fed up with small town hospitals... what to do?
 

I live in a small town and when I do have issues that may (or may not because I need some professional to help figure it out) the doctors know little about MG and most of the time the things they know are out of the ball park most times. As you all know that MG is rare so you can't expect the facts to be well known...
The dilemma is the nearest hospital that does know a lot about MG is 2 hours away!
A long way to go to find out that the symptoms I am having may/may not be MG related.... 2 hour drive, likely 3 hours there and another 2 hours home.
anyone else have the same ignorance with the hospitals in your area?

any opinions welcomed!

randy

MOST definitely!!!! I was in for 5 days with unrelated problem but in those 5 days did not see one doctor or nurse that knew a thing about MG. I have to travel out of town for IVIG treatments, my local hospital won't give them.
Mike

I am in the same situation. I have, for the course of the MG so far, been 110 miles away from my neuro. I live in a small, basically clueless town. However, I have made it work.

Here's how:

1. I found a GOOD primary care doctor who I could trust, and who seemed to be reasonably knowledgeable about MG. His knowledge has increased over the years. ;)

2. My neuro works WITH my PCP. They communicate when needed (which hasn't been often.) They each know the drugs I use and are comfortable with those.

3. I became very knowledgeable about MG. The times I have had to be hospitalized locally, I have discussed my issues with the staff in the ER and have been able to make sure things were done right until my PCP took charge. My dh knows enough as well to keep mistakes from being made if I am unable to communicate (which has happened).

4. I learned not to go into the local hospital with an attitude of "they are all so stupid!" Can you imagine trying to help a client who felt that about you? Give them a chance, educate them. You might be surprised!

Good luck!

Hello slip
 

I lived in a small town to begin with also. I wound up going to Mayo clinic for diagnostic evaluation, then to a university hospital in Missouri, where I finally made my residence, so I could receive the help I needed. sometimes in those situations, you need to go to where you can get evaluated the best, even if it means travel and inconvience. The small town doctors do not have all the evaluation methods needed for diagnosis and treatment. I did leave my home, and my family for a time to live near the place of treatment. Eventually my family joined me in the new location. I have no regrets in going to the hospital that helped me, even though it turned my life upside down. I went to a teaching hospital where they had the newest treatments, it was one that Mayo clinic recommended. After therapy, I moved to Fla. after making sure, there were facilities near by that were capable. I wish you all the best. ginnie