Is it OK to get a second opinion from another neuroligist?
He says I have all the symptoms of MS. But its been 4 months already. And I am on my second steroid pack along with lyrica and ultram. I have had lots of tests that do not show anything. Is this normal? Plus I just got a second attack again. I am hopeing to get on the medication for MS. He does not tell me much about what is going on. What should I do?
Jessica,
Not only is it okay, it is a good idea if you don't feel confident in your neurologist.
MS is very difficult to diagnose -- this often means that tests must be repeated and other opinions must be solicited.
Waiting for confirmation of diagnosis is very frustration, I know, but there are steps you can take. Before your visit with a new neurologist, gather all the information you have, including all previous test results and complete medical history. Keep a daily journal of your symptoms.
Research the doctors in your area and try to get an appointment with a neurologist who specializes in multiple sclerosis.
Please come back and let us know how you're doing.
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Hi Jessica:
It is not only OK, it is preferrable. My rule of thumb is that if a doc hasn't figured out what is wrong with my by the third month (assuming testing, observation have been conducted and a treatment plan have been offered - in your case a steroid pack), then I have given him a fair shot at treating me.
You have given him 4 months and you are on your second steroid pack. If your tests do NOT show anything but he says you have all the symptoms of MS, it is time to get a second opinion - but not to anyone HE refers you to.
Call a local university hospital (a teaching hospital) and ask who the head of neurology is and if he has partners in his office. Next, call and ask if anyone in the partnership is taking new patients (the biggest barrier to getting an appointment) and schedule an appointment with him/her. Even if you don't get to see the head of neurology, you will see someone in his office and most partners consult each other about cases.
Check with your insurance company and make sure they pay for second opinions and get appropriate referrals/paperwork in order. Schedule the appointment and bring test results with you (ask present doc for copies - you should keep them for your records anyway). If you have any films, get copies to take with you. Write down your list of questions.
Ask new doc to schedule a 64 slice MRI (the newest version as of 2008) of brain, cervical, thoracic with and without contrast injection. It may be best to schedule brain at one time (20-40 mins), then cervical (45 mins) and then thoracic (45 mins) otherwise you will be in the MRI for two to three hours. Most facilities cannot block out that much time for one patient, so break it up.
You can tell the new doc that he is a second opinion, but he has a chance of becoming your new doctor if his treatment plan is to your liking. No need to tell the last doc he is on his way out or you won't be coming back or anything. IF you like the new doc, schedule 2nd and 3rd appointments and see if your think your treatment is pro-active and to your liking.
Good luck and check back often,
Anne
http://disablednotdead-anne.blogspot.com
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Hey Jessica...
Just following up here with your question to ask you if you ever got any answers from your neurologist or if you switched doctors. It seems a chronic problem for people suffering from neurological disorders to have to wait months and sometimes years for an answer as to what is going on with them.
It is always more than okay to get a second opinion and even to switch doctors. I am just about ready to leave my neurologist myself for some of the similar issues you speak about. Prompt and efficient care is criticial and when you don't get it...it may be time to move on.
I do thank you for your question and I hope you come back to let us know how things are going for you.
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I ended up going to 7 or 8 neurologist before I got the right answer, valuable time, different DXD from most, went to Duke and was DXD from their main MS Dr. and was admitted on the spot for a solumedrol IV, 1 gram/day IV drip.
YES, get a second opinion. My MS didn't show up on MRI's untill MRI #7 or 8.
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