Find a neurologist you trust; then, get a second opinion
It is so important to find a neurologist you trust. That is the person who will provide you with all kinds of information - from test results and a diagnosis to therapy choices and advice on family decisions. In my case, I found comfort in knowing I found someone who deals with this particular disease a lot and can provide me with the best treatment.
As much as you trust your doctor, it's prudent to get a second opinion. There is no single definitive test for MS. Usually, diagnosis comes after the analysis and interpretation of many test results (MRI(s), spinal tap, etc.). Therefore, it doesn't hurt to have another interpretation of the results.
As much as you trust your doctor, it's prudent to get a second opinion. There is no single definitive test for MS. Usually, diagnosis comes after the analysis and interpretation of many test results (MRI(s), spinal tap, etc.). Therefore, it doesn't hurt to have another interpretation of the results.
Comments
I completely agree about getting a second opinion. It made me feel more sure when I got my 2nd opinion, and it took away many doubts about "maybe it's something else".
And definately find a neurologist that you can trust and feel comfortable talking to. Not all neurologists are created equal! If you have one that only pushes one drug, or dismisses your symptoms, then it's time to go doctor hunting. If at all possible find an MS clinic - those neuros have much more experience with the latest MS treatments. That being said, there are some MS specialists who aren't very personable either! Sometimes you have to look for a while to find someone good :)
Posted by: Rebecca | August 25, 2006 02:45 PM
I was diagnosed with MS in November. I would like to get a second opinion and am willing to go anywhere to be seen by a good doctor. Has anyone had any experience with the Mayo Clinic in Arizona for MS treatment?
Posted by: Mandy | January 11, 2008 08:18 PM
I WAS DX WITH MS WHEN I HAD A ONE YEAR GOAL TO BE AN ATTORNEY/JUDGE.
A HUGE MEDICAL CENTER TOOK TO BIOPSIES OF MY THIGHS AND SAID I DEFINETLY HAD MS., IT DID NOT DISTRUB ME UNTIL THEIR WAS A DAY I COULD NOT MORE ONE OF MY LEGS!
RECENTLY, I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND THAN I HAD TO HAVE A COLONOSKY*mis spelled)THE DOCTOR SAID THE TEST WAS VERY CLOUDY AND ASKED ME IF I WANTED TO TAKE IT OVER. EVEN, AS HE SAID AT THE TIME THAT MY CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM WAS VERY BAD. I THOUGHT BECAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT BUT, IT WAS NOT!!! THE CAR ACCIDENT SCRAMBLED THE IMMUNE SYSTEM TO BECOME A ACTIVE MS PERSON. NOW, THE MAIN REASON I DID GO TO THIS DR. BECAUSE I STARTED WEARING A PAD TO BED BECAUSE I NOTICED WHEN I GOT UP IN THE AM, SOME STOOL WAS ON THE PAD!!!
SO, I SPOKEN TO THE BACK SURGEON THAT WAS SUPPOSE TO DUE MY BACK SURGERY; DUE TO THE ACCIDENT-- HE TOLD ME TO SEE THIS DOCTOR FIRST.
I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT UNTIL, THIS DOCTOR SAID TO ME LOOKING AT MY FOLDER THAT IN WAS INEVNAL THAT LUPUS AND MS WOULD MAKEE ME LOOSE BODILY FUNCTIONS.
I WENT NUTS, CRYING--SAYING I HAVE ONE YEAR TO BE AN ATTORNEY AND 2 MORE YEARS TO BE A JUDGE.
I CRYED SO HARD, THE INTERN WITH HIM GOT ME A PAPER TOWEL. I GRABED THE DOCTORS HAND AND SAID AS HE LOOKED IN THE FOLDER. DID YOU KNOW THAT I HAVE A FUTURE IN LAW????? HE SAID I AM SO SORRY, YOU ARE GOING TO GET WORSE. I SAID WHAT???????/
SO, I WAS CRYING HEADING OUT THE DOOR:HE SAID DO YOU WANT TO TAKE THE TEST AGAN?? I SAID IS THE CONCLUSION GOING TO BE THE SAME AND HE SAID YES.
SO, I SAID WHY PUT ME THRU THAT??
MY CAREGIVER THAT HELPS ME HEARD HIM SAY TO THE RECEPTIONIST.
DO NOT GIVE HER ANYMORE APPOINTMENT!!!!!
I HAVE NOT BEEN THE SAME SINCE.
ALSO I WONDER IF THEY WILL STILL DO THE BACK OPERATION, BECAUSE I HURT MY BACK SO BAD!!
PRAY FOR ME MICKEY
Posted by: MICKEY | February 24, 2008 11:28 AM