Just got an email from my eye Dr.
 

Julie,
After consideration of your symptoms and the repeated visual field test that we performed I am recommending a referral to a neuro ophthalmologist. A physcian in this specialty would be best equipped to handle your case. I am recommending a doctor at the Southwestern Neuroscience Institute (www.sninstitute.com) in Las Colinas/Irving. I will prepare a referral letter and also send copies of the visual field test that we performed to their clinic. I will call tomorrow to schedule your appointment and then I will let you know the details. Thanks for your patience.
Dr. B




Can you believe after seeing him 2 times and repeating some of the test and this dragging out over a week he is now sending me to another Dr.? And a Dr that's no covered under our insurance There aren't any neuro ophthalmologist close to me that take my insurance.

What would happen if you request an MRI of your eye orbits with contrast? Do you think he would do it? I would tell him just what you have said here. OR....find an MS specialist and skip the middle man.

LA

I would definitel;y tell him that doc isn't covered, and you need a referral to one who is.

Cherie

I just double checked an there aren't any neuro ophthalmologist with in 50 miles of me that are covered by my insurance. I just email him saying the same thing, lets see if he offers to help me any more by doing an MRI or helps me find an MS specialist or something.

I know it must be frustrating - having all these symptoms and not being able to pinpoint what is causing them.

I have friends that travel up to 200 miles to see their Neuro. If you cannot find one closer that is covered by your insurance you might want to consider making the 50 mile trip.

I hope they can come to some conclusions for you so you can either begin a treatment plan or at least get some closure as to what's causing these symptoms. :hug:

Julie, slskckjebw has a good suggestion. If this is really ON (which it sounds like your doctor suspects), the lesion should show up on the orbits. However, I think it would really still be a good idea to get your eye checked out by a neuro-op, even if you have to travel a ways to do it but at least this will give you a jump start. It sounds like your eye doctor knows it's ON but doesn't feel like he's equipped to treat it (or decide whether or not it should be treated).

I started out by going to my regular ophthalmologist -- thought I'd be walking out with eye drops (!) but instead, I walked out with a referral to a neuro-op. I'm so sorry this has dragged out for you.

:hug: Sorry to hear this is being dragged out for you. Unfortunately, it's not unusual for a regular eye doc to refer you to a neuro-op if they suspect ON. They are more equipped to handle it.

I hope he can get a referral for one on your insurance plan so you can get some answers.

To tell you the truth, I'm scared to have the MRI orbits, they put the scanner on your numbed eye ball. :eek:
I can only search my insurance online up to 100 miles and there is still no neuro-op on my insurance list.

I think your right "It sounds like your eye doctor knows it's ON but doesn't feel like he's equipped to treat it" (or decide whether or not it should be treated).

I think that your insurance will cover you to go to the neuro-op in your area. I would call the insurance company and talk with them. There may be a higher co-pay for an out-of-network doctor but it would be to your benefit to check it out. Especially since there is no neuro-op in your immediate area covered on your plan.

Additionally, should it be ON you really, really need to be seen soon. The sooner you start steroids, the better your chances are for full recovery. Many studies have been done regarding this. I am not sure why your dr did not work with you PCP (at the least) to get it taken care of.

Again, give the insurance company a call and talk with them.

Should you make the appointment with the neuro-op make sure you go to that appointment even if you have to take the kids (sick or not). Your health (and eye sight) is far more important. Your kids NEED you healthy.

julie...have you tried them?

http://www.fortworth2020.com/services_neuro.htm

:hug: sweety. let me know if there is anything i can do to help you search.