I've now had 2 video appointments with my neurologist. This morning, though, we couldn't get MY face to show up, though his did. Voices on both sides, fine. But I'm sure from his POV it may have been frustrating because he couldn't do any of the really important physical things that reveals a lot to him about his patient's progress with MS, how the DMT is working, etc. No 25 ft walk, no finger wiggling, no closed eyes balance tests . . .
But from my POV, I found it to be one of the BEST visits I've had. The first part It was updating him on all new or ongoing issues, literally reading off details from my MS journal. With each he'd ask questions that might make me look at it differently so I could give him even more details (things like my "swallowing problems": He asked, "Is it with some liquids, most liquids, or all liquids?" That made me stop and really think about it and reply, "Mostly solids!" That illicited a thoughtful, "Mmmmm" from him. The whole thing was so much more relaxed than our clinic appointments and I was free to ask all the questions I'd written down and any others I'd come up with. He'd answer thoughtfuly, never blowing off any question. Infact, he even really perked up when I asked him about the "Bleeding MS" term I'd found in the first document he'd written regarding our first encounter. His face clearly said, "NOW you remember what you were told in the hospital!" (It was the first time I've ever seen him smile! He then excitedly told me about what that was all about--there was a very good, but young neurologist who was recently assigned to the ER for his residency. And he was very enthusiastic and excited about discovering an extremely rare condition. It just took a bit more experience to bring the kid down to earth and get a more accurate diagnosis. My neurologist said I did NOT have "Bleeding MS". I just had two entirely different conditions. I have MS, and a genetic inclination toward anurysms. So I was not hallucinating about being told things when I was in the ICU. And he said my distrust or inability to remember things is completely normal for anyone who has experienced such trauma to the brain.
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CrazyCatWom
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He sounds validating. Glad it worked out. I’ve had two appts with my neuro. One video and one in person. For the video my husband held up the computer so she could watch me walk and touch my nose, etc. Creativity is called for in these times.
There are definitely pros and cons with the video meetings, but I'm glad this one worked well for you. I'm so glad your memory is improving, too. That must feel wonderful!
Oh! I kept thanlong him for explaing thosr things and making me feel like I hadn't halucinated some things. And I think that's why he'd lit up when I told him I'd said I didn't trust what I remember from the time I was in the hospital, but "I do remember someone telling me . . . " because he saw it as how I am healing and improving. However, he did have some bad parts to talk about as well.
Video meetings with your medical professional might not be a scary a thing? I am happy that you have posted of your experience, CrazyCatWom and now I look forward to seeing my neuro in that manner. Thank you Now, if only my infusion could be done that way...
I'll say it was wierd in a way. I was slurping my coffee and he was doing the same. So it felt kinda like a couple of friends, just hanging out and talking. And because of that feeling, I felt really comfortable telling him I'm 53 years old and wear a diaper swhen he asked me if I had urinary problems. I'd never told him about that before because I was too embarassed. So hopefully you'll have a good visit, too.
I am so comfortable with my neuro that we are on a first name basis, and, in the beginning, I asked if it was okay to do so. She said that she didn't mind. I talk with her about EVERYTHING. You should be able to talk about anything with your medical professional. They have heard it all, and they are there to help you in any way possible. They cannot help you unless you let them know what's going on with you, so, speak up... and Keep Smiling, Crazycatlady728
Oh, I know. After all this is the same neurologist who does public talks about MS and once shook his finger at the audience, scolding, "Get your shingles vaccine and TELL YOUR DOCTOR EVERYTHING!" He also said doctors don't get together with other doctors and say, "You won't beleive what Mrs. told me in our appointment, this morning . . ." But I'm a very reserved person, it just takes me a while to loosen up enough. I've only really started talking to him more about six months ago. In 2018, I was referring to him as "Dr. Wiggles" because I really only knew him as the Dr. who was wiggling fingers at me or asking me how many fingers he was holding up. And we talked breifly about DMTs. I guess I could say maybe he's also finally loosened up enough to kinda change our relationship. Though, I'm not sure I'll be calling him by his first name, yet.
Same here. My neurologist called yesterday and asked if I’d rather have a video chat for our scheduled appointment on Monday, rather than me driving almost 300 miles and having to stay in a hotel one night. What a relief! If I could find a neurologist who specializes in MS, as she is, closer to me, I’d change. These drives every 6 months are getting harder and harder
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