[mouka]

Hi all,

I have finally decided to seek expert opinions from an MDS specialist. I will be back in the US in 3 days. Then I will need to see an MDS immediately.
I was wondering if anybody here has some recommendations for a seasoned MDS in the Chicago area.
I Googled a little and found several hospitals with MDS specialists or teams of doctors. Dupage hospital being the closest and most convenient for me. But I am willing to travel anywhere within the Chicago are to get the best MDS specialist.
I live in Naperville, which is around 35 miles southwest of Chicago. I know that at least three large university hospitals have MDS teams.
I am just seeking input from someone here that has done the research and can recommend someone or some hospital.

Thanks for your help!

[Tupelo3]

I've already given you three excellent choices:

1. The Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center at Rush University Medical Center
2. The University of Chicago Center for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders
3. The Northwestern University's Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center

Keep in mind, as you have been advised by many, if you see enough doctors, at least one is likely to diagnosis you with PD.

[mouka]

Originally Posted by Tupelo3

Keep in mind, as you have been advised by many, if you see enough doctors, at least one is likely to diagnosis you with PD.

I am not running after a positive diagnosis. I am going after answers to my questions and relief from the symptoms I am feeling. That's all.
I am praying god almighty I don't have PD or any other degenerative disease. But I am not very optimistic. People around me keep telling I am just stressed out. But I know it's not just stress related. My muscles twitch all the time. I must contract my biceps enormously to be able to have fine motor control.
If I drive my car for a little while, my leg muscles cramp. My back muscles are also cramped.
I woke up the other night with my left hand completely numb thinking it's a stroke.
These are not things I am making up. These are real symptoms I actually am feeling.
I am struggling with insomnia for a couple of weeks now. I cannot sleep without pills. And even pills buy me a couple of hours of restless sleep.
I want now to see a MDS to help me figure out what's wrong with me. Because there is something seriously wrong with me.
My tongue is all twisted. I am having trouble with words and my voice has gotten softer.
I am not looking for a diagnosis here. I am just seeking advice from people that might have had gone through the same stuff I am currently going through.

[Chemar]

Mouka
let's please try to keep this thread on topic related to the medical professionals you asked about

Your other thread already details the symptoms you have experienced.

Tupelo3 gave you 3 suggestions in the post above.

[mouka]

I have tried to see an MDS. But I have been told that I needed to be diagnosed with a movement disorder first before I can see one. At least that's what MDS at Rush hospital told me.
Is this some type of catch 22? You need to be diagnosed with a movement disorder before you can see a MDS?
I thought that MDS could diagnose PD or other motor disorders better than other neurologists.
Am I missing something?

[ParkiWife]

Originally Posted by mouka

Hi all,

I have finally decided to seek expert opinions from an MDS specialist. I will be back in the US in 3 days. Then I will need to see an MDS immediately.
I was wondering if anybody here has some recommendations for a seasoned MDS in the Chicago area.
I Googled a little and found several hospitals with MDS specialists or teams of doctors. Dupage hospital being the closest and most convenient for me. But I am willing to travel anywhere within the Chicago are to get the best MDS specialist.
I live in Naperville, which is around 35 miles southwest of Chicago. I know that at least three large university hospitals have MDS teams.
I am just seeking input from someone here that has done the research and can recommend someone or some hospital.

Thanks for your help!

We lived for 27 years in Oak Brook (we retired 3 years ago due to the PD), and after years at Northwestern, we turned to Dr. Christopher Goetz at Rush's Movement Disorder Clinic. Brightest man I've ever met. I learned more from him in 30 minutes than I had in all the previous 5 years of visits to his doc at Northwestern. It takes about 6 months to get in to see Dr. Goetz, but I cannot recommend him enough. Insist on seeing him, although you will see people from his entire team. That's just the way it goes at a teaching institution. He is really into research, too, so don't be surprised if he asks if you want to participate in some of it. He is worth the wait, believe me.

Good luck.

Roberta

[mouka]

I tried Rush Movement Disorder about a week ago. But I was told I needed to be diagnosed with PD first. And I haven't been diagnosed with anything yet.

[Tupelo3]

Originally Posted by mouka

I tried Rush Movement Disorder about a week ago. But I was told I needed to be diagnosed with PD first. And I haven't been diagnosed with anything yet.

Actually, I believe you have informed us that you have been diagnosed, except not with PD. You told us you were DX with hyperthyroidism.

"An interesting thing happened today. I went to see my doctor Tuesday, he ordered some blood tests, and today when I went back, he said I had hyperthyroidism."

[Jomar]

#1 - You need a full and unbiased work up first.
One not looking for PD or anything specific.

#2 - While searching to find a PD dx only, you could be missing something else.

Very few drs will dx you based on a 1 time appt , and only with sx being told to them, that is not how it works.
They need to see & test & document over time, unless the sx are very clear & apparent during the appt..

Best of luck on your health journey.

[ParkiWife]

Originally Posted by mouka

I tried Rush Movement Disorder about a week ago. But I was told I needed to be diagnosed with PD first. And I haven't been diagnosed with anything yet.

This is true. They are there to deal with diagnosed patients. I would start with your internist or a general neurologist and let them do a thorough workup, after you have detailed your issues to them. There are no definitive tests (for example, blood test, etc.) for diagnosing PD. The diagnosis is based upon symptoms and if you respond to the medicine.