Phil Tompkins
I have been under my gp's care for the last three years, and quite
satisfactorily; thanks to information available from the internet,
primarily.  I had rather unsatisfactory treatment from my neurologist and
withdrew from his treatment.  It goes without saying that you must have an
accommodating gp.  Aloha, Leo Fleming

> From: Phil Tompkins <[log in to unmask]>
> Reply-To: "Parkinson's Information Exchange Network"
> <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 06:00:20 +0000
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Neuro or family physician/internist for PD?  Was: Constipation
>
> On 29 May 00, at 12:27, Camilla Flintermann wrote:
>
>> I agree with the philosophy here, but have to say that not all
>> neuros will be helpful re: constipation---some feel it's not their
>> "department", sad to say. ....
>
> PD affects parts of the body that neuros don't necessarily deal
> with, constipation as mentioned already, muscular aches and
> pains being another.  Just as some aspects may be seem
> specialized for the internist, so others may be too general for the
> specialist.
>
> I don't like the idea of having different parts of me treated by
> different docs when one doc might do. You can end up with
> something nobody wants to claim responsibility for, and no one
> has the big picture.  The way medical care is envisioned, e.g., a
> primary physician refers you to a specialist, who in theory is
> supposed to confer with and report back to the primary on your
> condition, doesn't necessarily happen in practice.  Or the patient
> may be the channel of communication.  And you have to make two
> appointments and visits and pay for two doctors in order to see one
> of them.  Not to mention that the nearest PD/movement disorder
> specialist can be over an hour's drive away and has no available
> appointments over the next three months!
>
> I've been treated for PD by a movement disorder specialist almost
> from the beginning. My PD was not hard to diagnose, and it has
> been progressing slowly and predictably.  It's a fairly "routine"
> case, if anyone's PD can said to be.  So I don't see why a family
> physician with PD experience can't handle it.  Some family
> physicians treat PD, and, I would think, do an OK job at it.  I've
> recently moved and am looking for such a physician.
>
> Has anyone had good experience being treated for PD by a family
> physician or internist?  Anyone have thoughts on this question?
>
> Phil Tompkins
> Amherst MA
> age 62/dx 1990
>