Thank you, Darlene.

I saw the neurologist and did not click with him at all. He lacked empathy and seemed to make absolutely no effort to understand the symptoms I was explaining. He said he "won't do an EEG" as long as I am on "all the medications" - as if I prescribed myself medication, as if I am to blame for being on meds.

I explained to the MD that I am on meds because of the symptoms. He just shrugged. This, after seeing a psychiatrist a few days ago (the one who referred me to the neuro, and whom I feel is a very caring doctor)...a psychiatrist who kept telling me that she doesn't believe I am taking enough medication to treat my symptoms.

Ahhh...a big waste of my day and a 50-mile trip. I did message my psychiatrist and let her know that I found the neurologist very unhelpful.

PoppyRoad,
This is exactly what gives Neuros a bad reputation everywhere. For years I saw different ones in the same Clinic EVERY TIME I had an appt. Only one was helpful, all had their own differing ideas on meds, they never engaged because they would be gone by my next appt.
Hopefully, seeing the top Consultant next week - necessary to interpret my brain MRI, and to bring up other issues - will resolve this problem. You should not give up on seeking the right Dr to give you the correct treatment. I have been lucky, I have an excellent Pain Management Team and - until now - have not needed to go back to a Neuro.
The answers are out there.

Dave.

Wow, thank you for your reply. I had no idea that neuros often have bad reputations among patients. I assumed that because neuros are supposedly so well-educated that they could be trusted above any other MD's. I was so shaken up by my appointment...I felt like the neuro was snarky to the point of being abusive.

I certainly hope your appointment next week brings answers, good answers, for you, Dave.

Hi PoppyRoad,

Sorry to hear your appointment did not go better. So frustrating going through that and feeling you wasted your time. I don't know what it is with neurology as a specialty. Having known many neurologists from work experience I found that only very few of them seemed personable, maybe just one of those things. However, there is a big difference between feeling a doctor wasn't personable and just plain didn't listen or blew you off. I think with specialists you expect will need to follow you for some time it is vital that you feel comfortable they are taking what you say into account. I have decided that for me it is less important to like my doctor than to feel confidence in them, but if they don't listen then forget it! There are some great doctors out there and there is no reason to settle. Sometimes it takes a few consults to find a keeper.

Littlepaw

PoppyRoad,

In today world it is hard to find a neuro who will listen and take the time with you. For years (40 years) I was always going through what you have been. Then I saw a neuro who worked with me and listened. It was him who work with my meds since ever since I develop them, the new meds help alot, but not enough. So I did go to see the Epileptologist which he got me into. This one was located in Dallas, and after the testing he put me through, I decide to have surgery. My sugery took place in December 2009, and since then I have not had a seizure.

There are ones out there that will listen, it is just hard to find them. I hope you are close to a medical center like I did. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Thank you Lp and Darlene. Your experiences are very helpful. It sure is strange that oftentimes medical specialists lack the ability to connect well with people. Seems like many specialists could use a few classes in human communication skills.