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Member
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 191
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 191
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Nine years here--do I have seniority? 
9 years of attention-getting symptoms--hearing loss, dizziness, Lhermitte's, paresthesias, etc. (but stuff going back to 1983 that I never talked to doctors about).
8 years ago -- was told "MS."
7 years ago -- was told "hypochondriac."
5 years ago -- last-ever neurologist appointment.
4 years ago -- fell into pit of depression caused by doctors (PCPs) treating me like a hypochondriac, no hope of ever talking to them about anything. Gave up all expectation of ever getting any diagnosis.
1-2 years ago -- finally got over the doctor-caused depression--with small relapses, during which I had to re-learn the lesson: DON'T go and talk to ANY more doctors about all this--only go see a doctor if you have ONE, and ONE ONLY, specific, serious problem that you think they might be able to do something about.
One month ago -- finally got approval for Baha (bone-anchored hearing system) for my hearing loss--surgery scheduled for July 24--HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!! 
As one of the grande dames of limbolanders, let me give my fellow limbolanders a piece of advice: Don't be in the mindset of EXPECTING or "WAITING FOR" a diagnosis. Don't set that up as a definite, inevitable certainty ahead of you.
Because you may very well NEVER get a diagnosis. You do not have a crystal ball (neither do your doctors). It may happen--it may not.
Just get your worst SYMPTOMS treated sufficiently (always insist on that, of course) and then go with the flow. Accept that there will inevitably be confusion and uncertainty--differing opinions, differing interpretations, unevenness in how doctors see or treat you.
Do the Taoist thing--be like water flowing downhill. Go with the flow. Ahhhh.... Muuuch less stressful!
Nancy T.
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