Had appt. with MS specialist yesterday.....what a frustration

Hi Teri!  Thanks, I did see the post!  I am definitely getting a second opinion.  I tried to get an appt. at the UPMC MS center in Pittsburgh.  They couldn't get me in until January.  I took the appt. and they said they would call me if they got any cancellations.  Today, I had records faxed and sent MRI discs and more records to the MS Center at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.  They don't do self-referrals.  But I sent detailed records and a letter explaining the situation.  I hope to hear from them sometime next week.  Hopefully the doc there will see me (Dr. Thomas Scott).  If he doesn't I will definitely keep the appt at UPMC and hope that they can get me in sooner.  If he will see me I am still going to keep the appt at UPMC in case he blows me off too. lol!  I will keep you posted on how things go.  I am so glad that I have found the website and forum - it is a real blessing to be able to keep with the latest HA news and to keep in touch with fellow migraneurs!  Blessings - Kayleen

Hi there,

You know, after re-reading your Shareposts, a few thoughts light bulbs went off. Now, no one wants to have MS or any other disabling disease, but we certainly want to have it ruled out along with any other "things".  So, who was this MS specialist you saw the other day? I believe current thinking in MS is earlier diagnosis and treatment is the way to go. Does he just say he is a "MS specialist" or does he devote his entire practice to MS? This is what we tell our Migrainuers -It's important to note that neurologists aren't necessarily Migraine and headache specialists - the same holds true for MS specialists. Neurologists treat so many different conditions such as stroke, Parkinsons, epilspey, Migraine and others, it is hard for them to be experts in one area. It sounds like what you need is a doctor who is an expert in ONE area MS. One who dedicates his practice to the disease, goes to scientific conferences on MS and will help you determine the answers you are looking for. Have you looked into the UPMC MS center (I know it says MS center- but then again...)? Talked to anyone who knows anything about it? Check it out and see what you think? More eyes, second, third opinions are ok here. It is your health and life.

So hang in there and please let me know if I can help you.  

Hi Nancy!  Thanks for your concern.  I went to the Mellen Center at the Cleveland Clinic.  All they treat there is MS.  The guy just totally blew me off.  The neuro exam was the least thorough one I have ever had.  I had put together an awesome timeline and I don't think he even looked at it.  I requested another MRI, but he said that wasn't necessary.  He did however do some bloodwork which I am awaiting the results.  You know when something is wrong in your body.  When my neuro sx just used to be with the HAs, that was one thing, but now that they are happening all the time and are getting progressively worse that scares me.  I am so tired of these neuros blowing me off and blaming all of this stuff on the blasted migraines.  The 2 docs in Pittsburgh that I am trying to get into are docs that only treat MS as well.  As I said the one at UPMC I can't get in until January, but they have me on a cancellation list, which is promising.  I am also trying to get into Allegheny General.  I am trying to do a self-referral thing.  I don't think they do that, but I sent as much info as I could and I wrote a letter and explained my situation so I am hoping they will see me.  I will keep you posted.  Kayleen