Trying to get into new doc is aggrivating!
 

So my neuro retired, at first I didn't run off and try to find a new one knowing I had the appt at UCSF. Then the tremors started two weeks ago. I called around to everybody within reasonable distance. Because both my neuro and another one left, there is almost nobody. I finally found one that is supposed to be good. Sent over my info, and at first when they called yesterday they were going to make an appt. I filled them in on what's been happening over the last couple weeks and the MRI I had.

They called me this morning and told me that no, they don't want to see me now, and to wait for the appt at UCSF. I thought maybe she could at least order tests before I got there, but was told that they'd send me over there for tests anyway.

I am assuming that I'm so bad or complex that they just want to keep me at the best place around here. This means that every single time I have to see a neuro I have to drive into the city (and really drive, they're not near BART unfortunately [which is like the subway]). At least I know they're kick butt and all. But I know that even follow up appts will be a longer waiting time then I'd like. My appt is 9/10. Anybody know what the follow up timing is at these big university hospitals? I know somebody on here has been to that hospital and said I'd be in good hands.

You're like me - but I had to fire my neuro because he hasn't done anything to help me after my diagnosis.

I am going to an MS Center for the first time August 19th - which I made the appt about a month or so ago. So yeah I'm still waiting as well.

Chaos - It could be that they don't want to start care and then you are going to leave OR they provide a care that the UCSF doctor will not keep you on. It also could be they don't feel as competent as the drs at UCSF. There could be other reasons as well but those were my first thoughts. Where I live, switching neuros is difficult because none of the neuros wants to "steal" patients from another one. I experienced that when I switched. I did explain to my new neuro the reason for switching and he was on board with it and understood my reason for switching.

You can always be put on a cancellation list and may get in sooner. I did that with my rheumatologist and got in within a week as opposed to 2 months. I hope that they can help you at UCSF and that when you appointment finally gets here, things will go well for you.:hug:

Would this neuro, you called today, be closer to you? How long, was their wait time? Could your primary, book an appointment for you?

When I was first referred to a neurologist, in '07, my wait time was a couple of weeks. My GP booked it for me. Of course, that office is fully staffed and rather large, in my opinion.

Hope all goes well. Two months, is a long time to deal with tremors. :hug:

I understand the frustration. I'm not diagnosed as of yet. My first bad symptoms were in February, well ones that finally caused me to seek some answers. It took 2 months to get in to see a neurologist (April) and that appointment was set by my PCP. Then another 6 weeks for a follow up (end of May). Fired her cause she basically told me I had a stomach flu, googled, and now am making things up. :mad: My PCP referred me to a new neurologist and set that appointment which was another 2 month wait (end of July). Last week got a call that neurologist is retiring and they set me a new appointment with another neurologist... for the end of August. :( It's been a long road with symptoms nearly the entire time including intention tremors, legs spasming and in pain, legs going tight at night... muscles just all clenching and god that hurts.

Very frustrated at this point and getting a bit angry.

So sorry Juniebear that you are getting the run around and having to wait. It seems like that situation has become quite common.

Maybe your PCP can help you with some symptom control until you get in to the neuro. It helps to tell your PCP when you go in that you are "really suffering and are at your wits end" when you ask about symptom control.

There are many medications and therapies that can help with the spasticity and other symptoms so it may be a bit of trial and error; but maybe you should begin that process rather than wait in pain and frustration.
You might also inquire about getting some physio, massage therapy etc.

With love, Erika :hug:

Wow that sounds so frustrating. I was able to see my neuro for an initial visit after only 5 weeks and had the MRI 5 days later! That sounded like great progress to me until I realized I needed to wait four fricken months before I had my follow up. Sheesh. Nothing like waiting for answers to drive you batty!

Hang in there...