I need your help finding a state of the art Neurologist, Antioch, Il.

Advantage Plan is why you don't get the better Dr's...js

The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has a list of specialists by state that might be helpful locating a neurologist close to your location - https://www.foundationforpn.org/support/find-a-doctor/.

I live closer to Chicago and travel there for most of my care, if that might be an option.

You have a lot of health issues going on. I know you’re asking for a neurologist, but have you considered seeing a physiatrist (physical medicine and rehab) doctor? They look at things more holistically. I have chronic pain, somewhat similar to you (spinal fusion, neuropathy, knee and hip pain, from various causes) and rely on my physiatrist for a lot, and there’s many great ones in Chicago because of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Definition from WebMD explains it better: “A physiatrist (fizz-eye-ah-trist) is a medical doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. They diagnose the cause of the pain and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. They treat conditions of the bones, muscles, joints, brain, and nervous system. These could range from back pain to cancer to multiple sclerosis.”

Or have you tried PT yet? I’m wondering if finding a way to decrease some of the other pain (like from the knee and hip you say needs to be replaced) might help the neuropathy pain. It’s possible that disc compression could be causing the pain in your legs, and there may be PT interventions for that, which wouldn’t require medication. (I had that experience.)

I also have a neurologist who might be a fit for you, if Chicago isn’t too far, but with all of the different types of pain you have, I’m not sure if a neurologist would be as helpful, at least they haven’t been in my experience, but have you been working with other doctors/specialists already? Either way, I can DM you his name. (I’m nervous about sharing too much online.)

If it’s a neurologist you’re looking for, what kind? Do you know if you need a neuropathy person or is it more for the disc disease?

Hi, and thank you! I'll check it out ASAP!

@surayabay24 I hope your insurance would be accepted at Northwestern Medicine. I wanted to pass on a neurologist I saw as a patient at Lake Forest Hospital which isn't very far from Antioch. I thought she was very good and I saw her in connection with a spine issue and neurological testing, and thoracic outlet syndrome as a referral from a specialist. When I had difficulty getting a follow up appointment with a spine surgeon, she recommended another for me to see and even called and got me an appointment for a consultation based on new MRI imaging that she ordered for me of my cervical spine. She also went over all the MRI imaging with me. I thought she was very kind, and I talked to her about taking my spine case to Mayo which she supported, and I did.

Thank you for your service.
Jennifer

Great advice from Jenifer. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice! With your Permanent and Total disability rating, is there any neurological help for you from the local VA or the VA centers in Chicago? I know Chicago's over an hour drive from Antioch, but your pain levels sound intense. Could any one at the Veterans Crisis Line or Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs point you in a helpful direction? Your service and disability rating should mean your premiums are waved for Supplemental Service Disabled Veterans Insurance.

I hope things get easier on you soon!

Hello, this is hjay2002, I live in Beaumont, TX., 80 miles south of Houston. I feel your pain, this Neuropathy is a real bogar bear, most major cities have hospitals with medical departments than specialize specifically to this issue. I just got a referral from my PMC Doc., for any appointment with Houston Methodist Hospital Neuropathy Dept., the only issue is I have to wait 2 months, 8/21/24 to be seen by a Neurologist that specialize in Neuropathy.\
I hope this helps you.

Welcome @hjay2002, I know that 2 months is a long time to wait for an appointment with a neurologist. You are not alone in waiting for an appointment. Some folks have waited much longer to see a neurologist. Hoping you get some answers that help along with your diagnosis.

One of the best things you can do to help yourself is learn as much as you can about the condition and what treatments are available that may provide some relief for your symptoms. If you haven't seen it already, the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy is a good place to start learning more - https://www.foundationforpn.org/.

You will notice that we removed your email address to protect your privacy since Connect is a public forum available to anyone with Internet access.

How long have you had your neuropathy symptoms?

I have the name of a really good neuromuscular neurologist from Dr Anne Oaklander out of Boston if you want to see if you can get in faster. Dr Oaklander told me about her since I live in Dallas.

That is not true. I have an advantage plan and the pathologist who looked at my thyroid biopsy after surgery is the best in the world my endocrinologist told me. He is at Penn in Philadelphia.