This is silly, right?

[Anne923]

So I am scheduled for a general neuro apt in March, but i wanted to see if i could just start with a MS specialist since that is what we are ruling out.   So I go on the website for the phone number to make and apt and the receptionist says

"you have to see a neurologist and have a MS diagnosis to be seen"  

Buuuuttt the website states:

"We are experts in diagnosing multiple sclerosis, as well as recognized what is not MS. We offer cutting-edge MRI imaging, which is our primary window into the brain and spine. We also run the full repertoire of lab tests to exclude other possibilities before coming to a conclusion."

Soooo....  really you don't diagnose MS so much as you confirm other people diagnosis?  

I have had an MRI, Lyme, B12, autoimmune and endocrine testing... so basically Im going to wait 6 months to see a general neuro, for them to say what?  get another MRI and wait another who knows how long to see a specialist?  

this is irritating...

I don't want MS, but i want a specialist to tell me I don't have it, not a generalist....

[Milliepede]

Hello, Anne. I went through the same dilemma, just trying get dx. It was second general neuro (local hospital) who ordered lumbar puncture and that, with MRIs, gave dx. I am seeing a specialist for treatment advice. My 2nd appt with him is this week.

Since he/she is in your health system, and is close, don't rule him/her out. Bottom line is, you need to be comfortable and confident in your medical care staff. Maybe you'll get a good one, generalist though they be. Even some specialists lack that something that makes a patient feel listened to. The best care I've had so far is from my family doctor! She's brilliant!

Best wishes in your journey.

[Anne923]

It's within the same system for me, and super close!

[Corriel]

Hi Anne, it is a dilemma for sure to decide on a generalist or an MSSpecialist, so I will give you my history for whatever it is worth.

Where I live there are only 2 neurologists and both are generalists. In my case, even though MS was low on my list of anticipated diagnoses, or so my neuro said upon original neuro exam and a basic MRI, he was quick to rule out everything else.

He told me that if I had been hard to diagnose he would have referred me to an MS Clinic four hours away.

I am not sure in your area if traveling for an MS specialist is easily done but if your general neuro is closer and is open minded enough to keep all potential dx on the table even if they don't think it is one thing or another I wouldn't be in a hurry to switch.

Good luck!
Corrie