One word of advice - I'd talk to any doc at the teaching hospital to be sure they are going to be your personal doctor and that they are not just supervising a bunch of students or interns that actually will be treating you.... These hospitals typically have great facitlities, etc.... but, (I've had this experience more then once) when hospitalized for days at a time never once saw MY doctor - just students who where actually very limited in knowledge and sent me home, just to be sent back again by my doc... Its fine to have students etc watching the exam - but again, I'd be sure you get his or her personal attention!!!!!!!

The absolute best way to get to a good doc is to be referred by a good doc. If that had not happened for me...it would all still be 'in my head'. I was referred to a neurologlist, and the cardiologist who referred me, literally had to beg...had to make several phone calls...and it still took 6 weeks to get in...originally it was to take 6 months, then went down to 3 months...then I called and told them I thought I would croak by then, so they got me in. Obviously, I did not croak...that was more than 3 years ago.

I agree with kmeb, you want the doc to be your doc...students can watch and come in, but not case manage. Now and then students come in, but usually, I do get my doc to myself, and they are available to me, will call me and they collaborate on my case. They listen to what I have to say, and if I am off base they tell me why...if I am on or near target, they follow up on what I present to them. Some days they are busy and I don't get the time I would like, other times, they spend more time with me than they have to spend.

If every one got this level of care, we would have fewer disgruntled patients...that said, I still have unresolved issues such as pain.

It sounds like you need some one to remediate a procedure that went poorly...so you need some one who is willing to do that. Don't speak any ill of any previous physician or it is an immediate red flag to the new physician.

I have no idea how things work in Australia. I wish I could help. Perhaps other from down under, can help with your questions about good facilities.

Can you locate the 3 or 4 largest hospitals in your area or closest city. Call them and ask to speak to neurosciences or the department that you are intrested in. Then when you get transfered ask them if they offer what you require such as autonomic testing,small fibre testing, ect.

Sometimes the best way to get what you need is go straight to the source and ask them "yes or no."

I was a nurse in 2 large teaching hospital, K the cat is so right, you end
up many times with the 4th year resident and the med students who
at least read your records,here in the US you usually have to turn on
a computer,but even if some do,they sometimes have to stand on there
head to read your report..Most Drs. have theses floating nurses ,well office
help, that over book.. I wish you all the luck this weekend,hope you a
safe trip ,i'll say a big old prayer that you don't have pain. It's alfull to pay
so much money for something you can't use,i have been there. It's
starting to get let's see food pain relieve or gas for the car.

I found a Dr. who has begged his other Dr. friends for help for me,it shouldn't
be that way,as C has said many of times,things must change all over,
these drs need to do more then open books in Med School,the answer I hear the most
is that Dr. your waiting for is in sugery,now I would want him there if I
needed him,but the office woman tell her you traved a long way for her overboooking..But that might be a new office worker,never mind..

Well enough of this nonsence,please let us know how you are and really many blessings. Sue You do sound like you live in a neat place..

Liz, i would ring around as Aussie said and try to get opinion's of the best person to see for your problem, it's not going to be easy but very well worth it if you can nail down a good neuro who is experienced in PN.
Then get a refferal off your GP to see them in their own private consulting rooms, if you went through the hospital system it may take a couple of years to get in to see them the way our health system works these days and you could very possibly end up seeing one of the neuro's students, there is no way i would go down that track.
good luck
Brian

Are you between Aussi and Bian,I demand they rent a net jet and take you.
No has to be Brian ,Aussi hurt her back took some pain pills and is off
with some lovely Aliens. Brian get a move on ,you got a great Dr. Sue

good one Sue, i would if i could believe me
Trouble is, Liz lives up the top of Australia in Queensland and i am down the very bottom of Australia, it's a looooooooooooong way away.

Brian