctor notice I had problems with weakness in my legs. And she was going to set up an appointment with a neuro.
My doctor at the time only worked on day a week.
So we headed off to the emergency. I had a great emergency doctor who did a spinal tap and wanted me to stay. But I said no she said that she would be on Monday morning and could I come back then.
She knew it would take months to get a MRI and wanted to speed up the process.
By Monday I could not walk. So they did the MRI and admitted me for 5 days. The neuro said nothing to me in the hospital.
A month later he told me my spinal tap was postive for obands but my MRI's were good.
So I saw him again 3 months later and then another 3 months later after another MRI. Still clear. Still said it looked like MS and let's wait and see.
My Family doctor saw that I needed a cane and waiting to her was not an option. So she found out the best MS specialist I could go to. She said he was also the head neuro at St. Mikes.
They originally had me waiting for 6 months she called back and said too long. I got into see him in 6 weeks.
He did more testing. For lots of things. Bascially we are left with atypical MS. Sent me over to the clinic had another MRI still clear.
But now they are testing for genetic diseases that mimic MS. And another spinal tap.
In 14 months I have had 3 sets of MRI's. I have not had to wait long. And am so thankful that is all covered. We could no way afford this if not.
Also St. Mike's also is one of the teaching and research hospitals that is also involved in many MS studies.
So I would say I am getting excellent care. And that my atypical MS is getting serious attention. I am taking bacolfen and 4-AP the experimental drug. If I was still seeing my old neuro I would be taking nothing.
That I have the chief neuro/ Head of MS clinic and another MS neuro looking after me.
So yes my family doctor only works 2 days a week.
But now that I am connected to the MS clinic. I can get help anytime now.
I look at how the US system works and I am so happy to be in Canada
Even my walker only cost me 104.00 the rest the government paid.
Hope that helps. Oh with the MS clinic they arrange IVSM for a nurse to come to my house and give it to me. Very nice they do that.
My doctor at the time only worked on day a week.
So we headed off to the emergency. I had a great emergency doctor who did a spinal tap and wanted me to stay. But I said no she said that she would be on Monday morning and could I come back then.
She knew it would take months to get a MRI and wanted to speed up the process.
By Monday I could not walk. So they did the MRI and admitted me for 5 days. The neuro said nothing to me in the hospital.
A month later he told me my spinal tap was postive for obands but my MRI's were good.
So I saw him again 3 months later and then another 3 months later after another MRI. Still clear. Still said it looked like MS and let's wait and see.
My Family doctor saw that I needed a cane and waiting to her was not an option. So she found out the best MS specialist I could go to. She said he was also the head neuro at St. Mikes.
They originally had me waiting for 6 months she called back and said too long. I got into see him in 6 weeks.
He did more testing. For lots of things. Bascially we are left with atypical MS. Sent me over to the clinic had another MRI still clear.
But now they are testing for genetic diseases that mimic MS. And another spinal tap.
In 14 months I have had 3 sets of MRI's. I have not had to wait long. And am so thankful that is all covered. We could no way afford this if not.
Also St. Mike's also is one of the teaching and research hospitals that is also involved in many MS studies.
So I would say I am getting excellent care. And that my atypical MS is getting serious attention. I am taking bacolfen and 4-AP the experimental drug. If I was still seeing my old neuro I would be taking nothing.
That I have the chief neuro/ Head of MS clinic and another MS neuro looking after me.
So yes my family doctor only works 2 days a week.
But now that I am connected to the MS clinic. I can get help anytime now.
I look at how the US system works and I am so happy to be in Canada
Even my walker only cost me 104.00 the rest the government paid.
Hope that helps. Oh with the MS clinic they arrange IVSM for a nurse to come to my house and give it to me. Very nice they do that.
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