I had my first neuro appointment today, and I’ve come out feeling very confused, even though I think objectively, it was at least a good outcome, even if nothing else!
When I walked in the neurologist said he didn’t think there was anything wrong with me (this was just from reading GPs notes; before he’d talked to me or done any tests). This threw me somewhat - I thought I was prepared, but hadn’t expected that from the outset. I think this meant I didn’t explain my symptoms as clearly as I could or should have done, though by the end of the appointment I think I’d got across all the major symptoms, and the fact that I’ve had symptoms on three separate occasions, with the most recent still onging. (He had to ask me questions to clarify this at the end of the appointment - apparently somehow I gave the impression that the vertigo/dizziness was sporadic and that the other symptoms just happened randomly. Not sure how, as following advice from here I thought the timings were the one thing that I had made clear!) Anyway, despite the shaky start I felt that he did give me a reasonably thorough clinical exam, so I’m happy with that.
Following the clincal exam his attitude seemed to change. He told me he found some abnormalities, but I was expecting that, and I got the impression that he was concerned (but may have been reading too much into things). I’ve been booked in for a brain and spine mri, and though he first said he wouldn’t need to see me again if it was clear, he then almost immediately changed his mind, and I’ll be seeing him in 7 months regardless (sooner, I think, if the mri shows something to be concerned about). He also said he’d tell my GP to prescribe pregabalin to help with symptoms, so overall I’ve had a positive result. Not sure why I feel so conflicted about the appointment - it could be because of the start (and the subsequent shift in his attitude), or it might be the ‘7 months’ thing (even though I know that diagnosis can take a long time, so wasn’t really surprised by that). Essentially I wanted to have tests so I can get closer to a diagnosis, and some meds to help in the meantime. I’m getting both, so should be happy, surely?
Did anyone else have a similar experience? And at the least can you assure me I’m not going crazy for feeling so conflicted over the appointment, even though the outcome was exactly what I was hoping for?!
HI Dagny - I’m fairly new on here so not an expert, but your first neuro appointment sounds similar to mine. My GP had somehow managed to arrange for an MRI before I saw the consultant, so he already had that info, but still wanted to see me again in 7 months time - “we’ll keep an eye on you” he said! They don’t seem to like it if you ask too many questions - I can remember him answering one of my questions with “don’t worry about that”. Well I wasn’t worried - I just wanted to understand and to know what was going on!!! It’s good that you’ve got some meds and I’m sure there are others on here who’ll be able to identify with what you’re going through too.
Hang on in there - you’ll have times when it all feels incredibly difficult to deal with and then other times when you’re coping OK.
Hugs!
Hazel
Hello Dagny,
it seems as what I have heard on here that a lot of Neuros are somewhat busy, however a bit condescending at times, a good result re your medication, I am on pregabalin, for me neither that or gabapentin works, however for you they may be the wonder drug, great also he has highlighted your need of an MRI that might show something up and you can get treated accordingly, I have my 1st appointmnet on monday and dreading it
Good luck for your future and I hope for you better times ahead
All the best Andy
Hi Dagny,
I am glad for you that you have now had your first appointment (you you remember when we both first posted, the appt seemed ages away). To me it sounds like despite a dismissive beginning the neuro is taking your symptoms seriously, I assume he wouldnt prescribe drugs otherwise. Do you know when your MRI will be? I hope you do not have to wait too long. Did he say whether it will be with contrast or not (maybe they decide during the mri). Do you know which parts of the physical examination were abnormal and why?
I really do hope you feel better soon and get some answer,
Best wishes, Caro
Thanks for the responses. I do feel better about it today - I think I was just thrown when he said there was nothing wrong at the beginning, and then got slightly panicked because I perceived a massive turnaround in his attitude (whether that was entirely what happened or not).
Not sure when my MRI is - I’m hoping I don’t have to wait a long time too! Should have asked really, but never mind. He didn’t specify with/without contrast, and I didn’t bother to ask because I didn’t want him to think I’ve been reading up (even though I have) and get labelled with anxiety, but also because I understand that given the time frame of my symptoms (over 2 years since first symptoms that could be related and the most recent episode started 3 or 5 months ago), it wouldn’t make much of a difference.
He didn’t say which parts of the physical examination were abnormal, but I can hazard a guess - he repeated the test for reflexes in my foot several times. I’m fairly sure my left foot was abnormal. I could also feel my right hand shaking when I held my arms out - this was the most surprising for me as the tremor is an old symptom that doesn’t show up much nowadays. And I know my balance isn’t great, so even though it’s better than it has been, I staggered a bit when standing with my eyes closed and also struggled with heel to toe walking.
I hope your investigations are going well too - it certainly feels like it’s been going a long time, even though I know this is nothing compared to what some people have to put up with.