Picking Neurologists and Clinics

[Sidesteps]

I called my doctor's office this morning and had a chat with the nurse. I was pretty candid with her.

I told her I felt that I would like to get a referral to at least two doctor's out of the area. I have been having symptoms for over a year and it seems no-one knows what's wrong with me or what to do with me anymore. I explained my primary symptoms then she says to me, "So, you are telling me that Dr. R essentially told you that she doesn't know what you have." My response. "Yup, it's not neurological and that concerns me...." There was a lot more to our conversation but I went into a short history and list of concerns. She asked a lot of questions and I told her what I felt. lol :)

I may not have MS but I know I'm having neurological issues and my symptoms are very much "MS like." That doesn't take a medical degree to figure out. <----- insert sarcasm, sorry.  I was thinking I'd go to the clinic Starryeyes sees but my cousin who is an RN at this hospital was concerned that I may have overlapping issues. I keep hearing a lot of "it sounds like a virus" or "it could be a virus" from those that are close to me.

She thought that University of Washington Medical Clinic, Swedish or Harborstone might be better than Evergreen MS Clinic. She thought having a wide spectrum of health issues and having to face the atypical might be better. They do have a team of Neurologists at Evergreen that specialize in MS and general (I called.) The Nurse I talked to said that ALL the doctor's there will review my MRI with me present and I can ask questions and they will point things out. That is good. When I looked at UWMC they had a lot of Doctor's that specilized in Epilepsy it seemed but they have a clinic just for MS that is also a research facility. All of the above will have 3T MRI's. I know Swedish has the OCT tests as well.

Is there a way to determine where to go? Ratings? A general Neuro? A MS specialist? I am confident those spots on my MRI need to be questioned but I also don't want to assume it's MS. (They haven't done lab work on me in a year.) I am worried that if I see a MS specialist I'll be greeted with the same attitude as I received with these latest two. My latest Neuro and MSologist that I met for a consultation work in the same clinic. It's a long story. The MSologist left the clinic to start a research facility, when I saw the latest general Neuro they were not in the same clinic but then Multicare took over both = same clinic.

Thoughts? Opinions? Instincts?  I have an appointment to talk to my ARNP about this next week, so I'd like y'alls input because you rock!  Also, thank you so much for listening to me lately. I'm not feeling well so my tolerance is low.

[Sidesteps]

Yes, Swedish is the same hospital as you have above - I look at UWMC and all their doctor's profiles then went to Swedish and looked at theirs.  I also cross check with their Neuro-ophthalmology department/staff and, of course, who my insurance will cover. LOL.

I ended up picking a doctor out of Swedish that is also part of the UWMC team, an Assistant Professor. Two for one! :)  

I called and spoke with the clinic registration nurse to gain a feel for who might fit best with my concerns and personality as well. She felt this doctor would be a good fit for me. She is a general Neuro that treats all Neurological issues but specializes in MS. I didn't want to be dumped if it isn't MS.

The Nurse indicated that she is a very compassionate and loving Doctor who takes a great deal of effort spending individual time with her patient. She also informed me she ENCOURAGES going through the MRI together and asking questions. Yay! I picked her because her profile seemed to indicate that and working with the patient to improve their health as a team. That is exactly who I am looking for.

http://www.worldneurology.org/profileJung.asp (I just googled her alone - she is a pretty impressive legistlative profile regarding MS. I did not realize that. )

Same with the Neuro-Opthalmologist. The Neuro-Opth I'm looking to schedule an appointment also work in both hospitals but he is the director of the Neuro-Ophth department at Swedish.

I am hopeful that these two doctor's have the ability to figure out what's wrong with me so I can get treatment so I can function better. My appointment is August 31st.

[sllowe]

Looks like Washington U ranked 15 neurology and neurosurgery in US news.

http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/univ-of-washington-medical-ctr-6910750
http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/university-of-washington-medical-center-6910750/neurology-and-neurosurgery

And, not sure if this is the right Swedish, but check it out...
http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/swedish-medical-center-cherry-hill-campus-6910680

Harborview:
http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/harborview-medical-center-6910610

From the links, you can read the criterial on how they are ranked. I've found that the ranking sure doesn't guarantee the doc is going to be the best - but least it's a step in the right direction toward finding a good one.

Also, you may find something on the net about docs if you narrow your search using quotes - something like "top seattle area neuro" and variations of that.

Hope this helps....
-shell

[sllowe]

Hey Side-S,

Hmmmm well. Did you look into the net already on the docs that work in those facilities?
Rember this while you research - A good neuro can dx MS. You don't necessarily need one who has that badge on his or her arm stating MSologist - just a neuro who has the experience, and talent to know what he or she is looking at, and if not - one willing to keep digging to find out.

I'll check out the links you put up and let you know what I think.
-shell
p.s. Good for you to tell the office doc didn't know what you had, lol I am proud of you!

[Sidesteps]

I think I'm going to pick Swedish. This is a pretty good read.

http://www.swedish.org/Swedish/media/SNI/BrainWaves_Spring-2011.pdf