1. < Neuropathy

First consultation with neurologist

Posted by birdman518 @birdman518, Jan 17, 2021

Hey all,

I have my very first consultation tomorrow with a neurologist. This is about what I think I have: cervical radiculopathy, or in any event I have nerve pain from my shoulder down my arm and numbness in my hand.. mostly thumb and index finger. I also have some unsteadiness in my walking and balance sometimes and have fallen 3 times in the last 6 weeks or so.

But my question is not about my symptoms.

I have health insurance through Florida Blue (an ACA plan) which has an $8000 out of pocket. I am 64 and will start on Medicare using a supplement plan G.

3 weeks ago, my wife had to go to the ER for something (about 3 hours and all is ok) and we believe we will be getting a bill for over $4000.

You can probably see where I am going with this. It seems like if I waited for any major diagnostic tests or treatment until after I am on Medicare I would be much better off with respect to. my out of pocket expenditures.

Would it be reasonable for my first visit to explain that I would like to try something like the cortisone shot before moving on to anything more expensive?
Obviously when I set up this appointment I did not know about the ER bill.

If it were not for having fallen, I would probably have postponed this appointment until after May, as the rest of my symptoms have been present for a couple of years, although they have worsened lately.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

athenalee | @athenalee | Apr 19, 2021
In reply to @becsbuddy "@athenalee I just read your pdf on neurologist appointment prep. It’s very good. It sure makes..." + (show)
@becsbuddy

@athenalee I just read your pdf on neurologist appointment prep. It’s very good. It sure makes a difference when you go to appointments prepared! Did you use the list on your most recent doctor visit?

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Thank you. Yes. It was helpful for me to write it all down, that way I’d have in my mind. I brought a hard copy with me to take notes on. I have had so many doctors visits over the past two years, I also type up my symptoms, severity, etc. and questions. I typically send it along to my doctor and bring a copy with me so I don’t forget anything.

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birdman518 | @birdman518 | Apr 19, 2021
In reply to @athenalee "Hello, I put a similar question out to the group prior to my first neurologist appointment,..." + (show)
@athenalee

Hello, I put a similar question out to the group prior to my first neurologist appointment, I also did a lot of research, and follow the discussions on the group about what people have found helpful. I’ve attached a list I put together for my visit. I’d like to suggest you do research on what you already know about your condition and review the discussions this group has had. There is a wealth of knowledge that you can take with you which can help inform your visit with the neurologist. We’re all different with our symptoms and causes, but I feel, for me anyway, that I want to know all the available treatments, side effects, tests, etc. And, don’t be afraid to ask questions!

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Thank you!

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solobeee | @solobeee | Apr 22, 2021

I’d like to comment on a first neurologist appointment for SFN.
Nobody has mentioned that a persons blood, specifically IGG should be checked because if it is higher than a normal range of 1600, it could mean that a blood disease may be present. If anyone is interested in commenting further- I’d be available to discuss.

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1 reply
athenalee | @athenalee | Apr 22, 2021
In reply to @solobeee "I’d like to comment on a first neurologist appointment for SFN. Nobody has mentioned that a..." + (show)
@solobeee

I’d like to comment on a first neurologist appointment for SFN.
Nobody has mentioned that a persons blood, specifically IGG should be checked because if it is higher than a normal range of 1600, it could mean that a blood disease may be present. If anyone is interested in commenting further- I’d be available to discuss.

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Agreed. But I’d hope that would be at the top of the “to do” list for any neurologist...if not, I’d change neurologists fast! My neurologist suspected that I had autoimmune PN, and ordered labs addressing the common causes of neuropathy, including A1, IgG and other serum protein tests, folate, vitamin B12, etc. My results revealed a third autoimmune disease I have (in addition to the two others already diagnosed), called Sjogren’s Syndrome, which can cause PN.

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