Certain doctors need to be used to rule out other conditions. Thus, a neurologist is a necessity. In my case, my neuro was very young, just starting out and was interested in me and my condition. We developed an easy rapport, which he also did with other patients.
Since he was starting out, he had time to think and talk....both very valuable. I had been sent to him by another doctor who couldn't help me, but saw that something was definitely wrong, probably neurological. In the case of my doctor, the fact that even though he was from L.A. he had volunteered in a Third World country and recognized my primary illness, something which even the profs at the medical school couldn't.
I did have surgery, which was rather excruciating but did save my life. It failed within a year so I was left wandering in the desert again, but did find another neurosurgeon, who had also trained and worked in S. Africa and saw a lot of my second illness there. I had what was then experimental surgery (experimental everywhere in this country) probably 2-5 years later after he had perfected it. It stopped both illnesses from progressing, although I suspect there has been some recent progression. I won't be having surgery again...too many other problems. Bad genetics to begin with which have caused all sorts of problems.
So what I'm saying is this: You never know when you'll find a doctor that you "click" with. All these years later, he has retired but has kept on a few patients. We're both old now, have become friends and have actually worked on getting medications for people who have nerve injuries. All of this b/c I took a chance on a very young man who was just getting started, but had a mind like no one I've met before or since. All of his patients just love his attitude and so do I.
Keep looking until you find someone of this nature. I now take a chance on the younger group...they're inquisitive, have time, will look things up and actually talk to you. Sure, we've disagreed on treatments over the years, but he has always listened to my side of the story before forcing his will on me. He's had some interesting thoughts, I've listened and he has gone on to learn more and more about CFS/FM and other illnesses.
My cardiologist is young, but not inexperienced, my internal medicine will be young (when this one retires). We're complicated patients and become more complicated with age. So have patience in finding the right type of doctor. Go to the ones that are necessary....certain ones simply are, but don't assume that an expert is always that. Someone whose mind is capable is what you're after....someone who is a people person. Yours, Lenora.
