visit to new neuro at the MS clinic
 

On Thursday I have an appointment with the MS clinic in my city that has the "famous doc." They said the waiting list was 1+ years. I signed up right after I got diagnosed. I have waited 9 months so I guess it's good I got in a little earlier. I'm switching to the clinic just to be in a place that specializes in MS.

Anyhow, I'm feeling super nervous about this visit. My stomach is in knots. The last big visit was the second opinion to verify I had MS that came from the doc. who described my brain as swiss cheese (not so nice and very traumatic). I've failed on the interferons and copaxone. I'm afraid of what I might have to try next. Right now I am on no medication and I feel so much better!--it's been much easier to pretend I don't have MS. Somehow going to the doc. and having to talk about meds, the MRI's and my future will just make the MS more real. But I know I probably need to keep trying meds until I find something I can tolerate.

I'm scared to death of what the neuro might tell me. :eek: I just don't think I can take another traumatic encounter. I feel like going to the new doctor will be like re-living the whole diagnosis all over again. In fact, I feel like today I am re-living the shocking out the blue diagnosis all over again.

Any advice on how to approach the new neuro OR on how to minimize the anxiety?

Thanks all.

The best thing I did when I went to my neuro the first time was take a list of things I wanted to ask him about. He was great and gave me the time to go over everything. I also had dh with me so that afterwards I could talk with him about the appointment, he remembered things the neuro said that I didn't catch.

I wish I could offer more advice but I can offer you :hug: :hug:and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.



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Aww Natalie,
I do wish you luck on your visit! I really can't say anything about the Neuro. visits because I struck out on three Neuros. My first one is kinda young and seem inexperienced and has to look some things up on the internet. The other two (one was the MS clinic in Atlanta) and the other another Neuro were just plain mean and evil and gave me the idea that I should just suck it up and deal with the MS.

So.. I went back to #1 even though I havent seen him in months. I was on betaseron but my insurance stinks and I'm not going to pay out of pocket so I'm waiting for the betaseron need-assistance program to call me back and also applied for the oral research study in Atlanta. So, I have just been taking a lot of vitamins and resting and taking Baclofen for spasms so I don't get those evil things again.

Don't worry about the lesions in your brain, I heard somewhere that we only use 10% of it :) I might only use 2%..so that's plenty of room for lesions. My biggest worry is my lesions in my neck which I think is the reason I became numb and hypersensitive on my left side. It's a little better but I don't think I'll ever fully recover from that.

Just like everyone said, bring a list of things you want to speak to the Neuro. about and relax.. take a deep breath and don't get yourself too hyped up because I think it's the fear of the unknown thats worrying you more than what the reality could be and remember we are here for you and we care about you..and please tell us how it goes!

Monique

Make sure you have your questions written down and prioritized - they seem to really appreciate that. You'll do just fine. He might be famous, but he still puts on his socks just like you and me!

Awe Natalie,
You have received wonderful advice - best of luck to you with this upcoming visit !!!! :hug:

Snoods

natalie,

i can't add to the great advice already offered.
if you can bring a friend or family member as a 2nd set of ears it might be helpful.

when i go to my dr (who really listens and lets me ask Q's) i also jot down what he tells me in answer to my Q's. if i don't i know i'll forget.

taking some deep cleansing breaths is also a good idea.
good luck. keep us posted please.

Best thing you can do is TELL HIM you are very nervous, and ask him to be patient with you. That you may ask him to repeat things for you, just to help you understand.

Bring a LIST! put it in order of importance. That way you can get to the big boy concerns first, and WRITE DOWN his responses or bring a mini tape recorder. When you get to the middle of your list, you will see that those other things are important, but you wont be so panicked about the answers because you got the big boy things answered first.

Bring someone with you. A friend, a neighbor, a family member. Sometimes the way I hear things and the way the hubby hears things are sooooo different. I thought an MD was being dismissive, and rude. The hubby thought it was his attempt at humor. he sucked! It did help me feel better that someone else saw his mood differently than I did.

Get some sleep! a sleep derpeived brain is more likely to forget, and go into cog fog. Relax! dont let this guy rush you. You waited a long time to see him. Plant your fanny in the chair and stay till you get your answers.

lol polar so true remember to take said list with you really helps, good luck on the visit hope the wait is worth it