Hi there, can I ask people’s thoughts on asking to see a different consultant neurologist? I’ve had M.S for 17 years and not been particularly happy with my consultant for that entire time. He is impatient bordering on rude, he doesn’t listen to my description of my symptoms and doesn’t listen to the timeline of events as I describe them. After confiding in one of the fantastic M.S nurses I asked to see another consultant around 5 years ago. I immediately received an appointment and turned up only to find it was the same guy.
This was very funny but embarrassing. He said he was surprised as he thought we had a good relationship and my treatment was going well. He said the neurologists worked in unison and my treatment would be the same no matter who my consultant was. I figured it probably looks bad for a consultant to have a patient seek another opinion and I chickened out. The regime changed to yearly scans and nurse led clinics so I hadn’t seen him for years until a few weeks ago when I had a bad relapse. His attitude at this appointment was the same as I remembered. I left the appointment determined that I would not be wasting my time speaking to him again. I know I have every right to see a different neurologist but I’d like to avoid that awkward situation again. Has anybody else been through the process?
Not been through the process but you need to go through your GP for a 2nd opinion. They act as service commissioners and direct the new enquiry to a different NHS trust
You could see a private neurologist. You dont always need a gp referral.Good luck
Hi ronald, I’ve seen 18 different neuros over a 23 year period. These were at 5 different hospitals.
only 1 of them took the time, the interest and the huge range of tests to diagnose me.
16 couldnt diagnose me…the 17th took 2 days to figure it out…then followed through. Great doctor!
Go elsewhere.
Boudsx
Honestly don’t be afraid to ask, you are one of many patients. My attitude is that they get paid regardless of who they see, 17 years of perseverance, man you need a medal.
Seriously, I saw an orthopaedic registrar who was so matter of fact that he had my head in a spin, I went from having a steroid injection to be booked in for partial knee surgery. When I was to have a follow up appointment with him, oh no I went straight to reception and asked to meet with the main man for the follow up, I explained that it all was a bit quick and needed some assurance they said no problem. When I returned I did see the main man. He was fine with me, he would know from my notes that I had switched.
Sometimes we have to be our own advocates.
Absolutely @Rogue We have to get past the Great British Way of not wanting to make a fuss! Second-rate practitioners rely on our reticence to continue to be lazy or not customer-focussed.
Thanks for the responses. I will be talking to my G.P about it. When I asked before I was assured it was normal so didn’t fret over it. When I turned up at the next appointment expecting to see a different consultant and it was the same guy wanting to know what the issue was, it was so awkward I nearly burst out laughing. In his defence I have been happy with my meds, I was relapse free for 13/14 years and nurse led clinics meant I hardly needed to deal with him at all but if I’m back in the M.S world again with new relapses, meds, tests, scans etc I really can’t be bothered dealing with his bad attitude.
Man Ronald - you shouldn’t have to put up with what seems to be a rude neurologist. Can you find out what other neurologists are available in the same or nearby hospital and request to see them? You may have to shout and rock the boat a bit. Or go through PALS at the hospital to complain Patient Advisory Liason Services I think. Th NHS actually want people to speak up when things go wrong. Or put it in writing as if it’s not in writing it never happened.
I am lucky as have a fantastic neurologist who I see yearly.
Hugs
Min
I would see someone else, don’t worry about upsetting anyone, my view, this is your life, your health, they don’t have to live with it, you do, in the beginning I had a run in with my neuro, gave him the length of my tongue, for making a big mistake in my notes, when I went back for reviews I told my MS nurse that I wouldn’t see him again, so from there on I saw someone else, good luck.
Jean
Hi there, thanks for the responses I really appreciate it. I spoke to my M.S nurse a few months ago as my meds weren’t working. She assured me I was to see a different consultant from now on.
Of course, when I went to be assessed for new meds it was the same consultant.
I don’t think he knew as he never said anything so I waited to speak to the M.S nurse again and she sent me an appointment letter with the new consultants name on it to show it is now official.
It’s a few months away so I’ll see how it goes.
I’ve seen for neurologists at three different hospitals. The first one was abrupt and seemed disinterested. I asked my GP for a referral to an MS Specialist. It was 100 mile round trip but he talked to me and listened to me and answered my questions.
I no longer make that trip because he’d nothing to offer me and it was a long trip.
You are entitled to ask to see an MS Specialist. Do some research, maybe ask on here where might be an MS specialist, rather than just a neurologist near enough for you, then ask your GP for a referral.
Good luck
there are good and not good in most professions. If your neurologist does not listen then you need to find another one.
I hope your GP or MS nurse can help.
Good luck Mick