Connect
Several Issues: Early onset Alzheimer's, neuropathy & RLS
My spelling has gone out the window...I have complex partial seizure's, early onset Alzheimer's (just diagnosed) and preferial neurophy (sorry tried 10 times to get the spelling) and RLS. I am sick and tired of all the meds. they have me on. Its awful. any ideas where I can start to help me. Struck by lightning over 30 years ago and very thing is showing up in the last 5 years.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Brain & Nervous System Support Group.
Connect
Hello,
I am joining this site to find help from a patient advocate at mayo clinic in Rochester.
My aunt needs to be evaluated for Alzheimer's. She has begun to show signs of the disease. She has a family history of Alzheimer's, with her father and two brothers dying from Alzheimer's.
The issue she is having is getting her primary doctor to refer her to Mayo in Rochester for a consult/ evaluation. She will not.
My auntie is suffering and needs someone to champion for her. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
She lives in Minnesota and I live in California, otherwise I would be at Mayo until she can be seen.
Thank you, Karen
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHello @karenahmari I am Scott and it is nice to make your e-acquaintance here. I am sorry to hear of your Aunt's diagnosis. My mother in law had dementia and also lived in Minnesota, as we did at the time. My wife, who had brain cancer also exhibited many symptoms of dementia and benefitted greatly from the expertise of the doctors at Mayo Rochester.
My first suggestion would be to ask your aunt's doc why she will not make the referral. In our case several times a GP was reluctant it was because they were in over their heads in a particular area, but refused to see or admit it. I know questioning medical folks can be tough, but it would be my first step as you are right -- she needs a champion!
If you have POA for your Aunt you can perhaps do even more for her in this arena.
The dementia program and doctors in Rochester are truly gifted and amazing.
I wish you well on this journey,
What is a POA?
Karen
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi Scott,
What is a POA?
Karen
Sorry @karenahmari. It stands for Power of Attorney. They can be for specific periods, open ended, for all issues, or just one or two. I had one for my wife's care and it helped immensely!
It is so important to make sure she, you, everyone has a Healthcare Power of Attorney & Financial Power of Attorney to make sure your wishes are carried out. Never to young.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you Scott.
Thank you Dawn.
@karenahmari I agree with Scott that you may wish to ask your auntie's primary care physician about getting a referral to Mayo Clinic for an evaluation.
However, you do not need a doctor referral to be seen by Mayo Clinic experts. You can call for an appointment yourself (self refer). Simply call Mayo Clinic appointments department. The numbers can be found here - http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63. They will walk you through the steps and what you need to do to get your aunt seen at Mayo.
Hello Colleen,
Thanks for your suggestion, however her primary physician will not refer her. Even with her family history and symptoms, her doctor said " why do you want to get diagnosised, there's no cure for Alzheimer's." Unbelievable.! Malpractice ?
The primary doctor is the one who needs to give the referral, it's an insurance thing, Medicare advantage plan.