It can be so demoralizing. Some people just don't get it. Age of the patient doesn't matter, young or old - it's totally unnecessary to make such statements.

My PCP told me during an episode of numbness and neuropathic pain that he doesn't think it's MS. I responded with "I don't a flying fig what it is - just fix it." He also said it wasn't possible to walk into his one day and not the next. That remark still bothers me since I am in limbo. I find myself second-guessing my symptoms, even though I couldn't have crawled out of bed.

When I was hospitalized with the first episode of neuropathic pain, bladder/bowel issues the dx was shingles without a rash and the differential dx was hysteria. I was furious! My BP on admission was 200/110 from the pain.

Everytime I want a referral now I simply phone the MS clinic down south and within the hour (honestly!) they fax a referral to the specialist I wish to see.

Of course the letter is addressed to my PCP with a copy to the MS clinic. I think he is starting to get it - lately I have noticed that he has become a little more respectful since my diagnoses from the specialists are not psychiatric - they are neurological.

Funny how such a callous remark can stay with you for so many years - it's traumatizing. Guess we have all had to deal with it at some point. It shouldn't have to be that way.