Hello @claytd, welcome to Connect. You may notice that I moved your discussion to the Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases group. I would like to invite @stephenluptak, @techi @cecelia9233, and @jeancary who have all mentioned having white matters disease.

@claytd, while we wait for some input from other members, would you be comfortable sharing a bit more about yourself? What questions do you have for other members on Connect in regards to your stroke and white matter disease?

I have been diagnosed with a stroke, white matter disease, and NPH. I have not found a neurologist in whom I have confidence in Memphis TN. Any suggestions?

@stephenluptak

I have been diagnosed with a stroke, white matter disease, and NPH. I have not found a neurologist in whom I have confidence in Memphis TN. Any suggestions?

Jump to this post

Hi, @stephenluptak – I'm inviting into this conversation members who've mentioned Memphis in their posts or profiles to see if any of them may have a suggestion of a neurologist for you in the Memphis, TN, area. Please meet @grovergl @cummings3 @bekie @lucyholly18 @randallfrommemphis @memphisone45 @memphismom.

Hi Lisa! Thanks for the suggestions. However, where would I find the addresses for @cummings3 @bekie @lucyholly18 @randallfrommemphis @memphisone45 @memphismom? Thanks!

@stephenluptak

Hi Lisa! Thanks for the suggestions. However, where would I find the addresses for @cummings3 @bekie @lucyholly18 @randallfrommemphis @memphisone45 @memphismom? Thanks!

Jump to this post

We'd just need to await their return to post here.

Did UT-Memphis turn out to be a viable option for you to be seen, @stephenluptak?

Hi there- My son has chronic epstein barr that caused a lot of damage to his body, including hi autonomic nervous system. He is seeing a neurologist in Memphis at the Semmes Murphy Clinic by the name of Debbie Turner. She only specialized in the autonomic nervous system and has treated many people with cognitive issues, alzheimers, MS, Pots, etc.

@stephenluptak

I have been diagnosed with a stroke, white matter disease, and NPH. I have not found a neurologist in whom I have confidence in Memphis TN. Any suggestions?

Jump to this post

Hi, @stephenluptak – how are you feeling lately? Have you found a good specialist in your region?

Thanks for asking. I have found no one with whom I feel confident. Is there a way to search by sub specialty?

@lisalucier

Hi, @stephenluptak – how are you feeling lately? Have you found a good specialist in your region?

Jump to this post

According to my Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plan, the closest one is in Nashville (>3 hours away). What should expect from this specialist? Do I even need one? Is there somewhere I may check to see one if the trip would be worthwhile? Thank you!

@stephenluptak

According to my Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plan, the closest one is in Nashville (>3 hours away). What should expect from this specialist? Do I even need one? Is there somewhere I may check to see one if the trip would be worthwhile? Thank you!

Jump to this post

Hi, @stephenluptak – These are all reasonable questions before you'd make the 3-hour trip and invest money and time in a neurology consult in Nashville. I'd like to call on a few Mayo Clinic Connect members, @johnbishop @jakedduck1 @jenniferhunter @hopeful33250, who may have some thoughts for you, in light of your diagnosis with stroke, white matter disease, and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), on these questions you asked about the specialist your Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plan would allow for you to see:

What should expect from this specialist?

Do I even need one?

Is there somewhere I may check to see one if the trip would be worthwhile?

Hi @stephenluptak, I ran across a post from @roch that I thought had some excellent questions and suggestions to prepare for an appointment with a new specialist. It might be helpful to read through the list here:

https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-on-how-to-get-off-to-the-best-start-with-a-new-specialist/?pg=1#comment-240765

@stephenluptak

According to my Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plan, the closest one is in Nashville (>3 hours away). What should expect from this specialist? Do I even need one? Is there somewhere I may check to see one if the trip would be worthwhile? Thank you!

Jump to this post

@stephenluptak Hello Paul:

In my experience a specialist is worth their weight in gold. They specialize in particular disorders and are best able to plan your treatment. If your insurance company has provided a name of a specialist, I would "google" that doctor's name and learn as much as you can about his experience and background and the patients that he sees.

If, in fact, this doctor seems to be a good fit for the type of problem you have then look at the link provided by @johnbishop regarding "getting off to a good start with a new specialist" and follow some of the suggestions in that post.

A neurologist who specializes in these areas can be much more helpful because that is their area of expertise and they will have more knowledge than a general neurologist. The specialist can also provide information for your local doctor who can continue your care closer to home.

I hope you feel comfortable with what you learn about this referral. Will you post again and let me know how you are doing with this decision process?

@lisalucier

Hi, @stephenluptak – These are all reasonable questions before you'd make the 3-hour trip and invest money and time in a neurology consult in Nashville. I'd like to call on a few Mayo Clinic Connect members, @johnbishop @jakedduck1 @jenniferhunter @hopeful33250, who may have some thoughts for you, in light of your diagnosis with stroke, white matter disease, and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), on these questions you asked about the specialist your Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plan would allow for you to see:

What should expect from this specialist?

Do I even need one?

Is there somewhere I may check to see one if the trip would be worthwhile?

Jump to this post

Thank you so much!