This week I will be seeing a new neuro - my last neuro has seen me for two years - gave me ivig - and when he was in a good mood - decent to be around (when not - run) - also, good technically... due to the nightmare of this disablity review I just went thru (Fanfaire I know can identify with this - the company does all they can do hassel the docs on their end and he didnt want to do the forms to start) - I no longer feel we have a workable relationship.....

I have all tests since I got sick - the NCS/EMG's that show progressive damage, sural nerve biopsy, etc ...... I also have my LizaJane spreadsheets up to date....(but dont want to show up with too much info - whats appropriate here?) what I want to do is find a new doctor to work with on an on-going basis who will give me his opinioin - do anything else he feels necessary, etc... (I'm going to beg for a lumbar spine mri).... problem is - though not at the same hospital - these docs gossip - they make the View look tame - I asked my skin cancer doc last week (both she and her husband are docs and I've known her for 25 years so knew she would be honest) and she said to just ask him to please keep this confidential - and look at me as a new challenge - but she did admit that most often this is not done....

Suggestions anyone? I dont want to say anything derogatory about the last doc - he was good - but got weirded out with the disablity hassles and then downright impossible.... I need to go forward with my care - and need to find someone quickly as I can....

Appreciate any help... (I know my personality doesnt help - I had a very kind sincere doc stop me in mid-sentence once when I first got sick - he knew I wasnt feeling good at all 'cause he had just done allergy testing and I had gone into shock in his office but was still smiling after a pretty darn scary experience - he said its hard to tell I'm not feeling well cause I dont come in moping and crying).... do I need to not smile? Tape my mouth shut? Seriously, I dont know what to do..!

Hi Kmeb

I cannot understand what could be wrong with your personality from all the postings I have read from you. You seem to be very realistic and controlled and you certainly dont have to go in to see any medic with a grim face or crying.

I do so hope you find a new doc soon who will be able to help you. At such a long distance from you I really cant help - wish I could. Anyway you have my thoughts and prayers as usual.

Tony

Hi Tony - my personality - I've been told I'm very animated - talk with my hands, smile a lot, etc.. even when not feeling well at all - and it works against me in situations like this!

And I still do not know what to suggest. Do you have anyone you can take with you? Tell the doctor you are nervous. Put your hands in your lap and hold them together. Look at him and ask him to please help you.

Kmeb, I just don't know what to say. It's just a difficult position.

Billye

I have changed doctors and the new doctor never asked why i stopped going to the old doctor.....i wouldnt volunteer anything doctor wise, just give a synopsis of your problems and some history. As stupid as it sounds, i really think you should try not smiling while you talk to them, it sends a mixed message between your words and facial expressions.......you dont have to cry but being subdued about it i think would help.

Yup Kmeb--I am just like you, always with a smile. My primary doc tells me I always come in looking so happy and healthy, he just can't believe I do not feel well. I simply tell him that I do not have to make him feel bad simply because I do. I go to work with headaches that most people would not crawl out of bed with and I still smile--I just don't know how to act otherwise.