My Neuro isn't an Ogre after all!
 

Went to 9 mo. neuro appt. today. Was dreading it b/c Tamara, the really nice PA, no longer works there. Hardly have talked to the doc and knew he had no bedside manner.

HOWEVER, I was pleasantly surprised! Because of the snowstorm, DH and I were the only ones in the office. So, Dr. actually sat down and we made conversation! Woohoo! (Well, sort of: I asked lots of questions -- even personal ones -- and he answered them.)

When DH got a phone call, Dr. and I kept conversing. Happy to say I feel better about him now. He answered every question I could think of about Tysabri. Will be starting that in about a month.

I was seriously considering changing neuros, but there are only 3 MS specialists in the whole state. He's old (72) and prickly, but Harvard educated and committed to helping patients be informed so we can make the decisions that are best for us.

Guess I'll keep him after all.

I'm so pleased your appointment went well Ro, and I'm thrilled for you that you'll be starting Tysabri soon!

Australia is still in the testing phase for Ty, so I guess it'll be quite some time before it's offered as a treatment here.

It's rather good that you didn't give this neuro away considering this very positive visit for you.

I also saw a neuro this week.....a new one for me! Every time I move house it seems I have to find a new Neuro! The fact that I move states obviously has something to do with that! :-)

He's ordered a new MRI of my brain and cervical spine ('cos of my recent exacerbation), and he mentioned some other test I've never heard of....similar to the VER (or) VEP) I had of my optic nerves, just on my spinal nerves this time instead!

He also asked me what medications I was on for MS. I told him what I'd tried and why I wasn't on anything. He said if I got worse, or had a bad relapse, he'd be giving me chemo..! Not sure that I'm too happy about that. I can't even remember the name of the drug he said 'cos I was a bit too stunned to take it in at the time. I do remember it wasn't any of the ones like Methotrexate, because I'd remember that.

I go back to see him in 4 weeks time to get the MRI results and may have to ask him again. I doubt very much that he'll get me to agree to chemo!

:Head-Spin::Head-Spin:>>>My Neuro isn't an Ogre after all! <<<


Are you sure??? I could have sworn I saw him under the bridge just last week waiting for the 3 billy goats gruff...

But maybe I was mistaken :p


Glad you made "friends" with the doc. I firmly believe it's much easier to have your needs met when the you and the doc are more on the same page.

Happy for you! :Head-Spin:

No that was my neuro you saw under the bridge. :rolleyes:

WOW, well thank goodness for the SNOW... go figure!!
Hope he continues to be a caring sense of support and knowledge for you.

Did your DH comment on his change at all??

Warmly Jan

Hot diggity! I am so glad you made a connection to him. Hopefully this continues well into the future. Congratulations!!!! You must be so happy and relieved:):):)

I'm glad you feel better about your neuro! That is GOOD news!

Yay for snowstorms! It's so nice have some unexpected free moments to make a personal connection with someone you otherwise never could.

I loved chatting with the patrons at the library where I used to work, but where I work now is way too busy for that to happen except occasionally, even though I know many patrons would like to chat with us, learn stuff about the library, make a little connection with the folks who bring them their beloved books. But there's almost always six or fifteen people in line behind them, so we can rarely do that.

Once when I took a friend to an appointment with a prominent dizziness specialist, it was the end of the day and we ended up chatting with him and his wife. We got to hear tales of how he was a forest-fire lookout in his younger days. Who'd a thunk! And this guy that I always thought looked so gruff actually seemed shy and very human.

Well, T-toes, I hope your neurologist continues to be a good one for you!

Nancy T.

Fantastic...good for you!! How was the drive home...as far as the snow goes...when your from the north country driving in snow just makes for interesting driving...keeps me awake...

It was great spending time with you and Paul on Thursday evening. I got the pictuce...good one, now how do I get it to a printing state...take care!!!:wink:

Glad to hear that the snowstorm was a blessing in disguise. Glad you had a real talk with the neuro. :)

I'm glad to hear that you made it to your appointment and that it went well. I go for ty#3 on Wednesday so if you have any questions, just let me know. :hug:

Hi Rochelle,

Well, so your neuro puts on his pants the same way you do? How refreshing. You caught him on a good day and not too busy. He probably relied heavily on his PA, who I'm sure was younger, to assist his patients.

Now he is back to practicing medicine by himself for now and has to put his personality back into his practice.

It was refreshing to read your post and I agree that you should stick with this neuro as you can always find a new one later on. He is probably thinking retirement at sometime soon.

Thanks to everyone! Wasn't expecting many responses, so each is very much appreciated. Sorry I am late in responding, but have been out of town (it's Tamiloo's fault!!!) :D J/K

Craig, interesting you bring up retirement. I questioned him about this, and he claims he will never retire until forced to do so.

Dr. said that he became an MS specialist about 6 years ago. He has been a neuro for years, even during WWII in the Navy.

He explained that because he was getting old, he didn't want to have to stay on top of every neurological issue, so decided to specialize.

I know he won't outlive my MS, and must put off wondering what to do when he's no longer available. I'll worry about that when the time comes!

Twas not my fault...you are the party animal...:Excited:

I came home and went back while you were still playing...don't know if I will ever catch up on my rest....:Zzzz:

Great news Twink! I am so glad to hear you were able to connect with your neuro. It sure does make it easier when you connect on a more personal level, doesn't it?

As for the Tysabri thing, WOW! I sure hope it goes well for you and that you check in on our Tysabri thread! We'll be waiting to hear how it goes for you!

And then, on top of all your other news, you got to spend time with a board buddy again! Jeeez, you sure do get around!!:p Glad to hear you, DH, Tamiloo and the Ol' Hippie had fun!!!

That is great Ro!!! Good luck with the tysabri and your next visits with the Doc!:p

Good wishes starting the Ty! My Optho/Neuro is convinced that Ty is the way to go....IF I had been dx'ed...he was just sharing with me that if I did get a dx, he'd recommend it more than the copaxone.....Snow storms do slow things down a bit huh :D Glad you got some quality time with the neuro!! HUGS!

Hey Twink!!!!

Whew, I finally made it!

I'm sooo glad you are liking your Neuro, that is very important!

Hope to catch you on chat.

Love ya!

Thanks everyone!

Riverwild, about the GTG with Tamiloo and Olhipie: What happens in Salt Lake City, STAYS in Salt Lake City! LOL! As IF! *roll eyes*

GJ, glad to see you still around! Cool avatar. Is there a polar bear in there somewhere?

Yes, I am reading the Tysabri thread with interest. Will definitely be checking in there frequently.

Thanks again people!

Heya sweets! I'm so glad it worked out for you. I know how hard it can be to find a specialist in the land of Zion. Take care and let us know how it all works out.