Carly,

I don't understand the reasoning process of the many doctors that put off diagnosing or even taking an aggressive approach with neurological problems and diseases.
Are they young age-shy?

Glad to hear you have a GP you are comfortable with and who listens. He must be worth the long drive.

I was diagnosed within 15 mins. of my first neurological appointment with a doctor who specializes in PD.
No tests, just experience and wisdom and boldness were used after an assessment. It doesn't bother me that she didn't run any tests because I had symptoms for 5 years and my grandfather had PD. I already knew, but didn't want to admit, that I had PD.

I wish it was as simple for you regarding a diagnosis. But, all Drs. are different and have different ideals when it comes to neurological diseases, it seems.

It seems like they should all follow the same standard in the steps taken to diagnose their patients.

You have a great attitude, though. Don't know if I would be as positive as you.

Thanks for being a good example,
Let us know how the appointment goes,

Tonya

Hey Tonya,

I saw the neuro today and she was great. Very thorough. She did an EMG there at the office and it sucks because it can't differentiate between my existing nerve damage from my fragmented disk and anything "new". My hand didn't show anything at all. But she did see my videos I made of the twitching and was grateful I made them.

I have a "working diagnosis" of focal dystonia. Sort of non-specific until further tests. She basically beat it down to 2 causes. Either focal epilepsy or something going on in my c-spine (the EMG showed degenerative changes). I have to have an EEG and a c-spine MRI. My neck is absolutely killing me since she stimulated it. I had a roaring migraine earlier, which has thanfully gone away now.

I was very impressed with her. She is the first doctor to address my chronically high C-reactive protein, which other doctors have always dismissed. She said she wants to do some research and see if there is a correlation between that and dystonias, and plans to ask some of the rheumatologists at the hospital what they think. She also said that because it's so high, it shows I'm already in an inflammatory state- any little injury or irritation could cause an exaggerated response in my system. I thought that was very interesting.

I will keep you posted, I'm going to try to get the MRI and EEG this week. I feel good that I'm finally on a path to a diagnosis.

Thanks!
Carly

She's sounds wonderful, Carly! I'm so pleased for you. I wonder how far the drive would be from West Texas if I make an appointment with her.

I find it interesting that we have the same problem areas, just different problems. I have C-spine degeneration and osteophytes, and dystonia. Neurological movement disorders all have similarities and differences.

We just need to learn how to outwit our disease.
Here's a youtube video of Billy McLaughlin telling how he cont. playing the guitar even after he got focal dystonia in his hand.

http://youtu.be/cNOkvG-15wA

I know you'll get some deserved help now that you've found the right doctor.

all the best,
Tonya