This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Hi guys, have you heard of this doctor and the centre. In Manhattan.
Luciano Pavarotti's wife Nicoletta Mantovani who turns out to have been suffering from the desease for more than 10 years, visits monthly this centre and this doctor. I am very curious to know what she has been doing there?
Perhaps there is some of you who themselves have visited the clinic...?

It will be great if you could receive more info, especially about the treatment, whether it's any different than the regular ones.
Haven't you been thinking to visit him yourself?

I'm a patient of Dr. Sadiq. He is indeed a terrific doctor, who takes a very aggressive approach to treating multiple sclerosis. His clinic is a full-service affair, and includes physical therapists, social workers, a naturopath, and a staff of top-notch nurses and nurse practitioners.

Dr. Sadiq's facility also includes a world-class research lab, staffed by some brilliant individuals who, under the direction of Dr. Sadiq, are hard at work looking for ways to cure this damned disease. Their research includes work with stem cells, cerebral spinal fluid analysis, the Epstein-Barr Virus link to MS, and the hormonal connection to multiple sclerosis.

As I said, Dr. Sadiq takes a very aggressive approach in treating his patients. He uses the full arsenal of weapons at his disposal, including the use of intrathecal methotrexate, with which he has had considerable success. The other neurologists working out of his clinic are also quite accomplished, and as a group, they are incredibly compassionate and patient oriented.

Dr. Sadiq takes a real interest in each of his patients, and a typical office visit with him is likely to last a full hour or more, during which the patient receives Dr. Sadiq's complete and undivided attention. His office is very responsive, and phone calls are always returned by a very well informed staff member. His physical therapists and social workers have been instrumental in my getting long-term disability and a power wheelchair.

Unfortunately, I am a very hard to treat patient with atypical PPMS. Dr. Sadiq has continually thought "outside the box" in dealing with my case, and we've tried many conventional and unconventional therapies. I'm not sure that a typical neurologist would be as diligent.

Here's the link to his clinic website:

http://www.msrcny.org/

I know here in Australia to get an appointment with a respected neuro could mean a 3+ month wait. What iss the waiting list / book ahead time required for someone like this? out of interest.

Thank you for answering.
For some time I have a wish to find a second opinion on my case. Not that I am not feeling fine with my current treatment, but a second opinion, even just to confirm it, would be welcome. Here in Bulgaria I am patient of the best neuro in my country and what second opinion here would be trustworthy...?
If you have heard of a well-known specialist anywhere in Europe, I'd be happy to learn.

However, in summer I most probably will be visiting NY for 2 months and have been thinking to visit Dr. Sadiq if, of course I can get an appointment.
On the other hand I am wondering whether it is worth it to get my mind messed up with other treatments and opinions...

Have you ever seeked other opinions?

marcstck, I would appreciate very much if you tell me, how much is the examination cost approximately as well as how much could be an MRI imaging.
I e-mailed the clinic with the question whether I can get an appointment and asked about the cost, but have no answer yet.

And, I was wondering, have you ever asked him what he thinks about diet and ms? Does he believe in cutting down on certain things as sugar, milk, you know - BBD, etc. I've always wanted to know how well-known neuros refer to such diets. My neuro says I can eat anything but animal fat.

I think the typical wait to see Dr. Sadiq is about four to six months. I'm really not sure of the cost of his initial consultation, but if memory serves the cost was about $750 US. My initial consult with him lasted over two hours, and the follow-up visit, which lasted about 90 minutes, was included in the initial consult charge. I first saw him almost 5 years ago, so I'm not sure how much things have changed. I also don't know the cost of an MRI, as that's covered by my health insurance plan.

The naturopath on Dr. Sadiq's staff specializes in nutrition, and she put me on a gluten-free and dairy free diet for about five weeks. I didn't see any benefit from the diet, so now she has me on a less stringent anti-inflammatory diet, featuring lots of colorful fruits and vegetables, and a limited amount of animal protein. Regardless of its effects on MS, such a diet can only be good for you...

Incidentally, one of the physical therapists in the clinic is from Bulgaria. I see her for therapeutic massage, and she's terrific. She keeps me entertained during the massages with stories of Bulgaria, and of all the Bulgarian foods she likes to cook (I'm a bit of a foodie)...

marcstck, thank you for answering.

I haven't received any e-mail answer from the clinic yet, I will call them today to see if I can arrange an appointment. Can you give me any tips, who do I contact, what do I say?
Still, I am not very sure I need this, but as i'll most probably be there, seeing Dr. Sadiq seems like a good opportunity to receive a second oppinion, as well as make a good MRI imaging. I believe the technique in the States is far more advanced than here, I have read about a 4D MRI, etc. What do you think?

And yeah, the Bulgarian, I saw her name on the site. Bulgarian cuisine is really very nice and tasty. Not gourmet like the French, but is a unique combination b/n Turkish and Greek cuisines and is exactly for 'foodies', like you and like me...that's why I feel so down about having to stop eating certain foods. That's good, I can do it, but what shall I eat?!!?!! In order not to eat normally you have to prepare your own meal every day, and virtually live for that. But I have also to prepare meals for the family...left alone I like food...In the beginning I tried BBD and was so depressed that I was feeling ill, although re the illness didn't have much trouble. My neuro, who as I've said, don't believe you should cut on food, said I was doing myself and my mind much greater harm by troubling than eating let's say fat whole day.
But if a well-reputated docotr tells me it would be good and necessary for me to live on vegetables and fruit, well, I most certainly would. Although with a sinking heart...