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    Routine Appointments?

    Is anyone keeping or making "Routine Appointments?" I know my dental cleaning was canceled, as dentists are closed for "routine visits" and will only perform emergencies, etc. But, what about other appointments?

    As my routine mammogram and neurologist visits are at my local hospital, I'm leaning toward "skipping" these visits for 2020? Is anyone else refraining from "their usual" visits to only seek needed care?

    For example, I had to get my SNRI renewed and my PCP scheduled a "telephone appointment" as going out is "a risk." What are others doing or "not doing"?

    Input from my MS Community is appreciated! Stay Safe!
    Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's learning to dance in the rain!

    #2
    I postponed my MRIs with neuro ok since stable. I have kept my mothly infusion at his office suite.

    Gynecologist postponed.

    I am keeping urologist appointment/exam, but his office is not in hospital. But he agreed to let me postpone kidney ultrasound at the hospital.

    My neuro is offering telehealth appointments for those that don't want to com in. Of course, he can't do a clinical exam, but for people stable, it is an option.

    I think when I do schedule my MRIs and ultrasound, going to try to schedule same day, back to back to minimize number of times in the hospital.
    Kathy
    DX 01/06, currently on Tysabri

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      #3
      I have gone in for a blood draw, infusion and monthly injection because those can't be done over the phone. All my other appointments have been either phone or video conference calls.

      Besides that, only the grocery store and to fill up the gas tank once per month. Even after they begin to reopen things I'm going to be staying at home to wait and see what happens.

      I wish you well...

      Comment


        #4
        My routine dental and optometrist appointments were cancelled.

        My bi-annual MS Specialist appointment is scheduled for May 18. I suspect that I will cancel it. It would mean a 3 hour drive, one-way, to Kansas City, KS, where there are a lot more confirmed cases than in my area of the state. I'd prefer to avoid going there. I did have an MRI scheduled there for the purpose of re-evaluating whether I need to continue on Copaxone or whether it's time to go off, due to SPMS. But, even that isn't urgent.

        I did schedule a tele-visit appointment last week with my local PCP, due to a bacterial eye infection that required an antibiotic. But, I've stayed away from doctor's offices or other in-person medical appointments.
        ~ Faith
        MSWorld Volunteer -- Moderator since JUN2012
        (now a Mimibug)

        Symptoms began in JAN02
        - Dx with RRMS in OCT03, following 21 months of limbo, ruling out lots of other dx, and some "probable stroke" and "probable CNS" dx for awhile.
        - In 2008, I was back in limbo briefly, then re-dx w/ MS: JUL08
        .

        - Betaseron NOV03-AUG08; Copaxone20 SEPT08-APR15; Copaxone40 APR15-present
        - Began receiving SSDI / LTD NOV08. Not employed. I volunteer in my church and community.

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          #5
          My neuro and PCP both cancelled my routine visits and offered teleconferencing, which I turned down. The neuro is accessible by e-mail, so I let him know that I wanted to stop the Ocrevus, and he just said that we'll discuss any future treatments after the virus settles down. I've been with the PCP so long that if I need antibiotics, I can just call the office and have her phone in the prescription.

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            #6
            all of my routine appts were canceled. Even my post-op surgery appt was first moved two weeks out and then they ended up doing telehealth! That was fun showing my incisions over the phone

            My eye appt was moved twice and now i think they will be moving again as it was scheduled mid-May. It doesn't look like anything around me or in my state will be opening for a while!
            Dx March 2018; possible first episode: August 2011
            Tysabri May 2018-June 2019, Mayzent July 2019

            Comment


              #7
              Oh, I believe it depends on the Physician's and their comfort level as well as the patient's comfort level.

              I have had a phone conversation with my Psychiatrist to get a prescription. There is no other Dr. that will prescribe the medication I am wanting/using. This was really very easy.

              I have a scheduled appointment with my PCP on Tuesday which is my 2nd follow-up for Post-op on surgery that took place January 27, 2020. I plan on keeping this appointment, in person. The PCP I see will also do Telehealth. I am past due for my Mammography (due this past January) so I will get the recommendation from my PCP if I wait or schedule one.

              I have my 6 month follow-up appointment with my Surgeon on July 3rd and have plans on keeping this. I did choose to stop PT, but with the equipment I have at home I am doing just fine.

              I don't see my Neurologist until August, this is a once a year follow-up. I only have MRIs every two to three years so I am not due this year, although there is always a chance he may decide it's needed.
              Diagnosed 1984
              “Lightworkers aren’t here to avoid the darkness…they are here to transform the darkness through the illuminating power of love.” Muses from a mystic

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                #8
                Tysabri yes. All the others, no. Lots of telemedicine.

                Comment


                  #9
                  All my appointments have been canceled/ postponed, except for my baclofen pump refill and suprapubic catheter change. Televisit with my PCP.

                  It's not just about us, but they don't want to put themselves or their staff at risk.
                  Kimba

                  “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” ― Max Planck

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Kimba, how long have you had a suprapubic catheter? Does it work well for you? When this shelter in place is over, I've talking to my urologist about getting one.
                    God Bless Us All

                    Comment


                      #11
                      I should add this is also addressed in one of our governor's executive orders:

                      Acting under the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, I order the following

                      1. Beginning as soon as possible but no later than March 21, 2020 at 5:00 pm, and continuing while the state of emergency declared in Executive 2020-4 is in effect, all hospitals, freestanding surgical outpatient facilities, and dental facilities, and all state-operated outpatient facilities (collectively, “covered facilities”), must implement a plan to temporarily postpone, until the termination of the state of emergency under section 3 of Executive Order 2020-4, all non-essential procedures (“non-essential procedure postponement plan” or “plan”). For purposes of this order, “non-essential procedure” means a medical or dental procedure that is not necessary to address a medical emergency or to preserve the health and safety of a patient, as determined by a licensed medical provider.
                      Kimba

                      “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” ― Max Planck

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Last night our governor extended our state of emergency to May 28. As of her press conference today, unless more restrictions are lifted, looks like my appointments that were rescheduled for this later this month will have to be rescheduled again!


                        Originally posted by REG53
                        Kimba, how long have you had a suprapubic catheter? Does it work well for you?
                        Hi REG53,

                        Sorry I didn't answer your question earlier, don't think it was posted yet when I replied before.

                        Almost 4 years, and yes, it does. It's not perfect, but it's still the best decision I could have made. It also would've made my life a lot easier, with my limited mobility, if I would've gotten it sooner.

                        Best of luck if you go for it!
                        Kimba

                        “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” ― Max Planck

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