[Koala77]

I just got home from my monthly MS support group meeting and I'm in shock!

I heard there that my neurologist was killed yesterday in a skiing accident.

He would have been around 50 or a little older, and leaves a wife and teenage children. He was the only neurologist in our entire area, so leaves thousands of mourning patients.

It's just terrible! I can hardly believe that it's true!

[Kitty]

How tragic! I'm so sorry to hear this.

[Lady]

No one can predict the future. I guess it was his time. So young, and so tragic. It is sad news.

I assume they will send a replacement for him. They can't have patients without a Neuro unless you have a MS nurse practitioner available.

I always kid how I hate doctors, I don't. But in truth, where would we be without them? I hope you don't have to wait long to get a knowledgeable doctor. Can your PCP treat MS down under?

[Friend2U]

I am so sorry for your bad news. It will be difficult for you and I know hard on you because we care about our doctors. I will remember his family and patients in my prayers.

[Koala77]

Thanks Kitty, Friend and Lady.

The state I live in is the smallest one in Oz, and there are/were only 3 neuros to serve the entire state. I have no idea how they're going to replace him as there's such a shortage of doctors of all varieties here anyway.

ABCs have to be ordered by a neuro here, and one neuro told me that even head and spinal MRI's have to be ordered by one. Then there's VRE's and similar neuro investigations... the list goes on. Today there are people out there who can't get their ABC scripts renewed because only a neuro prescribe them in this state.

I did hear this morning that they're going to approach the Oz government to enable GPs to order these meds and tests until a locum or new neuro can be found. If they do, then maybe a precident could be set here. (Just thinking out loud!) I was wondering if there were any other Ozzies here who get their's from GP's already?

There's so much you take for granted..... then suddenly it's no longer there!

[ewizabeth]

Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry to hear that. What a loss for all involved. I'd be lost without my neuro, he's one of a kind.

I hope they'll find a good doctor to fill in. How tragic for his family to lose him at such a young age.

[Niko]

So sorry! Without a doubt, a replacement will be found; and hopefully soon. Patients need to be treated.

Wishing all well,

Avon

[Judy2]

I'm so sorry to hear your horrible news. We never know when our time will be up. I pray his wife and kids will find the strength to get through this time.....also that you'll find a new neurologist soon. Take care.

[pud's friend]

i'm sure they'll find someone else to take over but all the same, it's quite a blow isn't it.
I used to be in a squash team that had a cantankerous paeds specialist as captain. He was a terrible sport and had a nasty temper but with patients, he was the best you could wish for. He was wiped out in a car accident, not even 50 years old, young family. Terrible for the community.
You never know what's around the corner...

As for my GP, she orders bloods (on request) takes an interest in me and gives me Beta scripts. Can't ask for more. All for $10. When I was diagnosed, she was shocked and blurted out that a colleague of hers from med school was diagnosed and 'she's in a wheelchair now!!'. Not quite what I wanted to hear, but at least she has an awareness of the potential path of things.

[Dejibo]

OMG! how tragic.

prayers and hugs