I had my first visit to a neurologist this week and it was a good experience. My dread had been building all week, for what he might find and also for how I would be treated. I have heard some really bad stories about how Doctors respond to PN so my expectations weren't high.

So what happened, the advice on this forum and this blog by Dr Rob Lambert helped me to prepare. I made a list of my symptom history and questions so that I wouldn't forget during the consultation. I also brought previous scans and other records that I thought he might want to see.

Despite my anxiety I was careful to be courteous and not to rush. The Doctor in turn was patient, read the medical notes I had brought along and he asked me a lot of questions to build a detailed history. I could sense a rapport building through this process.

He then conducted a very slow and detailed physical exam that must have taken 20 minutes. This involved a lot of strength and coordination tests as well as a lot of prodding and reflex tests.

For me this was very reassuring. It reminded me of the ritual of medicine as described in this wonderful talk by Abraham Verghese: A doctor's touch. This is a video that all Doctors and patients should watch.

So I don't have any definitive answers yet, I definitely have some muscle weakness in my feet that is causing my pain, along with numbness and tingling. Next are some MRIs, EMG and a follow up visit, But I'm okay with this, I know I won't be in a wheelchair any time soon, and I have hope! I can learn to live with this condition, it has knocked me out of my complacency and allowed me to see my life for the blessing that it is.

There is a truly wonderful video that I have watched several times, that has lifted my spirits - gratitude