Brain
 

Anyone have suggestions for a good Neuro Psychologist in Omaha Nebraska? Been trying to handle this thing on my own. Not going so good lately. Need someone to help me deal with not being able to do the things I loved to do before CRPS. Example and most importantly: Play/care for my Grandbabies ... and then there is hiking and biking and reading for pleasure, etc., too. Damn it! Would be so greatfull for a suggestion. I had the name of one but she is no longer available, I'm guessing due to retirement. I am afraid. I need a good one.

Guess I'll be hitting the Yellow Pages for a neuro psych. Always scary though when I have no idea about who I'm seeing, especially a psychologist. There are a few neuro psych listed on the web too. The therapist recommended by my Neurologist has in fact retired. The Nurse in that office is looking to find one for me with specific training to help me, a neuro patient with a movement disorder. I've got a call in to both my Neuro and Internist. In the meantime, I still got my feelers out.

I am sorry to hear you are having a tough time coping (we all do at some point). I hope you find someone you click with who can help you through this. I haven't needed extra help yet but I understand what you are going through. I manage but can't help those thoughts that creep in where I miss being able to do all those things I loved or how much easier things were before. Take care.

Thank you Catra. I really am worried about getting a good Psychologist. I realize that I might have to see a Psychologist without the neuro background. I haven't given up yet though. I know there are other neuro patients in Omaha besides me who need psych help.

I am having difficulties coping with not being physically able to care for my Grandbabies. That hurts the most. I think I'll feel better when/if I can talk it out.

Hi,
I have only been diagnosed with RSD now for about 6 weeks.I too am very upset about the things I can't do with my Grandbabies that I use to.My Daughter is having another baby in 3 weeks and I'm scared that I wont even be able to hold him in fear that I may drop him.

BabyBlues,
Exactly. That is my issue too. I have 3 beautiful Grandbabies. 4 1/2 years, 10 mos, and 4 mos. All three girls. I love them so much. I want to be there for them and their moms (my 2 daughters). It makes me cry that I don't have the strength anymore due to too much pain. I have been dealing with the downfalls of CRPS on my own up to now, but I can see that I need some help now.

Like has been said before ... I miss all those things I used to be able to do that I cannot do anymore. Hiking, biking, reading for pleasure, working, driving, beading, drawing, painting, holding my Grandbabies, etc.

I hope you are able to come to terms with the disorder too, although I don't believe it is that simple. It is a fight and not just for the ability to walk or hold your Grandbabies pain free. There is the emotional connection too. I am sad, angry, frustrated, and overwhelmed. I am hoping for better for you BabyBlues. I pray that you will have both the emotional and physical strength to hold your new grand baby.

Are you sure that you need a good neuro psych ?

My family is dealing with a long waiting list to get my mom, newly dx'd with Parkinson's and dementia, in to see a good neuro psych MD for testing. The neuropsych testing has to be done by someone with some expertise in that area.

For many issues of grieving losses, like our losses in physical abilities and hobbies that we can no longer participate in, or at least not as much as we would like to be able to (the issues that you describe, above)..... most therapists, like a licensed social worker, will be very comfortable and competent dealing with clients with this type of loss.

I want to see a specialist for my RSD. For me, that's my neurologist and the pain clinic.

My RSD may have caused or contributed to my depression, but where the RSD is an uncommon problem, depression is a common problem, so I feel very comfortable with a more common practitioner helping me manage that problem. For me, that means seeing a Clinical Nurse Specialist for meds and a Licensed Social Worker for ongoing counseling.

You've got to choose someone that you feel confident can help you manage the issues. If you feel you need a certain level of expertise, then you should pursue that. If your needs aren't that complex and you can get help quicker and easier from a more local practitioner, then I hope that you'll consider that too.

Thanks for your response finz. I am sure I need a good therapist be it a psychologist or social worker or nurse, etc. I want them to understand my disorders: CRPS, Dystonia, spasticity. I am worried that I might get 'beet up' or misunderstood by someone who is unsympathetic. I have not been to a therapist (marriage counselor many years ago) in a very long time. The experience worries me.

I was evaluated by a neuro psychologist prior to my diagnosis of CRPS. I contacted him a few days ago. He only does patient evaluations; he does not do patient therapy. He suggested that I see psychologist M.D. He gave me a number to a medical practice to call. None are neuro psychologists.

Thank you for your suggestion. I think I will have to go that route. The longer I fret over what type of therapist i need, the more opportunity I have to sulk over my losses.

Health Psychologist
 

You might try googling for a "health psychologist." They are people specifically trained for helping people cope with health issues. They can have insight into the specific stresses of chronic health problems that other therapists don't.

Lori