What was your first visit like? Do these tests hurt?
 

I have never been to the neurologist as many of you have, I have read a lot here but now it is more real and I am scared.

Can you share your first visit? What can I expect? Do these tests hurt? What drugs should I try first and which ones are awful? I no drugs are different with each person and all you can share is your own story.

I don't do doctors well. I am terrified. Maybe that is why I avoided this for so long. I have had such horrid experiences with them just with my thyroid.

thanks for sharing

First visit to local neurologist was frustrating because he didn't want to listen to my complicated history; second visit was much better.

First visit to the specialist he referred me to was great--very attentive, willing to look at my written summary of my medical saga.

EMG and NCV tests didn't hurt me--sometimes made me jump, but not with pain.

None of my meds has been awful, but I take low dosages (Pamelor and Neurontin).

Personal advice about the visit: have somebody else there to help listen and even ask questions you might forget about.

GOOD LUCK.

Lynn

My suggestion is to write out a short summary of your history and specific list of symptoms (in order of significance) to give him/her. It is very easy to forget important points during the visit, especially when the doctor starts to focus on one particular thing.

Get your records together. They will be interested in ANY testing you've had in the past (even if not much)...so include your thyroid records (since thyroid can be related to PN).

Don't forget a comprehensive list of meds and supplements you take or have recently taken (you indicated you've recently stopped some things).

Keep in mind that he/she will likely NOT be able to address ALL your problems in the first visit. So focus on the most important things.

You should inquire about EMG/NCS tests as well as skin biopsy. He/she will likely run several labs as well. If you have any spine problems then make sure you get MRI orders to properly look at those areas.

Most important is to relax and just tell them what bothers you most and how you hope to improve your quality of life.

To add:**I made these suggestions because neurologists can be, well, in a different class. Just ask them, they'll tell you...LOL They can be a bit arrogant in my experience. So my point is to stay focused on your biggest problems...but be open to their suggestions as well. Telling you about my first (or any one of the many) experiences with neurology is not going to help you...because just like you & I are different, so are the doctors. You can get an attentive one, or one that dismisses everything you say. Did you get a name from someone...that is always helpful (knowning someone who has experience with that particular doctor)?

And to answer your question about tests? Labs are a non-issues. The EMG & NCS can be a bit uncomfortable to some, but it's not horrific. The skin biopsy is minimally invasive, but again not too bad. The numbing shot is the worst part.

Good luck and keep us posted.