? about your doctors
 

What does your neuro do for you that your pcp doesn't? I don't see a neuro so just wondering.

My neuro sees me once a year. If I'm doing well she just sits and interviews me as to what all ins going on in my life. Usually does no exam.

If you are seeing a Neuro, usually your PCP is not willing to do anything for your MS. I liked my PCP, so stopped seeing Neuro when I became SPMS. He could do no more, for me, that less expensive Doc could..:)

Also, what more can the neuro do besides the steroids and my pcp said he would do that. I was dx 16 years ago and probable had it before then, taking ldn now, My pcp put me on it, the neuro I was seeing wouldn't even discuss it with me, so what else can be done.

My pcp encourages me to see the neuro, since he is much more familiar with MS disease process and treatment...I respect her for it, since many docs don't want other docs meddling in their treatment.
My neuro sees me every 6 months or if a problem comes up. He checks reflexes and has me do a closed-eye stand to see how my balance is doing. That is the main way, along with my gait, that he can tell how I am doing. He also sits for as long as I need to listen to what's going on. I love him.

All neuro`s aren`t created equal, my first two in my opinion were arrogant idiots. They couldn`t diagnose me even with me telling them exactly what I had and what tests I needed.

My current one is cool, we have an understanding. He is aware that I am aware, I am not going to take pills, treatments, anything with out researching it myself. He would like to see me every 6 months, but I told him every couple of years unless something out of the ordinary happens.

I am not a hypochondriac, I don`t like to pop pills just because, so I don`t ask for anything I don`t feel I don`t truly need to get by. If I need something we discuss it and he tends to agree, my logic is usually inescapable.

I have Kaiser for insurance, so I go through their network, the neuro will only handle issues related to the neurological problems, but doesn`t hesitate to refer me to my pcp or other specialized departments.

I see my neuro once a year and he's the meanie that keeps sending me for MRI's. :mad: He asks a lot of questions, how am I feeling, how is my fatigue, do I have any concerns. He also tests my balance, reflexes and has me do a quick walk in the hallway which he times. When I do venture in and see my PCP, he asks me questions about my MS and seems knowledgeable about it. It makes me feel good knowing that both my doctors are concerned about my overall health and I feel like we are all working together as a team.

My neuro is quite happy to chat and tell me what advances are being made into MS. He pretty much writes whatever prescription I ask him to (which is usually only for Ty, a low dose of an antidepressant, and an occasional sleeping tablet to take on the nights when my brain doesn't switch off or my legs/feet won't stop burning. There is no longer any examination, but he does interpret my MRI results.

Then he charges me 5 times what my GP charges.

Lyn

The main differences in my experience?

The GP is much more accessible than the neuro (I see the neuro MAYBE once a year).

The neuro tries to push the big pharmas on me (Copaxone, Tysabri, etc), while my GP is pretty much in agreement with my decision NOT to take these medications.

Exactly, and my PCP cares more about meeeee!:)

My first Neuro I liked...but then then she was the one who diagnosed me. Then I moved and my new guy has the personality of a snail. I won't know what I really think of him until I have a bigger problem. Otherwise I see him 2x a year and he does the exam and asks me if I need any refills on my meds. I have thought about cutting my Neuro down to once a year.