[whirlwind123]

Hi,
I have an appointment with a neurologist tomorrow., I don't know if he specializes as my GP made the appointment and advised me to talk my blood work results with me. I figured I will go , and if he is not as familiar with the MG as I feel comfortable with I will ask him to refer me to a Neuro that is. I have called various informational places and some are getting back to me on Monday with Doctors in the area., I figured I mineswhile go to this neuro and then go from there.
Specific things I should ask?
Thanks everyone.
Nancy

[erinhermes]

Take your list of symptoms!!!!!!!!!! Really, really important! My neuro and GP saw them and knew what I had, but still had to rule out MS - I cannot stress how important this is! Make sure your "new" neuro actually reads them!

He's gonna want to do some testing on you - pushing on your limbs to see how strong you are and checking your eyes with an ice pack/soda and make you look up for @ least 30 seconds to see your overall strength!

Please do not smoke or drink coffee before you go - or eat chocolate - you do not want anything messing with your results!

You may want to ask him/her how many patients with MG they have - but gently cos you know how fragile dr's egos are - LOL!

I hope your appt goes well and you are diagnosed right there! He may want to start you on Mestinon right then and there! That;s what mine did!

MY thoughts and prayers are with you!
Big, big hugs!
Erin

Originally Posted by whirlwind123

Hi,
I have an appointment with a neurologist tomorrow., I don't know if he specializes as my GP made the appointment and advised me to talk my blood work results with me. I figured I will go , and if he is not as familiar with the MG as I feel comfortable with I will ask him to refer me to a Neuro that is. I have called various informational places and some are getting back to me on Monday with Doctors in the area., I figured I mineswhile go to this neuro and then go from there.
Specific things I should ask?
Thanks everyone.
Nancy

[ras1256]

As Erin said, take your written symptoms list with you. Just makes life much easier as you go down the road.

I would ask how many MG patients he is currently treating, and maybe what he lists as his subspecialty.

If you're comfortable he has the knowledge/experience level you're looking for, I'd go for things like:
1 - If I have a question can I call and get answers from you through your staff or return phone call without having to save them for my next appointment?
2 - What if you're out of town and I have an urgent matter or emergency?
3 - What is our plan for now, re: tests, meds, etc.
4 - What is your preferred treatment plan.
5 - Specific recommendations for my activity level - walking distance, hours at work, exercise, weight and repetitive activity restrictions.....

Ask about preparation for any tests he may be ordering for you ( & let us know prior, too - Annie found some great info on this). Ask if they will call you with results, and about when you should expect that call.

I also like to find out how far out they schedule. It can be very frustrating to have to wait three months to get in to find out what is the next step! A good neuro will be busy, but there is a limit to my willingness to wait!

And don't forget, no question is a stupid question. At this time you need lots and lots of information. Ask anything you want - sometimes the responses can be very telling on how they will deal with you.

I hope this first one is a good fit for you! Best of luck on the appointment!

Originally Posted by whirlwind123

Hi,
I have an appointment with a neurologist tomorrow., I don't know if he specializes as my GP made the appointment and advised me to talk my blood work results with me. I figured I will go , and if he is not as familiar with the MG as I feel comfortable with I will ask him to refer me to a Neuro that is. I have called various informational places and some are getting back to me on Monday with Doctors in the area., I figured I mineswhile go to this neuro and then go from there.
Specific things I should ask?
Thanks everyone.
Nancy