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At 09:06 PM 7/24/95 -0400, Perdue - Joyce wrote: >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? > > This is terrible. IMHO this doctor should have his license reviewed. 'Abandoned' is the least of his 'sins'. Absolutely, positively search out a new doctor and please do so soon. A few weeks ago I posted a message about the first neurologist my husband (Jeff) went to and how all the doctor wanted to do was to give him Sinemet (all he had at this time was barely a tremor). I recently saw this doctor interviewed on a local tv program and posted my feelings about the lack of foresight and compassion based on that interview and on our experience with him. I was a bit surprised how some of the responses were almost forgiving (towards the doctor). Doctors are hired by us - they are under our employ and while not the typical employee/employer relationship, they are still accountable and ultimately expendable. There are great doctors 'out there' and I trust, many more great ones than poor ones. It is in this vein that I maintain that we (you) must be your biggest advocate at all times. It's important to have faith and confidence in one's doctor and I'm not a cynic but rather a realist. If we (you) don't have that faith and confidence, it's time to change or at least look beyond to another doctor, treatment, etc. No matter how old, how seemingly infirmed I feel it is still important to get at least a second opinion (at the very least) in your case. It's one thing to say, there's nothing more I can do for you' and quite another to say in essence 'don't come back'. In light of your mother's overall condition and general weakness, I would suggest starting out with an interview (no exam at first) of sorts with a new doctor that you have gotton some good feedback on. I would stress her overall weakness and discourage tests designed more to preempt a malpractice suit than to help your mom. Lot's of things are happening in PD today - don't give up. --