Should I find a new dr??

[Nikkijean2]

I think it’s crazy reading all the posts about people talking to their dr. I haven’t talked to mine since I started Ocrevus and trust me it was a hard choice for me. I have been doing very very well on it. I have lost a lot of hair and get frequent belly aches but that’s it. I was able to stay active with my family on a 6 day long vacation (celebration) usually I would have been sleeping most of the time. Of course I need sleep as soon as I got home but. I guess my question is. Is it normal to talk to your dr often like I talked to her in April to get the paperwork going and started Ocrevus in June done both injections should I talk to her or find a new dr or just keep doing what I’m doing?? I do want the best care.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Hi Nikkijean2 and welcome! The only person that can answer that question is you! Do you feel like your getting your questions answered? And the care that you need? Do you feel any progression? All these are things that are things that your MS specialist should be able to answer.

Otherwise keepem! Finding a great Dr! Is key! I'm so glad Ocrevus is working for you!

And remember, everyone's MS is different!🤗💕🦈

[Iona60]

Over my course of many years with MS, I see my neurologist every three to six months. In the meantime, his staff will call with any MRI or blood work results. If I have any issues, I call them and the nurse practitioner will call me back. If I'm really in a bad way, the Dr will call me back. So, in my case, on the neuro side, no news is good news to them.

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

I understand that you want the best health care possible, because we all do. Is there something that made you uncomfortable with regards your healthcare? Do you still have a good rapport with your neurologist? It doesn't matter how many certificates that is on their wall, or that they are the expert in their field, if they don't have a good doctor/patient relationship with you, then it is all for not, correct? You only can answer all that. Communication is key in any and all relationships. Let your doctor know how you feel. Yes let them know.

Together we are all Stronger,

Carole

[Lilith08]

As Iona60 said, no news is good news I've only been at this for three years but my experience is similar. When I first started Rebif I saw the doctor or NP every three months, along with bloodwork. I moved to a different neuro last summer and actually haven't seen the doctor yet, only the NP. As I was stable the plan was to go to every 6 months, but I had a relapse in the spring and have seen the NP twice recently (April and July).

[greaterexp]

Many doctors have their own ideas about the frequency of regular visits and follow up appointments. Unless your neurologist is truly inaccessible or you can't communicate with her, or she just doesn't seem competent, I'd stick with the one I have.

I wish you the best with Ocrevus. It sounds like it's doing a great job for you!

[Nikkijean2]

Thank you for your responses. Lots to think about I do plan on personally answering every question asked as they are all good questions I haven’t thought about. Thanks again

[Horse714]

I’ve been getting belly aches too not to mention the very upsetting to me not only to mention a lot of hair loss. I see my neurologist next month to see if I will continue with OCREVUS or go back to Avonex. I don’t like injections but I don’t want to be bald either. Good luck

[Nikkijean2 in reply to Horse714]

Good luck!!! I had no luck on avonex that was what I was one last summer before all my flare ups. Ocrevus is kind of the last drug to try before going to stage 2

[hairbrain4]

Like everyone has already said, each dr is different. I see my neuro every six months, I am on Ocrevus also. I didn't see//talk to my neuro for 3 months after my first set of infusions. So as it stands now I see her 3 months after each infusion. If you don't have a standing appt. it might be wise to make one to talk things over with your neuro. Good luck!

[rjoneslaw]

I agree with everyone.

I see my neuro btwn 3 and 6 months depending on whats going on. As for communication if I have a question or concern I just send a message on the patient portal and I get a response that same day. Anything I need pt, referrals, letters, etc I normally just ask for it and I get it.

Something that I do in between dr visits is any questions I have I write them down and I present them during my visit. My dr immediately knows when she sees me I'm going to have a long list of questions. I just hand her the questions and we go from there. I always see the dr not her NP, my insurance wont allow me to see a NP which I like

My care coordinator from my insurance always tell me I'm one of her clients that's always on top of things because I question everything and I advocate for myself.

Never take things at face value

You must feel comfortable with your doctors, if you can't talk to them or you feel they're not listening to you it's time to get another doctor.

Hope this helps

[anaishunter]

It probably depends on where you're at with your MS. As said before, no news is good news. If you're doing good, are stable and nothing gets worse, there might not be any need to see your doctor more than 2x per year.

I was diagnosed in May 2018 and only saw the doctor 3 times - as I got diagnosed, 6 months later, and 2 months ago. All blood tests requests prior to Ocrevus and results are exchanged online.