Wow, thank you so much for your support, and for the list of MS Resources in Toronto.  I will keep you informed.

Colleen

Dear Frustrated,

I'd be more than frustrated at this point, I'd be furious.  All of my doctors are at Sunnybrook and, I have had only the best care.  I'm surprized & sorry you had that experience.  There is only one Neurologist, at this time, who deals only with MS.  His name is Dr. Leisley Lee.  I had my first appoint. with him in June.  My wait time was 9 mos. but, I had a neurologist at St. Mike's downtown T.O.

I had the most thorough exam since I was diagnosed with MS.  I know that he was booking into Dec. 2010 when I had My appoint.  I had asked to be referred to Dr. Lee because of his reputation and, all my other doctor's are there.

I would see if your contacts can get you an appoint with a neurologist at St. Michael's Hospital, downtown T.O. (at Queen St. & Victoria); one block east of the Eaton Centre (Queen St. side).  St Mike's is the MS Centre for south/central ON.  Dr. Paul O'Connor was the Head of the centre, he has written many books & articles on MS.  Perhaps your contact could make a referral for you there.

I would write a letter to Chief of staff at Sunnybrook and, let him/her know about your experience.  The treatment you received is, from my experiences, not typical.

Keep in touch, sounds as if we live near each other and, I have accessed many of the programs and, where there is some financial aid.  If you work in the healthcare field you may already know about some of them.  How old are your children?  I turned 51 yrs. young a couple of weeks ago. I have 2 boys, one will be 14 yrs. in Dec., the other 17 yrs. in Jan. only a year apart at school which has worked out well. 

You go girl!  Don't let some doctor in emerg. that probably didn't want to be there.  Sometimes I think doctors forget they are dealing with people who have come for help and, may be scared, nervous not comfortable in hosp. settings.  I've used my Socal Work line a couple of times and, it did make the doctor stop and think for a minute.  The line to use when you're not getting answers, not able to ask questions or express your concerns is: Is this the way you would like your wife/husband/mother,etc. treated?  In both cases that I used it. there was a change for the good.  We had time to express our thoughts, concerns and what is next.  The doctor took the time to listen, acknowledged our concerns and explained what we had asked, in a very respectful way.

I have found my family doctor is more helpful than the specialists.  You need the Neuro. to make the diagnosis and, recommend treatment.  My family doctor said to me after I was diagnosed, "I don't know much about MS but, we'll learn together".  I can't ask for more. He sees me monthly, monitors my meds, has blood work done to keep an eye on liver & kidney function and makes non-medicinal suggestions to try when there are changes in my health,

My previous family physician was a woman.  I had had a male doctor in over 30 yrs.  We had to change doctors as Susan was retiring.  She passed away from cancer 1.5 yrs. later.  I think she knew and wanted to spend the rest of her life with her family.  We were fortunate to get a doctor due to the shortage.  I stopped looking for a female doctor because, I think I've already got a good one.