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Hello Lottie:

Welcome to the world of PD.  I have some tips on choosing a neurologist - nothing "official," but just from experience:
1.  Find out his/her interest among movement disorders to be sure it's something related.  For example, my neurologist does studies in sleep disorders - and PWP's definitely have sleep problems.
2.  See what area in which he/she is board certified.  Mine is board certified in psychiatry - need I say more.
3.  If you bring a list of questions and your neuro doesn't give you time to go through it, kiss that one goodbye.  Yes, they are busy, but you're the one living with this illness and deserve the time.
4.  When you mention a new symptom, does your neuro take time to explain why this is happening and give you a couple of options in treating it (to include non-medication options)?  If you mention a symptom and are immediately handed another prescription, beware.  This isn't always true because another med may be the best or only answer, but that's not the answer to everything.
5.   Ask about new or upcoming treatments or medications; if he/she is "clueless," that doesn't equate to an uninformed doctor.  But if this happens often, I'd be a little questioning of his interests.
6.  If he/she is not a movement disorder specialists, is the doctor willing to refer you to one for an evaluation?
7.  Finally, do you feel comfortable telling your neurologist about anything - ANYTHING (even personal, intimate problems you may be experiencing), and does he/she lister - REALLY listen and address your concerns?  This is in my opinion the most important attriute of a good neurologist.
Hope this helps.
Peggy 

----- Original Message -----
From: "Lottie Hillard" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 4:27:58 AM (GMT-0500) America/New_York
Subject: I have just been diagnosed with Parkinson's

It has been very insightful reading all of your chats.
Tho it also makes my future more scary--hearing more details of the disease.  Anyone have any tips about choosing the right neurologist?

Lottie Hillard

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