What would you do?
 

My husband was diagnosed with MG by a neuro-opthomologist 18 months ago. His symptoms went away right after, and he is only now experiencing occasional eye droop and slight swallowing issues. But it's time to make some choices. Please help me out, here. After getting recommendations for MG specialists in Phila., we find that the earliest new patient appointment with one is in October. For a neurologist that the N-O doc recommended who is not specifically an MG specialist(AND is closer to us than Phila), we can get August. For a colleague of his who is newer to the practice and has about 10 years experience as a neurologist, late May to mid-June.

I'll list the choices and call the guys by the month they are available.
1. Grab the younger guy (Mr. June), and hope that he is willing to learn, and possibly be able to consult with the older, more experienced guy (Mr. August).
2. Wait for Mr. August because our neuro-opth recommended him (and see the neuro-opth for a Mestinon script for use if necessary in the meantime, as the old one expired?).
3. See the neuro-opth as a stop-gap while we wait to see the specialist (Mr. October).

I don't want my DH to be "doctorless" if the summer heat suddenly exacerbates his condition, as I've been warned that it can. Any opinions (and reasonings) gratefully received!

A doctor in the hand is worth two in the ER.

An N-O is not a sufficient doctor to treat, let alone diagnose, MG.

Why not get in earlier? If you don't like the way things go, you can always move on to plan B. You can actually have TWO appts. Consulting with an expert is a reasonable thing to do.

And swallowing issues are not a small thing. If he can't swallow well at all, he needs to be in the ER.

That's just my opinion. You have to do what you feel is right for you.

Annie

I'd explain that your nuero-opth thinks the issue may be MG. Does Doc#1 take possible MG patients? Based on how they handle your question, decide if this is the office/doc for you.

And it doesn't mean you can't make an appointment with Doc #2 now also. If you do really like #1, you can always cancel the apt with #2!! Otherwise, you have the appointment for a second opinion.

Regardless of which doc, it might be helpful to have a referral and prelim dx from your neuro-opth.

Significant wait time for neuros (esp new patient visits) is not unusual. The first doc I was recommended wanted me to fill out and provide all kinds of info BEFORE he would decide if he wanted to take my case!! Needless to say, I kept looking. Two neuros later, I found the right one for me!!

Good luck!

Good news - while our preferred MG specialist doesn't have an opening for new patients until fall, a current colleague of that doc has offered to see if he can finagle a spot much earlier. We'll know soon - thanks for the help!