Ya know what Erin? Screw'm!!!!!

As patients with things we know are going wrong with our bodies it is our responsibility to track them. I know you are a strong woman so why not just make the guy sit down and ask him directly the last time he received CMEs for any current neuro classes. When was the last time he attended a seminar or convention? What medical associations does he belong to and is he active?

Most people would have a problem confronting a neuro like that and I understand, but darn it we need to be listened to, acknowledged, and appreciated for taking responsibility for our own health. That includes internet research, printing off information relevant to our case, new medications available, and yes, challenging his method of practice and disrespectful treatment.

I believe if I don't have trust and faith in the abilities of my doctor(s) while being treated with up front honesty and respect, we have a big problem. Medical professionals are there to provide a service to a paying customer and not treat us like they're doing us a favor by just seeing us for 10 minutes, ignoring our complaints, write a script and out the door. No! I don't think so!!!

Try this Erin, the next time you go to your PCP and neuro, take someone with you, dressed well with a note pad and pen to take notes. They would be in the exam room with you and you will notice a completely different demeanor of the doctors in how you are treated and addressing your concerns.

My wife has accompanied me to every specialist appointment since day one. A couple of these doctors were outright intimidated simply by her presence and taking notes. I've fired 4 neuros over 10 years. One particular neuro practice group I will have nothing to do with them and they actually don't want to see me either.

Oh well, you know exactly what I'm saying. Keep doing what your doing but start using it to kick some medical butt. No one cares about Erin more than Erin.

It is a pain - you are right. My first symptoms were this time last year so this just might be my trouble spot. I am good about writing down when symptoms start but not when they resolve. I will not that as well. Thanks!

That's the part I always forget, about keeping track of when a symptom lets up. Granted, they dont always let up, but occasionally they do. I need to try harder to remember to do that.

Sometimes I think answers could come from here. This is a bunch with personal invested interests in MS. Some are really smart. Well, why not? The medical community is only doing so-so with the mystery that is MS. Living with it has really tuned you "MS Experts" into the subtleties and inconsistency of this disease. I see as many interesting theories and potentially valid ideas presented here as anywhere else, Why not? A walker I think would have kept me out of a wheelchair longer is only a prototype in a Parkinson's patient's life (he built it), not available to anyone else.

None of you is influenced by Big Pharma, right?

How are you feeling today? Has the pain gone away...at least a little bit? I hope so.

Another suggestion...

If you focus too much on a symptom like burning skin or numbness, that can make it worse, because you're thinking about it all the time. Try to do stuff that makes you forget about uncomfortable sensations. I know, that's easier said than done.

Thanks for asking - yes it is much better. Still have some pain but nothing I can't live with.