[Kitty]

I saw my neurologist this week for a follow up appointment after the IVSM I had in June.

Several things concerned me. First, I have been using my walker now for several years and he saw it in the room and commented that it was new and why I felt I needed it. I told him I've had it for several years and have been bringing it with me to appointments for quite a while.

Second, he has been pushing for me to get on Tysabri for a couple of years now but I've refused. Now that Tecfidera is no longer an option for me I've been researching Ty and told him that I'm thinking about trying it now. He said that Ty was a strong drug and might not be a good fit for me. What?? He's been trying to get me to take it for a couple of years......now, he acts like it's a brand new idea.

I told him he'd been trying to get me to take it for quite a while (is this stuff not in my medical records??) and that I'd been reading up on it. He finally said "well, we can try it" but didn't sound too convincing.

In his defense he has been diagnosed with cancer a few years ago and was out for a while doing chemo and radiation. He's been back full-time now for over a year and seems to be doing well.

He wanted me to have an MRI of my neck (I just had one of my brain.....why wasn't this done then??) so I am scheduled for one in August.

He just seemed disconnected. Sort of foggy. Maybe it had just been "one of those days" for him or he was tired. I know they have a lot to remember and I don't expect him to remember every detail about me.......but my walker is a constant with me and I've had it with me for several years in appointments with him. And the Ty thing......what's up with that?? He's asked me to consider it every time I've had an appointment and now he's acting like it's a new thought!

Maybe I'm overthinking this but I'm just concerned for him.....and for me, too!!

Edit to add: He's probably the same age as me (mid 50's) but could possibly be younger.

[mrsD]

I bet it is Chemo brain. That happens to some people. You'll have to be very vigilant with him. If he does not get mad when you correct him, I'd stick with him a bit. But research everything on your own if you aren't yet.

He may be still "good" on theory, but fuzzy on details.

[Jomar]

That would be concerning..
I'd see if same thing happens again at next visit..
But be careful of any new things he brings up as it might be problematic for you..

It might be a one day fogginess, but if happens more often, maybe he is working when he shouldn't be..and no one in the office or family, will suggest there is a problem and he should not be working at this time..
He might be trying to keep working to get the income... but peoples lives are at stake in that profession..

[Debbie D]

Good advice...be a proactive health care consumer, Kel...

[NurseNancy]

i agree with all the above advice. do you know what kind of Ca he had?
when you have another appt you might approach things from a more concern for him. he might open up to you so you could have an open conversation.

in the meantime (you're probably already doing this) get copies of the CD's and report for yourself. then you'll know what the results are before you go.

so, if you're honest with him about your concerns he might be honest in answering your Q's. but, come at him from a concerned point of view. i hope all this had made sense because it does in my head.

[mrsD]

My doctor told me all about her 2 cancers... after I asked.
She took a year off the heal. Thyroid and breast cancer.

She is 71 now. Practices 1/2 time only.