Finding the Right Doctor

I have never found very good communication, compassion in a doctor. I begged my GP for years for a referral to a neuro. He wouldn't do it he kept telling me I didn't have MS. He finally sent me when my right arm felt like electricity running though it. The neuro looked at my records and family history and said I think you have MS. I'll go ahead and test your elbow for a pinched nerve as your doctor ordered but you don't have a pinch nerve. Once I was diagnosed I was relieved, I wasn't crazy and doctors would listen to me. Boy was I wrong, I would make a appt with my new GP she would send me to my neuro. If I went to my neuro first he would send me to my GP. That is when I decided to do all of the research I could and take care of myself. I haven't seen my neuro in 5 years, first they told me their schedule was too full so see me once a year. The neuro told me I was in remission and I could contact them if I had a problem. I had always heard that there was no remission with MS. I know there is a shortage of physicians in our area, I feel a little short changed when it comes to care. Potter

I have always liked researching, I just have to watch myself and not get too deep and fall into the rabbit hole. I read about studies and university groups testing something like Alpha Lipoic on a group of MS volunteers. If it is a drug with few side effects, easy to buy and inexpensive I start taking them. A few years ago I read about a study on certain sunblocks that had ingredients in them that slowed MS. Finding the specific sunblock was hard, maybe it worked and that is why I am in remission. I am 73 still walking, cleaning, cooking and working in my studio. I wasn't diagnosed until I was 55 and was on DMT's for ten years. Lately there has been several new medicines that were developed for Alzheimer and Parkinson. After the drugs have been on the market for awhile they are going to test them for treating Multiple Sclerosis and other immune diseases. A huge research center in Wichita Kansas is being built. It will be working with state colleges researchers that developed the new drugs. A new drug is about to be introduced that repairs damaged nerves. Exciting times we are living in. Potter

I've had 2 neurologists since my diagnosis. Both of them were/are very compassionate, great listeners and care for me as a whole person, not just another patient with MS. They address and treat my depression and some other issues not necessarily related to my MS like carpal tunnel. My current Neuro also follows my glaucoma journey which affects my vision and distinguishes which optic nerve symptoms and damage are due to MS and which to glaucoma. I appreciate the constant support my neurology team provides and it makes my MS journey easier to navigate,

Throughout the almost 30 years after my MS diagnosis, I have needed many Doctors. I've learned that I must be able to talk with them in a relaxed and honest manner before I consider them to be on my team. They must listen and consider what I'm telling them.
I can honestly say this has taken me years to do all this. Dr's have blown me off since long before I was diagnosed. I thought I was going crazy before I finally had optic neuritis. That was a blessing. It finally got me a diagnosis.
Please don't think because a Doctor has a large title and lots of qualifications that you have to deal with someone that doesn't meet your needs on an emotional level as well as your physical health. Your Neurologist needs to be able to make time for you with regular appointments and emergent ones. MS is never easy so they need to be available. Even if Dr's are scarce, please don't give up. You deserve better. Long term your MS will be better for having better care now.
God Bless! Cheers!