Okay, when are you supposed to call your neuro?
 

I wonder if I've asked this before...
well anyway...the last time I saw my neuro in Sept., I brought a page-long list of sxs I had experienced over the previous 3 months.
At the end of the appt., he said, "Call if you have things going on...I don't want you to wait and bring a long list."
So, I try to fight through the sxs the way I did with my old neuro.
Question: am I supposed to call when I get a major problem of spasms kicking in again, or extreme fatigue, etc?
I don't want to be a hypochondriac. But I am unsure of when I need to give him a heads up.

I have a 48 hour rule. IF the new or worsening sx last more than 48 hours and I cannot find an explaination (Like a cold) for them then I call. But I also know that 9 times out of 10 there is nothi they can do for it. So I leave a note with the nurse...who leaves a note for the doc so that it goes in my file. If it is something that can be treated the doc will call me and ask if I want to try (Insert Random Medication here).

Most of the time, it is handled by phone with either the nurse or the doc. But there have been a few times where the doc has called and said "I need to see you!". But she also knows I am not a fan of conventional medicine, and I hate taking pills. So she knows that I will not take them unless it is really bad.

WOW that was a little long winded simple answer: if it lasts more than a day call your doc. :hug:

I think if it involves pain, or interferes a lot with your daily life, calling the neuro might be a good idea.

I was trying to live with the numbness in my left hand when it started, and made it about a week or two before I called the neuro and told him how painful it was and he called me in a Rx for prednisone. This was after seeing another neuro at his office (because my regular neuro was out of the office that week) AND seeing my regular doctor because I was also having problems with tendinitis in my elbows.

You need to call him Deb. He won't mind! He has gotten a bit disappointed in me in the past when I casually told him about new symptoms at a regular check-up, and say they've been going on for a month or two. :o (And I've done that several times.) :paperbag:

I hope that whatever it is, it will be better soon, my friend. :hug:

Call your Neuro, that's why he gets paid the big bucks. :D

Feel better soon. :hug:

You know, I really, really wish there was a hug button where the thank you button is...because when I read of your helpful and supportive suggestions, I just want to hug you all!!
I WILL call tomorrow...I am almost in tears (ok, I am teary) with the pain of the leg spasms tonight. My shins feel as if my muscles are going to tear my shin bones apart in front of my lower legs...I have increased the zanaflex, but it's not helping.
I am so so tired of this disease. I can't fully function. And I don't have severe sxs like so many do. I'm not in a wheelchair. I'm not in an electric scooter. I refuse to use a cane. But I am either in a lot of pain, or so tired, or wetting myself so often during the day that I just want to sleep. Constantly. For the rest of my life.
Sorry for the pity party. I just want to be normal again:(:(
Thanks again, all...:hug:

Feel better soon sweetie, here's one for you :hug:

It's a crappy disease you got that right, but you'll get through this. :)

I've had 2 neuros who have given me their e-mail address which I hope I never overuse. New medication things only so far. I have a time thing/rule of thing - OMG!!!!use Judgement and will call if needed. I have Baclofen (sp?) in the house, never needed or used, but PCP insists I have it ready and here if ever needed. I am guilty of not wanting to bother anyone and am trying to change my mindset. I know if I am not concise in E-mail I risk Dr. not paying complete attention. I had an English teacher who said "Cleanliness is not next to Godliness, brevity is" I had nothing but admiration for her.

Kicker, you said what I always think...I don't want to bother anyone. I know, logically, that the neuro is there to be bothered when these things come up.

But I honestly don't understand what to say when I call...do I say, "My spasms are awful again?" Or "I can't stay awake?" Even though I've had spells of spasms in the past that come and go after several weeks, do I call when they return and make me feel miserable?
I don't understand what he's going to be able to do...I'm taking the meds. I stretch (when I remember to). What is he going to be able to do? He knows I have these sxs off and on. So why should I call him to tell him I have them again?

I just don't understand, I guess. It's not like when you're expecting a baby and you begin to spot...these sxs are a part of my illness. He knows that. So I really, truly don't understand why I should call and tell him.
I guess this is the first time I've had a neuro who wants info. The past 2 didn't seem as "concerned", if that's the right term. Not that they didn't care...they seemed to kind of shrug their shoulders like, "eh".
Thanks again, all, for the info and especially the support. I was really down last night. A good night's sleep and a nice shower this morning makes the world bright again:D

Debbie, I definitley understand what you are feeling. My doctor is one of the ones that shrugs his shoulders. Or his nurse does. If I do call, I then have to wait for her to call back. I am usually at school so then I have to call back again. This goes on for about a week, and then she asks me if I want to try a new med and is so, what med? :rolleyes: So I usually avoid calling.

I hope you're feeling better today Deb. :hug: Maybe he could give you something for fatigue? I take Nuvigil now (it replaces Provigil) and I can't function without it. If I did have to stop taking it, I'd have to call off my job search because this is what keeps me awake during the day.

I call my neuro when something major is going on. We had an arguement the time before last since I wasn't calling him for major things.

I usually wait a couple of days to make sure it wasn't a push on my stubborn part that caused the symptoms. If not gone or if new, it's a call. If I fall because something wasn't acting right, I call just to let him know.

Hope you feel better. :hug::hug:

Call them Debbie, they understand. :hug: Let us know what they think.

i agree deb. time to call the dr. he's part of your medical team, of which you're a member. he needs to be kept in the loop. maybe he can make some med changes. something that will help you.

i hope you're called. let us know how you are.

Well...uh...I didn't call. At least not yet.
The fatigue seems to have faded away. The spasms are back, but again, that's an old sxs that comes and goes.
So I don't think I need to call...I guess:confused:

Hi Everyone!
 

I am newly diagnosed and so relate to not knowing whether to call or not. My Doc says to call her when something new happens but make sure to let her know if I want treatment for the symptom or not..Also, the MS clinic I go to has a handy checklist to go through that's colored coded so you know what's possibly important or not. I'll try to find it and post a link. Good luck!

Kats, that sounds like an efficient system your doc has...
And welcome to NT!!