Hello all
I need help in determining how to choose a neurologist that has an MS background.
I was dx'd with RR MS in February of this year, 2007. To say I was relieved is an understatement. The words Multiple Sclerosis were bounced around a few times, for over eight years, during what I believe now were exacerbations but tests done or not done did not reach a conclusion or another diagnosis was made.
I returned to the neurologist that initially did some testing on me way back when. His testing this time was more extensive (including lumbar puncture ) and I have been on Copaxone since diagnosis.
While I am okay with this neurologist, I am not 100% sure I am asking the right questions nor that his background shows that MS is a specialty or just another neuro related disease. Our visits are short and usually a "how are you feeling", a refill of my injections, etc. One visit I attempted to talk to him about loss of sleep due to the numbness/tingling in my legs and feet that made me restless at night. He immediately asked if I snored (which I do) and said I probably have sleep apnea and would need further testing and possibly a sleep study. I KNOW the problem of lacking sleep and restlessness was from my legs because it wakes me up and I walked out of his office feeling like he wasn't really listening to me.
What suggestions or advice does anyone have about choosing an MS Neurologist? Is an MS Center different than a private practice neuro?
I would like to find somewhere that has a network of providers who can treat different aspects of MS, whether it is physical or emotional.
Thanks for your time and help!
Hi imagyne - this is the place for questions like yours. My belief is if you are not comfortable with the treatment or answers from whatever doctor you speak with then find one you can feel comfortable with.
My nuerologist recommended a rhuemotologist for most of my pain issues .. and the one he recommended ws brilliant. She was very knowledgable about MS and even though it is a muscle issue and not joint , she treated me with the same respect as her other patients, if not better.
Yes, restlessness in your legs and arms or wherever the tingling , spasmatic episodes are happening there are products for.
So if your family physician won't assess or give you a better answer than the neurologist , maybe you can get the name of a good rhuemotologist that handles people with MS. They are out there and as it is said, you may not want to keep all your eggs in one basket .. having 3 well informed doctors who will work as a team are out there. Just keep going, learning and ask those questions.