New here

Just_Me · Post by **Just_Me** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 6:23 am

I'm 46 & have 2 kids & live north of Los Angeles in So Cal. So far my left arm and leg are weak but also I can't think as fast as I could before - but how much of that is overload from kids talking nonstop? Thats a big problem of this disease...how much is the disease & how much is normal aging problems?

I had MRI's and am going today for the eye test. I'm waiting to get an appt in an MS Clinic for a confirmation that this is MS. UCLA doesn't have appts before Feb (!!!!!!!) so I may have to go to UCI which would be 2.5 hrs away vs 1.5 hrs to UCLA, but fiancially it would be better since I have met my insurance deductible for 2009.

Years ago medical stuff was interesting to read/learn. I don't know if its a result of this disease and the way its affecting my brain but I so do not want to have to know all i should about drugs and therapies and diet and so on!

cheerleader · Post by **cheerleader** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 7:48 am

Welcome, just me...
my hubby's 46 with RRMS and we live in socal. Can you go to a private neurologist who has an MS practice, rather than wait for a clinic appointment? You might get care more quickly, and more personal attention right now, rather than waiting til February.

Don't worry about learning too much right now...the best thing is to get some support, plenty of sleep, eat a good low fat, healthy diet, keep your body moving (with 2 kids, I'll be you do!) Your docs can help you with the rest, and we're all here for questions.

hang in there,
cheer

Just_Me · Post by **Just_Me** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 9:49 am

My private neuro is the one sending me to a clinic for a 2nd opinion. He said UCLA 1st but I dont' want to wait until Feb if I don't have to so he told me to call Irvine.

So far only one lesion (?) is showing up on MRI but I've been suspecting MS for a while now.

Where are you in So Cal? I'm in the Antelope Valley & not sure what resourses are available here yet.

LoveActually · Post by **LoveActually** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 12:40 pm

Hi Just_Me,

I tried maping Antelope Valley to get an idea of your location but there are many of them. Anyway, I live in Victorville and was seeing a crappy neuro here until I was able to get a referral from my GP to see a MS Specialist in Loma Linda.

The experience was excellent and he really took the time to listen. He requested additional tests that make sense and will help confirm diagnosis. Loma Linda University is excellent in my opinion. If it's close to your location, maybe you can look into visiting there.

All the best.

Just_Me · Post by **Just_Me** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 4:16 pm

Loma Linda is closer to me than UC Irvine. I'm not so far from you - I'm in Palmdale. I guess I should have said that instead of Antelope Valley. Did you go to an MS Clinic or a particular neurologist?

LoveActually · Post by **LoveActually** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 6:33 pm

I'm more familiar with Palmdale then Antelope Valley, but I'm new to CA so I'm still adjusting and getting oriented.

I didn't go to the clinic, I saw Dr. McNulty, he's a neuro with an MS specialty. I believe there are two MS specialist in that facility. When I called to schedule, they could get me in in 2 weeks. I opted to wait and scheduled an appointment a month out. I wasn't in the mood for anymore tests at the time. I was taking a possible-MS break, I guess you could say.

Anyway, they called me 2 days after I scheduled with a cancellation and asked if I could come in the next day. I didn't, but I say all that to say, getting an appointment shouldn't be too difficult or too timely.

patientx · Post by **patientx** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 5:58 am

Palmdale? Many years ago I lived in the Palmdale area (actually Lancaster) for work. I really liked it out there and had a great time.

Just_Me, it sounds like you got a good lead for an MS neuro. I was going to suggest that if you were still interested in going to UCLA, to make the appointment, and then call periodically to see if they have a cancellation (and this could be used for any specialist). When I made my first neuro appointment, I was told the first available was like two months out. I asked them to keep me in mind if there were any cancellations, and a few days later I was able to move my appointment up by a month and a half.

But seeing a smaller practice may be the way to go, especially if it's closer and you can get in sooner.

Just_Me · Post by **Just_Me** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 7:29 am

I'll prbably schedule with UCLA and call for cancellations if I don't get in anyplace sooner.

I wish there was a clinic here - or a neuro I knew was good. I think mine is ok, but

I suppose once I get that official dx it will be easeir but I hope wherever I go I don't have to keep going back if its not close.

Just_Me · Post by **Just_Me** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 1:44 pm

LoveActually wrote:I'm more familiar with Palmdale then Antelope Valley, but I'm new to CA so I'm still adjusting and getting oriented.

I didn't go to the clinic, I saw Dr. McNulty, he's a neuro with an MS specialty. I believe there are two MS specialist in that facility. When I called to schedule, they could get me in in 2 weeks. I opted to wait and scheduled an appointment a month out. I wasn't in the mood for anymore tests at the time. I was taking a possible-MS break, I guess you could say.

Anyway, they called me 2 days after I scheduled with a cancellation and asked if I could come in the next day. I didn't, but I say all that to say, getting an appointment shouldn't be too difficult or too timely.

Just to let you know I called Loma Linda (they do have a MS clinic) and said the next opening is Nov...so much sooner than UCLA. I am pretty sure it was with McNulty but not positive. I mentioned LL to my dad (Mr Research) & he said its a great med center. So I'm suppsoed to call UCLA tommorow (takes a while to get info in their system) and if they still say no appts til Feb I'll call my neuro back & tell him I want to go to LL.

Anyway - thanks for the info.