Neurologist appointment

[Mary1959]

I've been waiting 8 months for an appointment with the neurologist and I've finally got a date but it's a phone appointment! How can I explain how I feel over the phone? I'm getting anxious just thinking about it. Has anyone else had this problem? Thanks

[MarieTM]

Same here, I’ve waited 2 years and 4 months and have been given a telephone appointment for January 2024. Not ideal but will have to see how it goes. I’m expecting it to just be a gathering information exercise to decide whether I need to be seen face to face.

[Mary1959 in reply to MarieTM]

Gosh that's a long wait, I'm hoping the telephone appointment is the first step to helping my migranes. Hope you soon get help.

[md5299]

Lucky you, I was having nerve block injections but thy took me off the list because the consultant retired, had to through the doctor to be referred again, 4 years later l got a telephone consultation and was told to keep a headache diary, then 18 months later an injection, good luck.

[Mary1959 in reply to md5299]

Sorry to hear that, hope the injections help and you get relief.

[troy04]

It’s going to be fine, please don’t worry too much. Many doctors want to work from home/ remotely these days if they can, and there’s nothing we can do. In similar situation, I usually write down some bullet points that I must discuss. This way you won’t miss anything.

Also it is an opportunity to ask for Vydura (Rimegepant) if you are in the UK or Qulipta (Atogepant) if in US. I never thought the industry would come up with CGRP blocker in tablet form so quickly! But here we are !

Good luck 🤞

[Mary1959 in reply to troy04]

An thanks so much for your reply, I will write down things to ask, like you advise, as I get flustered on the phone to strangers. I will ask about vydura and hope I get it to try. Hope you're feeling well today x

[Roonie22]

I’ve had neurologist appointments on the phone, not the first one admittedly. I definitely agree with troy04 and bullet points really help. Getting them in order of importance and leaving space between each one to jot down what the neurologist says helps to make sure you remember everything they say and that you cover the most important things before your appointment time ends. Good luck

[Mary1959 in reply to Roonie22]

Thankyou for your reply, I will take your good advice. Hope you're well today and headache free.

[bennevisplace]

Yes, it's good advice to write down your symptoms on paper.

Be as precise as you can in describing them to yourself, so you're ready to do the same when answering the neuro's questions.

Don't worry about it, he or she will have talked to hundreds of patients less well prepared than you.

Best wishes.

[Mary1959]

Thankyou, that's really kind and good advice.

[lgd333]

Thank yourself lucky to even get a phone consultation. I didn't see my neurologist face to face for 3 years. It's difficult talking over the phone and frustrating, but at least you have an appointment!

[Mary1959 in reply to lgd333]

Yes I suppose these days in lucky, face to face is a thing of the past! Thanks for you're reply

[lgd333 in reply to Mary1959]

Good luck with the appointment.

[Mary1959 in reply to lgd333]

Thankyou

[Susannagrout]

Try not to stress. Make a list of your symptom and a list of all of the medications and anything else you’ve tried (including giving up caffeine, milk etc). The beauty of a phone call is that you can read from your notes. Like you say, the doctor will be on a fact finding mission so you can get to the next step. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want - aimovig, remegepant, or any of the other CGRP drugs. Good luck.