Anyone else out there dealing with neuro stuff mostly on their own?

Posted by Viola @violasummertime, Jul 5 10:16am

Hello. I’m brand new here and happy to be here. I’m dealing with some frightening symptoms that are in the process of being diagnosed: one is probably something pinched in my back, and the other is yet to be known (could be MS or something else).

My legs and feet are numb from the lower thigh downward. I have numbness in my back and buttocks. And my neck feels strange.

I also have cognitive disorganization and memory trouble.

I’m afraid that I haven’t much of a support network, though I’ve found a therapist that I like. Making things harder is that I’m having to travel three hours now (each way) in order to get quality healthcare.

There’s much more to my whole health picture, but this is what belongs in this group.

Can anyone here relate?

Thank you.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Brain & Nervous System Support Group.

@colleenyoung

@carniplant, did you know that Mayo Clinic has a database of the clinical trials it is currently conducting that you can search? See here: https://www.mayo.edu/research/clinical-trials

You can also call a coordinator to discuss available trials for which you may be eligible:
NON-CANCER CLINICAL STUDIES QUESTIONS
Phone: 800-664-4542 (toll-free)
Contact form https://www.mayo.edu/research/forms/clinical-trials

CANCER-RELATED CLINICAL STUDIES QUESTIONS
Phone: 855-776-0015 (toll-free)
Contact form https://www.mayo.edu/research/forms/cancer-clinical-trials

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Colleen, thank you immensely for your help, support and phenomenal information!🫵🙏💯 You've done it again. I didn't know that any of these resources existed (regarding getting a clinical trial at The Mayo Clinic). I'll contact them immediately.

Thanks again for your help with this Colleen.

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@carniplant

Thank you so much for your reply. You just helped me to know exactly what I need to do. I'm definitely going to get a referral for me to get treatment at The Mayo Clinic.

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@carniplant I hope they can help you!

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@jenniferhunter

@hnrharrison Is the primary care doctor refusing to see your husband? I don't know what is involved in getting coverage from the VA for medical care, but this doesn't seem right. You may want to be his advocate and make the phone calls and requests for appointments. Sometimes a gal has to step in to organize and schedule for her guy. Ask the questions that he should be asking at his appointments. I have taken on this role for my husband a lot because he would prefer to ignore things and just take a nap. Can you call the VA and ask what you need to do to get a specialist appointment authorized?

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I have. I was the one that actually found the abnormal tests from two years ago that they never told him about. His primary care has not seen him since 1/2023 even with us making multiple requests. Primary care has to make referrals to specialists that requests have been ignored. We have filed complaints with the VA, letters to congressman, White House VA hotline, and joint commission. But just getting apologies and excuses, still no answers.

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I just wanted to add that my uncle is treated at VA hospital in Durham, NC and seems to have excellent care.

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The not knowing and not getting answers sooner would sure be helpful. It does help also to
talk with others. Good luck, keep the faith.

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in reply @hnrharrison I would immediately get an appt with a primary care physician, the sooner the better. Also if they try to schedule you in 2-3 months that is unacceptable! Tell them about the MRI results that were done and use that as leverage to get what you want. How were you informed that the scans were abnormal?
Next should be an evaluation with a neurologist to further explain. If you are not getting responses. File a complaint and walk yourself straight to the Administration department to speak with a patient advocate or someone from Quality Assurance! Remember the saying of the squeaky wheel.

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@kndaustin71

in reply @hnrharrison I would immediately get an appt with a primary care physician, the sooner the better. Also if they try to schedule you in 2-3 months that is unacceptable! Tell them about the MRI results that were done and use that as leverage to get what you want. How were you informed that the scans were abnormal?
Next should be an evaluation with a neurologist to further explain. If you are not getting responses. File a complaint and walk yourself straight to the Administration department to speak with a patient advocate or someone from Quality Assurance! Remember the saying of the squeaky wheel.

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The Primary Care is who ordered all his tests and who has ignored our requests. We have made multiple complaints. Unfortunately we are dealing with the VA.

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@hnrharrison

The Primary Care is who ordered all his tests and who has ignored our requests. We have made multiple complaints. Unfortunately we are dealing with the VA.

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I am a Registered nurse and worked in the VA system, in fact retired, from it. I would call the Quality Assurance office every day and then start calling the office of the Chief of Staff! If you continue to be ignored.....start the same thing with your Congressman. Do not give up! I am also a Veteran and served in the Army Nurse Corp for 10 years. Let me think and I may come up with more ideas!

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@kndaustin71

I am a Registered nurse and worked in the VA system, in fact retired, from it. I would call the Quality Assurance office every day and then start calling the office of the Chief of Staff! If you continue to be ignored.....start the same thing with your Congressman. Do not give up! I am also a Veteran and served in the Army Nurse Corp for 10 years. Let me think and I may come up with more ideas!

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We have filed a congressional investigation, 3 White House complaints, I’ve been sending emails all over the VA and managed to get the attention of VISN. We have spoken to the director and deputy chief of staff. They have acknowledged that he has not been treated appropriately but they are just giving us excuses and apologies. They are still dragging their heels on actually doing anything. So I’ve also complained to OIG and Joint Commission. In my opinion this should be investigated as a sentinel event and gross negligence. Unfortunately at this point I don’t feel comfortable trusting them with his care even if they finally do see him. That is why I am trying to find someone to at least review his imaging reports for a second opinion.

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@hnrharrison

We have filed a congressional investigation, 3 White House complaints, I’ve been sending emails all over the VA and managed to get the attention of VISN. We have spoken to the director and deputy chief of staff. They have acknowledged that he has not been treated appropriately but they are just giving us excuses and apologies. They are still dragging their heels on actually doing anything. So I’ve also complained to OIG and Joint Commission. In my opinion this should be investigated as a sentinel event and gross negligence. Unfortunately at this point I don’t feel comfortable trusting them with his care even if they finally do see him. That is why I am trying to find someone to at least review his imaging reports for a second opinion.

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I apologize I did not read carefully your prior posts. You have done exactly what needs to be done in this, in fact, Sentinel Event. I wouldn't feel comfortable either with seeking continued care at that particular VA. Inn doing research for my own issues I did come across a program that I believe John Hopkins offers for 2nd opinions. (I will double check that it is JH). There, of course, is a fee attached, as I recall of $1500 for Tele-medicine 2nd opinion clinic review. I don't know whether insurance would cover the cost. At least, with a 2nd opinion, you would know how to proceed with medical care. I am very impressed with the process that you have gone through. Not many would know how to do that!

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