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How do doctors determine SFN is NOT ALS or MS?
Neuropathy | Last Active: Mar 19 8:36am | Replies (15)Comment receiving replies
Mike, I'm sure you've put yourself on a waiting list/calendar with a good neurology practice, but don't be afraid to check in and see if they've had cancellations. Here in Chicago I was told the soonest a Northwestern-associated neurologist could see me would be late July, so I made that appointment but put in a call to Rush. A cancellation happened to have just come in two days away, so I juggled everything at work and grabbed that appointment. I'm glad I did - the neurologist I saw was impressive and will be doing an EMG/nerve conduction test at Rush in early April.
Ordinarily I would also have had to wait until July to see a neurologist at Rush as well, it was a triumph of sheer dumb luck.
I know how hard it is to wait and worry - the sooner you can get that appointment on the books the closer you are to testing, a diagnosis, and a care plan. Sending you all my very best wishes for reassuring news for you.
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@susan0514 Hi, Susan. I was referred to a neurologist by my PCP at my 6-month check in September. They never called me. So a few weeks later, I called to check on the referral and was transferred to voicemail for the scheduling nurse. I left several messages over the next few weeks. I never got any reply. It seems that ALL the neurologists in my area are in this one big group. My referral from the PCP was re-sent in early January... to a different doctor in the practice. As of today, no one has ever called me. There is another practice of neurosurgeons, but I don't need a surgeon.... I don't think so, at least. I finally found a neurophysiologist who has a practice in a smaller city 45 minutes away, and I have an appointment with him next week. I also called Emory in Atlanta about a month ago, and the earliest appointment I could get with a neurologist there was June, so I made that appointment. I don't know if that neurologist deals with neuropathy or if his specialization may be something else. But he was available, so I took the earliest appointment. Sad to have to travel two hours to Atlanta when there is a large practice right here... but if the practice does not even acknowledge a voice mail or a doctor's referral with at least a card to say "Sorry, we are not making appointments for new patients at this time," maybe they are not the practice for me. ;-( I'm glad to hear things worked out differently for you and you were able to get in on a cancellation. I wish. I thank you for your kind message. This Connect support has been amazing!! Best wishes! Mike