PCP or MDS: who’s the ringleader?

[Gobbsofjoy]

I recently counted all the specialists who I’ve seen the past two years and who I will continue to see: Dermatologist, speech therapist, physical therapist, urologist, gastroenterologist, otolaryngologist, neurosurgeon, psychiatrist, ophthalmologist, dentist, Endodontist, pharmacist, social worker, podiatrist and finally the family doctor or “pcp” (primary care provider) and neurologist or “movement disorder specialist.”

Who should be the hub of this team that is critical in my future quality of life and quality of care? I waver between my pcp and mds. The mds usually wins out because she’s smart and I see her every quarter. Technically this should be the job of my pcp. Any opinions? Thank you.

[GymBag]

My general practitioner (GP/ family doctor) has not seen me in over a year . He will talk over the phone but that is all ( I think he was at the cottage all summer.)

My neurologist gives me the option of phone or zoom , so I chose phone. The federal govt says we will all be inoculated by September but they do not say which year.

[NellieH]

If it's your mds, just try to make sure she receives reports from any other consults you attend. That's usually why pcp is the hub, I think.

BTW, I hope you're enjoying living close to your kids and grandkids!

[Gobbsofjoy in reply to NellieH]

I am Nellie and thank you for your reply. Bing cherries are yummy!

[ddmagee1]

The MDS would be the ringleader, in terms of Parkinson’s Disease, and the PCP would be the ringleader in other health matters. I’m glad you brought this subject up, because, in my case, it seems to be the other way around. I’ve had problems with my digestion slowing down, with resulting constipation, and swallowing, which, I believe, is due to my diagnosis of PD. This has been going on, for the last 5 years, at least. So, when I brought the issue of constipation up, to my neurologist, he told me that he doesn’t take care, or advise on those issues, and that I should see my family doctor. Then he cut my office visits to once a year. On the other hand, my PCP shows that he cares about me, and my health, and has always listened to my concerns, and given me advice, on everything I’ve asked him about. In fact, he first told me that my problem is Parkinson’s Disease, when I had resting tremor, cogwheel rigidity, and muscle stiffness. Right away, before I left the office, he called the neurologist’s office, and set up an appointment for me. The neurologist checked out my history, and symptoms, and tests, along with a trial running Sinemet, and then officially diagnosed me with PD. My. PCP sees me several times a year, and keeps tabs on my health concerns. So, it seems a little weird, but it is what it is!

[Gobbsofjoy in reply to ddmagee1]

Amazing!