Mike, sorry it took so long to get back to you! In Illinois, even with a referral it is usually the responsibility of the patient to call the practice and say I have a referral, are you taking new patients, etc. I understand from a doctor friend that neurologists are one of the most called upon specialties right now, between the needs of an aging population of Baby Boomers and the huge increase of children needing to see neurologists for a wide spectrum of disorders and conditions. I am glad you called Emory, academic medical centers - teaching hospitals - tend to be a part of, or at least up on, new research, protocols, studies, medications, technologies.

I was so lucky with the person who answered the phone that day at Rush. I have no idea what their job title was, but they asked me a lot of questions about my symptoms and prior tests, and when I hesitated to take the appointment because I wasn't sure I could find a sub for my students they went out of their way to urge me to please, please take the appointment. They told me I could cancel if I had to, but if I waited until I had a sub confirmed they guaranteed me the appointment would not still be there. I made the appointment because of that remark, and when I called my boss she immediately agreed I had to take the appointment and they'd manage somehow.

I appreciate this website too. I was so scared when my symptoms started about 15 years ago, and my neurologist at Northwestern first suspected MS or Charcot Marie Tooth. Fortunately for me a genetic test for Charcot Marie Tooth had recently come out at that time - 2009 or 2010 and it was negative, nor were other tests consistent with MS. For a long time my symptoms receded or were quiet, but the last couple of months symptoms have been coming on like gangbusters and it's been a consistent source of anxiety, uncertainty and discomfort and my fears can take me to some dark places. My April tests can't come soon enough!

I really hope we both have an opportunity to find reassurance and answers this spring!