This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Hello,
I have a question. How often does your doctor want to see you for follow-up appointments to get prescriptions renewed? Ever since I was diagnosed I have gone in yearly. This time I was asked to come back in six months even though I am doing well and am not having any problems right now. I asked him if I could come back in a year instead of six months and he said yes. The doctor I see is very expensive to see. I would rather not go in any more than I have to. I was just wondering how often other MS patients were seen by their doctors if they were doing okay. I was also asked to get another MRI the next time I go in. I had my last MRI one year ago. My medical insurance is not that great so this is a hefty expense also. I just don't think all of these medical expenses are necessary. Especially since even if my MRI was awful there is really no way to prove that any individual drug is working since you cannot predict when a MS attack will occur or what path someone's MS will take. If they came out with a medication that was proven to stop the progression of MS I would be more willing to foot the bill for all of these expenses.

Thanks,

Alicia

Getting a yearly MRI seems like a major waste of health care dollars to me. I have only had two MRI's and have been diagnosed close to 36 years now.

Like you said, nothing can be done for you based on the results, and it has been shown for years that lesions do not correlate to symptoms.

My internist wants me to see a neurologist, mainly because she knows nothing about MS. I will see the neuro in less than a week. The last time I saw one was about 4 years ago and I only went then to find out what the pressure was in my head.

I only go to any doctor once a year to get my prescriptions filled unless I am sick. I for sure would not get an MRI to please the doctor.

gwa

My neurologist wants to see me every 6 months. I am on Copaxone.

Once a year here with no new MRI's, like to think that someone that uses what would be my MRI time can actually be helped by it.

Alicia, my initial neuro visits were expensive. The verdict was always that there is no known cause of MS and no definitely effective treatment. I tried Betaseron for years, then Avonex for twice as many years, then Copaxone--with steady deterioration of my condition. I have tried Solumedrol at times with no effect. About 8 MRIs over the years did nothing but contribute to the hospital's annual profits (My first 3 showed no MS lesions; my first neuro told me that I definitely didn't have MS!)

Some years ago I just got fed up. My neuro ended each appointment with "See you in six months." I told him that I saw no purpose in that since there was nothing he could do for me. I now have the understanding with him that I will see him on an "As needed" basis.

If I have other problems, I call my internist, who is very cooperative and understanding of my situation. He let me try Lipitor when I asked; he wrote the LDN prescription when I wanted to try that; he orders testing I request. I keep him informed of my reading, recommend books, even gave him a couple. He knows what kind of character he is dealing with!

Until real answers are found, I am quite satisfied with this arrangement. This works for me, but I know it would not satisfy others.

It was once a year but this last time it was 6 months. I am doing fine but did wonder why 6 months. I just figured he forgot how often he usually sees me. I have good insurance and only have to pay a copay for the office visit so I really don't care. Maybe I'll have some questions I want to ask by then. He leaves the MRIs up to me if I want them or not. I don't think I'll get another one for a while unless something happens.

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I do not have a fixed regular interval with my neuro. I see him when I want (and can make an appointment, he is always booked out months in advance). On the last visit, it was me that requested an MRI.

I would like to thank all of you for your responses. I appreciate it!

Thanks!

Alicia