Neuro Appt. Thursday----I'm stressing!
 

I'm off to see the neuro on Thursday. This is my first appt and he will have the ncv that shows the sensory motor polyneuropathy. I'm starting to stress over it. Everytime I have seen a doctor they have shrugged me off. I'm worried that he is going to do this too. But he can't RIGHT? cause the test results are showing SOMETHING!

I have all my past test results, I have downloaded and completed the lizajane (thank you lizajane) spreadsheets. Have them printed out and ready to go. I have my sx list complete with when they started and if and how they got worse.

I'm bringing hubby as my backup and note taker. I think I am organized but I am STRESSING!

Normal. I stress before every apt. I would make a list of possible ?'s like where do you go from here,are there any specialists he can recomend,pain control,further testing.Make sure to try to describe your pain as best as possible lately. I hope you don't get the shrug off too cause I get that often. I am like poison I say to these docs. Just don't feel rushed. I even have told a doc that I feel unheard,rushed,and given up on. She still did the same but I used my voice. Take a deep breath and try to be positive. I hate when people say that to me but am trying to work on that. Let us know what happens

Starting off with a new doctor is kind of ....
 

like learning an intricate dance with a stranger. There has to be a bit of trust to start off with, but it also involves some timing as to who should take the 'lead' and when.
First off, here is a web site about what neuros look for when they start out with a new patient: http://www.neuroexam.com/content.php?p=2
As you can see the whole diagnostic process is one of elimination of a slew of different and overlapping medical issues.
Don't assault this doc with your lists and past tests at first. Just let HIM/HER outline what they have found and then ask if these histories could be useful...... Many docs pride themselves on their OWN abilities to diagnose and further if another doc [whom they may despise] has concluded something they disagree with? Well, you may be stuck with a 'seeker' label or worse. As for many neuro-type tests? Most docs don't trust testing done by other docs, unless they are at premier facilities that have impeccable credentials. So go along with getting new tests if it's feasable. If not, see if some sort of discount or plan can be worked out -at times it can be-doesn't hurt to ask.
My comments to my own docs usually go along the lines of "I've read from the NIH, Mayo and Hopkins about that" or, "I wonder IF this[or that] has anything to do with this all?" and such comments...that way it's always a question and not a challenge to them. Thing is to get them curious about you and that they know you aren't a doormat! [BTW? Do NOT start out that you learned it from here? WHY? because many docs discount us all as quacks or the like....use the most legitimate and credible sources and get that doc reading up if needed-Tho some folks, like DarlinDeb did get a read from a doc in her area from this site! It's a very rare occurance and she got very lucky]
Simplest statements are often the best? I HURT! I'm scared that I'm getting worse and while I realize this won't go away overnite? I'd really like some relief! Can we work on this somehow? Then work on the details of the 'dancing'. Do NOT allow yourself to be 'shrugged off'. Be so disgustingly nice and smart that this doc will want to work for/with you! Sell yourself, essentially. That some 'things' are off? Call him/her on these issues...Borderline can be a clue to things more serious lurking in the background...something to check out for sure?
It's good you will have an extra pair of ears with you. The old doc 'trust me' line doesn't work much anymore, and while neuro stuff is quite complex, those extra ears will help you get all that's going/gone on during a visit.
I will be hoping and more that this time you hit GOLD! Be patient and persistent. I look forward to hearing from you soon. - j

I'm in the same boat--but not nervous. I don't know any better yet. Anyway, good luck!!

Thanks all
 

Thanks all. I'm trying to stay calm. All good advice thank you.

Actually this will be my 2nd appt with this neuro. When i saw him last i had no vibration sensation in the great toe right side. He didn't want to order more tests and basically said go away come back if something gets worse.

Well, i did get worse (withing 2 wks of that appt) my foot went numb but my GP did not send me back to the neuro. So I demanded the NCv from my GP. That is how I finally got referred back to this neuro.

Anyway...the appt is tomorrow and i will try to update tomorrow night if I am not emotionally tortured by the doctor tomorrow. LOL.

Kelly