First appointment with neuropsychologist (based in the Hallamshire, my local hospital, but by video call) on Friday morning.
Especially as it's on my rest day at the end of the week, so I'll probably be shattered (and it'll just be me) - Any tips?
I tend to 'pass' as reasonably articulate and with it, so keen to make sure they do understand my issues. One year into PCS. Aware my cognitive symptoms are much better now than when I was referred, so to be perfectly honest, I probably wouldn't have put in a referral if it were now, but I'm still not quite 'right'. Alertness, getting confused, memory, concentration, and general intellectual sharpness. I work, but I struggle. But frankly surprised they're seeing me at all ((Esp as the local rehab unit doesn't offer neuropsych for mTBI) so want to make the most of the appt.
Experiences of what sort of neuropsych support I can expect also welcome.
Ta.
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Good luck at your appointment. Sounds a bit harsh but probably best that you will be tired so they can see how you are and the symptoms present more clearly?
I had my appointment (assessment) in Manchester, we stay about 3 hours from there, I was planning on booking accommodation to avoid being too tired etc but my husband and others (the Dr included) said to travel on the day so they can 'see' the effects and symptoms.
I can't remember much of the appointment as I'd completely crashed by the end of the appointment. I believe most of the assessment was cognitive tests, memory etc.
Current Neuropsychology treatment helps to manage the symptoms. Work on sleep, 'triggers' trying to push yourself but not too much... e.g. my Dr sets challenges such as going out riding but only for 15 mins, then 25 mins etc building it up. Walking the dogs further and over more challenging terrain.
Recording how much sleep and trying to improve it.
3 hours?? Good lord. They've not said it'll be that long! Maybe I should cancel the plans I had immediately afterwards... Gah. Couldn't be much more awkward timing...
many thoughts here I’m going to try and articulate.
- it’s a shame it’s a video call and not in person, I have a great relationship with my Neuro psych but I don’t think it would have been as good if we weren’t in the same room. But I always choose face to face in all aspects of life.
- I’d attend and explain the timing isn’t ideal and you might not be on top form. Then refer back to this if scheduling any further follow ups,
- similarly I’d explain you aren’t sure the referral is still relevant.
Part of their role is to work out what they can do for you, whether it follow an emotion pathway or other.
I think the best tip I can give is to go in completely open and honest,mine calls it me being an encyclopaedia which we use as a pun on my name, and without access to all the volumes accurately they can’t be informed.
BW for it
Ben
P.s - greetings from the town next door on the river
Thanks. They offered me in person but given I'm expecting to be utterly shattered that day (it's my normal rest day when I sleep most of the day, and particularly this week after breaking up for Christmas!) I figured getting up to log onto my laptop was the lesser evil! Getting to medical appts is always a bit of a faff now I'm not driving. Thanks for your tips
Not sure about support but the test battery they put you through will definitely identify any ongoing issues.
It will be hard to fully understand any changes as you haven't had a prior state test to identify your baseline so they might say oh you're fine compared to the wider public but you might be aware of deficiencies that don't necessarily fall below the median level.
I don't how they work in your area but I had to wait a while and then chase my GP for the report as the facility here refuses to have direct patient contact!
Maybe they'll be more amenable where you are.
Good luck with the session. Assuming they are doing a test battery you might feel pretty tired afterwards.
my advice would be to write down a list of your symptoms and be very obvious that you are looking at it to prompt yourself.
Explain that you have to prepare for such encounters. Explain that your environment is quiet and you have been able to sleep in etc so they get the context.
It’s ok to admit your improvement but make sure you highlight the struggles that are ongoing.
This is your one big chance to make sure something is documented properly and sent to your GP
Any future help you need will be based on medical evidence so you need it written down.
It’s only because I made sure of these steps that I got retirement and any financial help.
Just had my call. This first one was basically her asking questions about my symptoms. I will now have a follow up appointment in person where I'll have to do the actual assessment. She warned me that it will be tiring and she'll push me, but she also said she may make it only an hour (rather than an hour and a half) and do it over 2-3 sessions, aware that fatigue is an issue.
She listened to me throughout the call - my problem was remembering the answer to some of her questions! She asked about my whole range of symptoms, not just cognitive, which threw me a bit as I hadn't prepared for that.
She was a clinical psychologist.
Seems there isn't actually much follow up after the results (which could show that I'm ok by their metrics, we don't know yet - but I wouldn't be surprised) but they just talk about strategies and then it's for my referrer to follow up. Since that was my neurologist who's now discharged me I don't expect much (letter will also go to the GP though) but I'll be interested to see the results. She did say that if you scored badly they wouldn't just leave you without any plan. They also asked about academic background to get a sense of your normal.
Hope that's helpful for someone else going through this.
Cheers all.
Hi, I thought a Neuro-Phsyciatrist is what I needed but unfortunatly the only neuros Ive found unhelpful really, I think its a red herring, I have a normal phsyciatrist I am happy with after too many, but there must be good neuros
This was a psychologist so I assume a bit different but I don't have any experience of neuropsychiatrists I'm afraid. My neurologist was really underwhelming though.
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Another first
Yet more un helpful, non specific doctors comment 
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