How to find good neurologist?

[MelB47]

I was reading Lisa's post and wondered "Why do they (neurologists) take so long?"  I went today - my first visit... As I sat in waiting room I texted a friend that didn't feel right.  Wasnt clean.  Met the doctor; after brief chat he sent in assistant for quick cogniitive test; then he did (sort of) exam.  He sent me down a short hallway - thank goodness I didn't fall today!  He didn't even have me squeeze his fingers?  Felt like he was already out the door when I got there.  I waited a very long time before gathering the courage to see someone; felt completely wasted my time.  He then told me to get MRI.  Didn't say where, when ... What looking for.  There were few abnormalities; he didn't explain or suggest anything.  I read rx -  He is checking for lesions (MRI) - however I honestly do not want to return for result.  

Don't know how you all are so patient.  Perhaps he felt he saw what he needed to - but to be so rushed first visit; I was not left feeling confident about his findings nor his practice.  Yes - I'm somewhat offended ;)  Thanks again for feedback to this point.  




  

[kwarendorf]

I sent you a PM. Don't want to hijack MelB's thread :-)

Kyle

[Guitar_grrrl]

OK, yelling is just not acceptable. Next?

Get your MRIs, keep the discs, see what this bozo has to say, and move on.

Just my $0.02

[MelB47]

Thanks for all the feedback - I really appreciate knowing this is not a unique situation.  I'll definitely have the MRI and return for results.  I imagine he deserves a second chance, after that I'll decide about future visits.  However, at some level I already know he isn't a good fit.  I didn't mention this but he actually yelled at me.  He was telling me to move toes - I was trying but they don't do so well on one foot... So he yelled "move your toes!"  - oh my!!  Hearing loss wasn't a symptom - so kind of wanted to smack him.  Imagine it is time to do a search by subspecialties :)  

[Evalucia]

Who do you see in the city?  Mine is in Patchogue, further east but it is a very nice drive.  I live in Lindenhurst.

[kwarendorf]

Another Long Islander! Although I'm just a recent transplant to Great Neck.

We are fortunate in this area. We have many good MS neuros to choose from. My doc is in the city, as I found him before moving to LI.

Kyle

[Evalucia]

I live in Long Island NY.  The place that I go to is a group of neurologists and they do everything there, the testings and such.  The doctor that I am seeing now is great, unfortunately, he has not diagnosed me yet.  I have been at this since June when I finally decided to do something about the intermittent symptoms that I have had for years.  So far, the only finding has been the MRI which shows lesions, and nystagmus on the neuro exam along with some brisk reflexes.  The tests that they did on me all came back negative, the LP, evoked potentials, EMG, EEG.  So he stated that it may be some type of "dormant" MS, and he wants to see me again this month with a new set of MRI with contrast.  (Las MRI was from June).  The symptoms were gone for a couple of months and now Im starting to get the numbness, unsteadiness blurry vision and such again.  I think sometimes they take long because they want to be sure of the diagnosis.  I do like my neurologist and he does not make me feel like a basket case.  If you do not feel this doctor is taking you seriously then find another one.  This is your health we are talking about.

[HVAC]

Few Doctors want to treat MS. It depends on your area. In our area there are 5 and over 5000 diagnosed patients and may be that many going for diagnosis. That puts each Dr. with thousands of patients. It took me 8 months to see my MS Specialist the first time and I was diagnosed. I see him on average every 16 months. He is very good Doctor he is just very busy. By all means if this one does not click get a second opinion. Realize it may take awhile.

The diagnosing process often takes years. I had clear MS on MRIs from the get go and it took two years for a Neurologist to commit.

Alex

[kwarendorf]

Hi Mel,

I was in a similar situation. The highly recommended MS guru kept me waiting 2.5 hours for 20 minutes of his time. During those 20 minutes he left the exam room twice. The exam room was a mess; boxes and brochures stacked every where. Second visit was A) the same and B) the last.

You do not need to put up with it. Hopefully there is more than one MS doc in your area :-)

Kyle

[karryon55]

I wouldn't worry about what you were like during the consult. It will give them a good idea of what areas you are struggling in. "Some" Neuro's are a bit lacking in the social skills department. It can take time to find someone you feel comfortable with.

Do go back & get your results.....even if it is to just get the disc & move on to a different Neuro. If you want a really good laugh then have a look at the health pages & you will see one called the lies my Neuro told me. It always cheers me up & it will give you some insight into what others have experienced before you.

Cheers......Karry.

[MelB47]

Thanks for your response.  I simply never met a physician who didn't know how to smile and who was in such of a hurry.  I assumed MRI was status quo until read it at home.  I understand they hold cards close to vest but I already feel like an idiot dropping things, tripping and having trouble speaking.  Would have been nice to have some indication that I wasn't crazy :)  

[Guitar_grrrl]

Neurologists can be dry as toast.  At least he sent you for MRIs, and hopefully it will be done on a 3T magnet with an MS protocol, with and without Gadolinium contrast. Do go to your follow-up appointment, and let us know what happens.  Hang in there.  If you don't like him, you can always take your MRI discs to another neurologist for a second opinion.  

There's a good health page dealing with Doctor Visit Prep - I read it again, and it rings so true!

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/Doctor-Visit-PREP---Be-Prepared/show/156?cid=36

Good luck on your path.