Apologies if this has been already covered but just wondering what I can expect to happen at the first appointment with the neurologist please?
I am seeing Dr Nikos Evangalou next week, anyone else know what sort of bedside manner he has? I get the impression most MS sufferers feel like they get fobbed off? I get very easily intimidated and have read some people on here who have had very bad experiences.
I am hoping he can rule out anything sinister including MS but through their experience and tests rather than just because they think I’m wasting their time! Hope that makes sense!
i am taking a friend with me so she can hopefully remember what he says, as I’ll just forget!
TIA
Hi Trudy
It’s definitely a good idea to take a friend with you to the appointment to help you ask all the right questions and remember the answers too.
I have no personal experience of Dr Evangalou. But normally a first neuro appointment should include the doctor taking a history from you of what has happened to bring you to him, a basic neurological examination (the scratching of feet, little hammers on the reflexes, following his finger with your eyes, touching your own nose, hopping on one foot if you’re able, etc), and some consideration of what tests might be appropriate. For example, the doctor may refer you for an MRI, a lumbar puncture and / or a visual evoked potential test.
You are unlikely to get any answers to your essential question, i.e. ‘What is wrong with me?’ But you may get a feeling about what the neurologist is looking for. Even just in order to rule things out.
It’s a good idea to have a clear idea of what has happened to you in the past, even to the extent of writing a timeline to remind yourself of what’s happened to you. Also, it’s generally quite acceptable to have written down questions you may have. Don’t feel too intimidated to refer to your notes. It’s important for you to feel that you’ve hit the best out of the appointment.
Best of luck for next week. Try not to get too stressed about it.
Sue
Thank you Sue,
Thats all really helpful, I have made a list but it’s all very random so the timeline idea sounds like a great idea.
is it appropriate to ask them out right what their suspicions are or do they generally not like to say until after the next step?
thanks again x
You can ask the question but you may not get an answer. Worth a try, just in case.
Good luck with it.
Sue