Do you have a DR. that goes the extra mile for you? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

off kilter · 10-13-2005, 04:04 AM

After seeing the neurologist for the first time last week, I went to see my primary care Dr. yesterday. My neurologist had said while I have MS the symptoms I was having were affecting me more then they should and wondered if stress way affecting my perception of them and recomended I get someone to talk to. I posted yesterday on this topic. My primary care has referred me for mental health therapy. But he also wanted to make sure all bases were covered. He said while yes our mental state can influnce how we feel, he said you can have more then one medical issues going on at the same time a good example is lyme disease which we ruled out already. So he checked the meds I take for arthritis one of which is Plaquenil and did a blood test to see if Plaquenil is affecting my muscles. Since Plaquenil can have neurologicl side effects he wants me to change my meds. He also ordered a B 12 blood test as that can mimic or add to MS problems. I'm also going to have a neck MRI as arthritis can cause or add to neurology problems if the neck is affected. Got to love this Dr. He doesn't by into the " female,fat&40" syndrome as so many Dr. do. The first time I saw my rheumotoligst for my arthris ( I've lived with JRA since I was a kid) His focused was on the female.fat,and 40 syndrome and he focused on any thing that was causing stress in my life that might give me emotional aches and pains. He sang a different tune after my Foot and ankle MRI's showed extensive bone erosion and inflamation in my ankle joints. Then he was all nice ,attentive & focused on treatment. Don't you hate that kind of Dr? What have been your experiences with really good & really bad Dr?

fyrguy · 10-13-2005, 10:51 PM

I was so impressed with the GF's GP that I switched over to her clinic. Just had my first physical with her, and she's VERY thorough. Even tho I've just turned 40, she's recommended a PSA test, which most Drs wait until a guy is 45 to order!

She's taken a good history, is interested in what I have to say and is following up with concerns.

She's done the same with the GF, and has been very comforting to work with. An

of a Dr.

On the other hand... my last Dr (the one I've left to join up with this Dr) hardly had time for me. Even if it was a scheduled appointment, you felt rushed. And never mind trying to go see him about something happening today! "maybe in a week" was the best I could get.

I think a lot of doctors take in too many patients to be efficient, and it really affects patient care. locally here, they've opened a clinic that takes "members" as patients. Basicaly, you pay a fee per year, and are gauranteed to have good access to your entire health team. Dieticians, physio, nurses, alternative, specialists.... they're all there.