Ready for this one!!

[kmil1999]

  I just got a copy of the report the neurologist sent to my family doc.  Remeber he is the one that told me the two lesions that I had on MRI were unspecific.  He said that they could be from a bump on the head or just from getting older or from headaches.  (I don't get HA's).

  Anyways, he said "In summary, her list of complaints continue to raise the issue of a hypochondrical illness.  Complicationg matters are two nonspecific white matter changes on MRI and very brisk reflexes in legs."

  Earlier in the report he noted sensory alteration over left cheek and left fore head.  Also, a pin reduction over the dorsal left median hand distribution and a reduction in pin over the sural territories of both feet.  Vibration seems reduced in toes.  Reflexes are brisk though especially in the legs.  

  So, after that long typing, My question is....  Should I not tell them what I feel when they ask because it leads to hypochondria?  Or quit having changes on MRI and brisk reflexes so I don't complicate things for him???      

[Ufrustrated2]

i have read some of the statements over the years that are in my records and it is like the person that wrote it and me were in different dimensions. that is to say, i had no remote idea that is what they were thinking when i was honestly expressing myself and symptoms to the best of my ability trying to get help and answers. it just boggles my mind when i hear of others in this situation too.

when one's nervous system is out of whack due to demyelination and then you get the ol' "hypochondrical" label, is it any wonder the anger starts to increase?  i don't know if it is just a cheap ego trip on the doctor's part, overworked, too lazy, the HMO policy load too much, or what. but such treatment is damaging to the health of a patient.

hang in there and stay on it ...

[essdipity]

Get angry for sure. Then take a deep breath and try to relax. If that takes a good while it's very understandable. But after that begin your search for a new and improved neuro.

We hear your kind of story so much on this forum! And I get furious each time I read of another member's suffering being swept under the rug.

Please see Ufrustrated2's thread about benign MS. In it he and I also discuss so-called malingering. i've cited you as the perfect example of victimization by an incompetent neuro.

ess

[Nancy T]

Oh, but you forget... if you give them a list, or keep adding on symptoms over time, it's their sacred duty to "raise the issue of a hypochondrical illness." They take an oath about that in medical school, you know. They HAVE to do it.

Sorry for the bitter tongue-in-cheek comment. As my neuro put it, "I have to bring it up; it's part of the differential diagnosis."

They may SAY, or they may even BELIEVE, that when they bring this up, it's merely "part of the differential diagnosis." But once it's out on the table, it BECOMES the presumptive diagnosis, both to them and to other doctors who read their reports.

Somehow, the "hypochondriac" possibility ends up trumping everything else.

Even though a person doesn't fit the criteria for hypochondriasis any more than they fit the criteria for MS (or whatever), somehow THAT's what becomes the presumptive diagnosis!!

To answer your question, you can't quit having changes on MRI and brisk reflexes (maybe if you tried harder you could?).

You could quit telling them symptoms, but I'm afraid it's too late. You've been labeled. You've been tainted. You're not quite believable. You won't get taken really seriously anymore. You wear the giant red "H" emblazoned on your chest.

All you can do is ask for symptomatic relief for the symptoms that are most affecting your life. Pills, therapy, etc. Doctors seem mostly willing, even happy, to try to provide symptomatic relief, regardless of the diagnosis or lack of one.

Sometimes you have to get pretty definite and persistent to make them understand what you need help with, but if you get loud enough, they'll usually get the "I really need help with this" message.

Take comfort in the fact that you have LOTS of company here. :)

I can't remember your symptoms, but do ask for help with them. Best of luck.

Nancy