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At 03:50 AM 4/19/98 -0700, Stephanie Dorsch wrote: >Knowinng I will need to find another neurologist is causing me to be >anxious.> Hi Stephanie, No wonder that we are anxious when selecting a new neurologist . It is an important relationship that must be built on TRUST. Usually the first neuro-doc we happen upon by accidental circumstances. And, of course during the first years after diagnosis, we are easy to satisfy: we don't know too much (or, anything) about PD; there are MANY meds to choose from that are non-PD meds, per se and therefore are not the real, serious stuff; and we only see the neuro-doc24 to 3 times a year. So, it may take a couple of years before we recognize that we are not quite satisfied with the treatment and then it may take some more time before we have the guts to look for someone else. The important lessons we learned from the first relationship will hopefully aid us in selecting the right "match" this time. I know it is a luxury, though it ought to be a basic necessity, to interview a few doctors before selecting the right one for our needs. There is the matter of cost for doctor visits; there may not be a Movement Specialist near by and traveling is difficult and costly; and then the question still remains: how do you know that the new guy is better than the old one?? Certainly, asking people, this LIST, your GP are all important steps, but in the end you will still decide based on your 'gut' feeling or the emergency status of your situation. I am sure that much has been written about the process of selecting the best neuro-doc for you. Probably the national organizations have pamphlets or articles on the subject. Also, they can be called for referrals in your area: APDA-800-223-2732, Nat'l Parkinson Foundation-800-327-4545, The Parkinson Disease Foundation-800-457-6676, United Parkinson Foundation-312-733-1893. Parkinson Foundation Canada- ? phone #, and all the European organizations. Writing this note in response to Stephanie Dorsch's expression of anxiety, and our need for sharing within a group that offers kinship and common purpose, has pointed to yet another service that our LISTSERV may furnish: developing a list of doctors. Since this would be subjective and not in any way reflecting on their qualifications, maybe the comments about each name submitted could include: the manner in which they conduct a visit, ie, the nurse takes the BP, weight, list of meds, and notes problems; does the doctor go through the check off list of Unified Parkinsonism Rating Scale Motor examination, and Activities of Daily Living? Does he listen to questions and respond patiently and in laymen's terms? Is he open to new ideas, non-traditional treatment methods? Does he offer to bring you up to date on new meds, trials, procedures ? Do you feel rushed? Can you submit a list of your concerns before the appointment by email/fax/snail mail? Does he respond quickly when you call? Maybe, this list could be kept up to date and accessed by new list members from the archive. I would suggest to write about the positive experiences we have, and therefore by omission censure those who were disappointing to us ----again, this is subjective. Margaret At 03:50 AM 4/19/98 -0700, Stephanie Dorsch wrote: >Knowing I will need to find another neurologist is causing me to be >anxious.> [log in to unmask] DOB: 1941/Dx: 1980/Cured:ASAP Slogans wont do it/Hard work will