Finally Saw New Neurologist

PaulaJM

Hello all:

I had posted a few weeks ago about firing my DH neurologist and the issues I was having about my husband's care.  We finally saw the new doctor, so far it is like night and day.  The doctor spent 45 minutes with us and has determined that the symptoms that my husband is experiencing are not the type of symptoms of an Alzheimers patient at this stage.  He is thinking that my husband probably had a stroke and the damage to his brain caused the dementia. We will be getting a new MRI as soon as we get the authorization. 

I also explained the violence, anger, hallucinations, etc., he said there are medications to help with that and asked what my husband was prescribed, I said nothing for that, just doneprozol (spelling sorr) that he was taken off of because I complained of violence.  So we will be starting some meds as soon as the MRI is done.  

I left feeling some relief, and thinking finally someone that is going to do something.  I know nothing is fine, that the dementia is still there and will be, but at least someone is listening and doing something.

Just want to give you a heads up.

Pat6177

Paula, that is indeed good news. From my experience and from what I have read on here, it is about symptom management. Sometimes we, as caregivers, can manage symptoms with fiblets, etc. Other times, the PWD needs meds to treat the symptoms. I’m glad the doc took the time to listen and has a plan for going forward.

Ed1937

Paula, that is huge! I'm thrilled for you. How can you have faith in a doctor if you don't have a good relationship with him? I have a feeling you found a good one.

MaryG123

That’s a huge help Paula!  Now you have a good care team member.

toolbeltexpert

Paula being heard isn't as easy as just saying the words it's about whether someone is willing to be present with you. You sound like you got a winner. Hoping you'll get what's is needed.

Stewart

jfkoc

"like"

Judith

Janco

Paula, I am very glad that you finally will get some appropriate treatment and advice for your husband's actual condition.  My husband's MCI began immediatley after some intensive (seven hour) surgery and probably resulted from an overdose of anesthesia.  The brain scans and related tests showed no ALZ signs.  We still have to deal with serious memory losses and other symptoms that often mirror ALZ...so this is by no means an escape from the sad decline. I hope you and your husband can now find some peace and relief!

ImMaggieMae

Paula, finding a Neurologist that you like and trust is a huge thing. I’m so happy for you. In fact, finding any doctors that are part of your husband’s care team that you trust is so important. It’s a huge and frustrating chore these days to find doctors who are present, caring and good communicators, at least in our area. After waiting sometimes months to get appointments we’ve ended up with a few  of the “10 minute appointment” types who spend more time looking at their computer monitors than at the patient and very little time listening to concerns and answering questions. It can be very frustrating. We were lucky to find an excellent Neurologist, but it was an 8 month wait for the initial appointment.

If only Dr. Google could write prescriptions and order tests!

Jo C.

Paula; what a relief that must be for you to finally be heard and have a phyician who is not only a thorough professional, but who cares.   I am delighted for you.

I went through a similar situation and it was horrible leading to much unnecessary suffering and upheavals.  My LO had an Advantage Plan which in that instance was a Disadvantage Plan.  I was going to pay privately out of pocket to get my LO to an out of area specialist and he was amazing.  When the appt. was over, he refused to charge us.  He also wrote out a detailed approach to what was needed for diagnostics and care on his letterhead.  I was able to take that back to the Plan physicians and insisted in clear and succinct words.  Got an authorization for out of plan dementia  specialist and it was amazing in the difference and led to much better care and quality of life for my LO and also for me if one looks at it that way a bit.

Let us know how it is going; may this be a blessing for you and your DH.

J.