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Ken Elterich, Dir., Info Srvs wrote: > > Hello - > I introduced my wife (52/2 weeks) and I to the list the > other day. She had an MRI last night and will be going back > to the Neurologist in a couple of weeks. At her initial visit > she was given a month's supply of Eldepryl. Her symptom is a > shaking right arm. We've done quite a bit of reading (books > and at the Parkinson's WEB site) and this list has already > given us some great information. > > We'd like to be prepared for our next visit to the Neuro. > What questions would you ask your Neuro at your initial > follow-up visit if you had it to do all over again given > what you know now? > > Thanks for your help. > - Ken & Marie - -- Ken and Marie, A few suggestions. Since you are beginning treatment with this neurologist it is important that you evaluate how open he is to questions and sharing information. It is probably as important how he answers questions as what he says. Is he sympathetic to your anxiety and fear or does he discount it? Does he volunteer info re PD and suggest sources like support groups books etc.? I suggest that you have the involvement of a movement disorders specialist at least on a consultative basis. Ask him where the nearest major movement disorders clinic is and whether he would refer you for a second opinion. Point out that you are not doubting his diagnosis and treatment recommendations but with all the new drugs and thinking about PD you would like someone who works exclusively in this field to consult. The neurologist's response to this request is crucial. If he becomes angry or defensive you probably should avoid him. If he is supportive, then he probably is not a "know-it-all" and is open to consultation. If you are not close to a movement disorders clinic then seeing the sub-specialist say once a year and seeing your local neurologist in the interim I think offers optimum care. Regarding other things to ask him- no matter how long a list you come up with, how well you prepare and how much time is allotted there will still be many questions you won't ask. Whatever you ask concentrate on how he communicates and whether he sees communication as a primary part of his job or one of those disagreeable tasks with the priority somewhere between talking to lawyers and filling out forms. Welcome to the list. I'm sorry that you need us (i.e. have been diagnosed with PD) but glad that you found us. Charlie CHARLES T. MEYER, M.D. Middleton, WI [log in to unmask]