I waited a month to see the Neurologist at the local hospital. So, the doctor's office called 10 minutes before my appointment to tell me he was running an hour late. I get there at the rescheduled time, and he didn't look at the MRI films, or the MRI report, or anything else. He asked me about three questions and decided I have-- get this!-- a pinched nerve in my neck. He told me to go home, take Motrin, and see a Chiropractor.
He took EVERY SINGLE PHONE CALL while he was "with" me, including one where he left the office for ten minutes, with me sitting there. The total appointment was less than forty minutes, including all the times he answered his cell phone and walked out of the room.
I feel like I am straight back to the "It's in your head" days, even though I had a report IN HAND telling me I'm really sick. I asked him outright, "Could the constant headaches, made infinitely worse by coughing, be the chiari?" He told me "I see other chiari patients, they don't have those problems, it's a nerve."
I am new to this, am I right in being horrified and thinking he's a quack?
JoysDivision-
I would definately seek another opinion. This NL was not taking you seriously and was unprofessional to take phone calls like that when he should have been listening to you. I can relate to your frustration, I had a NS treat me pretty much the same way. As far as the referal for a chiropractor, I would have to say no. I have read many posts on here from people saying that it could make your Chiari worse. So keep your chin up and keep searching for a Dr. who will take the time to listen to you. It's the least they can do, thats what we pay them for. lol. Good luck and best wishes. Kristi (:
Same thing happened to me - waited six weeks to see this doctor and she said, "Chiari does NOT cause vision issues." It totally blew my mind! Time for both of us to find a new doctor, I think. :)
Good luck!
Katrina W.
Thank you all, sometimes it's just nice to hear I'm not the only one, and I am not crazy, you know?
I'm having a problem with my neurologist as well. He thinks my nerves are on edge and thinks that most of my problems are psychological. I have been dealing with Chiari for 26 years and was actually diagnosed 15 years ago. I know my symptoms and he just looks at me. I have headaches, blurry vision and double vision. I have some kind of seizures, I have balance problems and a hard time walking at times, and many other problems. All my tests are good, except for my MRI of my head and my syrinx. He told me that most of these that he does agree with, nothing can be done. It is really frustrating, I know. Just hang in there and find the right doctor. My prayers are with you.
In Christ,
Sabrina