Another Wasted Copay AND Direction Change

I saw the other neurologist, Dr. Ronnie, today, and she had her mind made up before she even examined me: she just reiterated what Dr. Gabby had said. And she suggested that I might have a history of sexual or physical abuse. She ordered a blood test for HIV and a few other things. She emphasized that there is nothing wrong with me. My tests show absolutely nothing (huh? what about the scarring on my brain?). Maybe it's a virus but most likely all in my head. So that was discouraging. Waste of a copay!

About two hours later, the eye doctor called me. It was Dr. Sinday, the one Dr. Gabby referred me to: I had seen her on Thursday. Today I got the results: left optic nerve pallor. Apparently that means nerve damage. It's the same eye that had delayed processing. Together they confirm MS.

So now Dr. Gabby is firmly on the MS train. The eye doctor asked if Dr. Gabby had already called me (nope) and said that Dr. Gabby wants to start me on the drugs ASAP.

Unbelievable. I guess they finally found something I couldn't possibly be making up (besides, oh, the scars on my brain).

I looked up an online support group and was reading through some people's experiences. Some go 10 years and a dozen neurologists before getting diagnosed with MS! I can't believe that. I thought three neurologists was a lot. The one today implied that I'm doctor hopping. I guess I am--since they are all useless so far.


People also commented about previous "diagnoses," which included psychiatric ones. MS patients apparently are often called crazy for years, until they get so bad off that no one can deny their symptoms. That is positively criminal.

I'm going to ask for a referral to a specialist. Not sure how to find a good one, but I don't think I trust Dr. Gabby anymore. I guess I'll let her start me on ACTH. That seems to be a widely accepted medication for inflammation. I wonder if I should let her start me on the MS drugs. It will take weeks or possibly months to see a specialist. I feel like I'm choosing between speed and accuracy, and how can I make that choice? I want to get better and not have another attack!

Whew. What a crazy day. What a crazy few weeks.


I didn't realize how far back into denial I had gone until after hearing from Dr. Sindy. Now I'm anxious, unsure, and feel close to tears. I think I'm anxious because I don't trust my doctor and am not looking forward to the effort it will take to get in to see a specialist. And I'm nervous another neurologist will put me through the same turmoil I've been through with all THREE neurologists I've already seen!


I feel like I should file a complaint with the licensing board. They have been really irresponsible.