>On my mother's last visit to her neurologist, he diagnosed Parkinson's
>Plus and then told her that there was no need for her to come back to him
>anymore, as there was nothing else he could do for her. She has been
>seeing him for years, and I've always thought he sounded cold as she
>would recount her visits, but this just "takes the cake". Why would he
>say this, unless it's the standard practice to cut loose a patient when
>the end is in sight. Of course, he will continue to provide for her
>prescriptions, but she and I believe that it is time to see another
>neurologist. She is barely mobile, can eat little. Would it be futile
>to pursue another neurologist? She has so little stamina, that I hate to
>subject her to all that it would entail. On the other hand, she feels
>abandoned. What do you think?
Yes, Yes, Yes.!!!
There is absolutely no reason for you to continue to see this so
called specialist any longer. Period!!
I am a doctor myself, (Cardiology though), and I have absolutely
no reservations in reccomending you to seek out another neurologist.
There must be a story behind his refusal to continue a meaningful
doctor-patient relationship with your mother, but it isn't
readily apparent to either you or me. Whatever his reason, your mother
has the right to get a second opinion regarding her status. In
today's society, we should not be hesitant to change doctors
if we are not satisfied with the care we are given. I am not
reccomending changing doctors every week, that is a problem in it's
own right. What you should do is find a doctor with whom yo can
develop a solid rapport with. If after reevaluation, and a few visits
he or she says there is little to be done for your mom, you should feel
that you have given you mother your best effort.
What this physician may be feeling is "impotence"; that is, a lack
of power over your mothers deteriorating state. He may be
showing this with his brusque manner.
If you feel uncomfortable leaving him, be honest, and tell him
straight off that you need to look out for your mother's best
interests, and that means getting a second opinion. If he will
not give you a referral to another specialist, contact a family
physician who may have a set of referrals.
Best of luck with your search,
Sohrab Lutchmedial
