Originally Posted by dshue

I just have to vent a bit, having returned from a visit to a neurologist at UCLA (I won't comment on specific names, but I simply must condemn the institution as ridiculously unsatisfying).

Being based in LA, I've had consultations at both Hopkins and UCSF (the better place in my experience), returning home to UCLA to continue any treatments.

Please tell me if I'm wrong, but there isn't any doctor, not one, based at UCLA in either their neurolgy department or their pain clinic (and I'm not including doctors in private practice, like Dr. Prager, who simply have office space at UCLA) who are remotely competent.

After a year and a half of brutal pain, an at times basic state of near debilitation, and a sheaf of suggestions from UCSF, the massively insecure, most egregious UCLA neurologist, today, as I was approaching being curled in a ball of pain, only methadone getting me to the office, stated that he disgrees with the reports of his esteemed colleagues, and started to intimate perhaps there's a psychological component to my dilemma, that maybe, say, meditation would be helpful in alleviating that which may be, you know, simply residing in my head. Unbelievable.

Forget that my medical records were lost by this office, twice, with me then having to hand deliver a set of copies in the middle of the day; that it took weeks to simply set an appointment after an insurance 'approval' (and this being my home base as it were). All to find, what was I thinking? The clarity, it was overwhelming - all this pain is simply in my head. Thank you so much doctor.

All I can say is that with a $10 co-pay, I certainly got what I paid for at UCLA.

-- Dennis

Originally Posted by hope4thebest

Hi Dennis,
Yes, the irony would be *Larry David-ish* if your letter circulated amongst the doctors, and there you were with an unrelated medical need! Write the letter anyway, though, and keep it just to fuel your search for competent RSD care.

Better yet, if at all possible, can you pay another $10 co-pay and go back to him with a binder in hand full of supporting documentation, articles, research reports ( print out some or all of fmichael's links and include them!)
to educate him that your condition cannot be simply dismissed with his inadequate diagnosis (diplomatically, of course..)

His saving grace is that he did suggest meditation, but he went no further than that.. By the way, I just completed a MBSR class, that has helped me immeasurably and will continue to help in years to come!!

I am trying to curtail any high expectations, but I FINALLY have an appointment with a neurologist at UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion Pain Management Center at the end of the month. (Dr. Rowbotham)

(The only neurologist I have seen in the past told me that "CRPS doesn't spread, that's why it's called regional......." duh...
I never returned for my follow-up appointment..)

I am *reluctantly* allowing myself to hope for miracles with Dr. Rowbotham's findings, or maybe just some new and innovative ingredients in any future lumbar blocks...or a suggested lidocain infusion...or bier block to the foot..something, anything..

My previous and 'assigned' pain management doc wasn't even an anesthesiolgist, and I fear that I have lost valuable time.. such as 1 to 2 years!!!)
I researched the net and found Dr. Rowbotham's name on my own..

All this said, Dennis, I hope you find a doctor-partner who you can respect and who will partake in your treatment with respect for you as well..sometimes it seems that searching for the ideal doctor is like Don Quixote chasing windmills..

I hope your apointment with Dr. Luc Jasmin brings you new beginnings and intelligent insight...... (I was born in Montreal, too!!)

I won't give up...has anyone sought out a shaman??
Hope4thebest

Originally Posted by hope4thebest

Dennis!

I am certain so many people regard the doctor's (feckless) word as doctrine, and leave, helpless...Is there such a thing as medical advocates, somewhat like a watch dog social worker to look out for people who don't know how to navigate the medical system? (especially frail seniors) That is something I would really like to do!

I was the 'one' for my father when he had metastatic cancer, and now for my mother who is 97. I fought like a she-wolf when my father was given shoddy treatment, and will do the same for my mother, if need be..
OK, I'd better calm myself.....


I hope your treatment with Dr. jasmin brings you relief and optimism!!
Hope4thebest