Re: Need a New Doctor

[Bonander@xxxxxxx]

Dear Joyce,

Be happy that the neurologist is cutting your mother lose.  He may have been
trying to do this for the last few visits.  Forget him.  Pick up your records
(they are yours) and see if you can find a physician interested in the
particular Parkinson's Plus your mother has.  The physician may not always be
a neurologist, S/he could be a geriatrician.  I think I would prefer the
later as they are more experienced in issues of human dignity and quality of
life.


That sounds very grim so the first thing I would do is seek out a specialist
in movement disorders to get a second opinion on the diagnosis.  Since your
current neurologist kicks people out when he suspects Parkinson's Plus, there
is a good chance he could be wrong.

Normally Parkinson's Plus is signaled by a lack of response to Sinemet.  It
is not unusual to have many body functions at less than optimal due to the
aging process.  Since PD was a given over the last few years, there is a
tendency to blame all the world's problems on one's affliction.  We do it --
so why shouldn't your doctor tell you what you may already believe?
 Unfortunately, we may feel relieved that the doctor agreed with our
thinking.

Consider yourself fortunate that your neuro kicked you out.  Now you are free
to pursue good medical care.

Regards,
Alan Bonander
Bonander@xxxxxxx