tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555205834524822081.post3973124279944501185..comments2023-08-02T04:06:00.583-04:00Comments on Musings of a Cranky Caregiver: A Visit to the MS ClinicCrankyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07995365444853477833noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555205834524822081.post-29483604981805759002009-07-13T07:43:32.483-04:002009-07-13T07:43:32.483-04:00Steve - that was pretty much the way I felt when l...Steve - that was pretty much the way I felt when leaving the neurologist's office. With the nurse practitioner, I still felt that there wasn't much prospect for stability (let alone improvement), but felt much more heard and engaged than in our short visits with the neurologist.Crankyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07995365444853477833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555205834524822081.post-29650009618096764872009-07-12T15:48:22.823-04:002009-07-12T15:48:22.823-04:00I can't remember the last time I left a doctor...I can't remember the last time I left a doctor's visit feeling any better then when I arrived. Each is a reaffirmation: yep, you're still screwed.stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18134766859291227041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555205834524822081.post-40148194340412439492009-07-10T10:09:02.516-04:002009-07-10T10:09:02.516-04:00Lisa - thanks for your note and info on your exper...Lisa - thanks for your note and info on your experience with methotrexate. Skip is going to go with a low dose via subcutaneous injection. The NP suggested the oral version could cause stomach upset (or other stomach issues, a bit fuzzy on the details now). <br /><br />I'm now a big fan of going to the NP instead of neuro. She gave so much more time and attention than we'd seen otherwise.Crankyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07995365444853477833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555205834524822081.post-28622538266225347672009-07-10T09:54:40.671-04:002009-07-10T09:54:40.671-04:00I really enjoy seeing the neuro nurse practitioner...I really enjoy seeing the neuro nurse practitioner. Our appointments are never rushed and there is always time for any further questions. Sometimes I'll just ask her opinions on new treatments in trial or whatnot.<br /><br />BTW, I use methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis. It has worked well for me for the RA, but I haven't really noticed any extra benefit for the MS. But then again, how would I know?<br /><br />I take the highest oral dose which is 25mg once a week. Haven't had any issues with side-effects. But I did try skipping a dose to see if I noticed any difference and the strong answer was - don't do that again!!<br /><br />I hope that it works well for Skip and her hands.Lisa Emrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10862232056342347990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555205834524822081.post-74273277765267836222009-07-10T07:40:39.697-04:002009-07-10T07:40:39.697-04:00Rain - thanks for your compliment. As I've sai...Rain - thanks for your compliment. As I've said in an earlier post, blogging has been a great experience for me, too. <br /><br />Funny how Botox has an actual use other than smoothing the wrinkles of the vain!<br /><br />Diane - we were living in Boston when Skip was first diagnosed and went to a neurologist at Mass General Hospital. He was always at least an hour late for his appts and spent only a few minutes with us. Never once did he ask, how are you coping with the changes in life this disease is prompting? <br /><br />When we moved to a suburb west of Boston and found this clinic (through an article in the local paper), we were delighted. <br /><br />Skip loves Starbucks. She is easy to spoil. :-)Crankyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07995365444853477833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555205834524822081.post-78077625948074889912009-07-09T21:38:31.739-04:002009-07-09T21:38:31.739-04:00Wow, wish SEATTLE had a place like that clinic. Yo...Wow, wish SEATTLE had a place like that clinic. You guys are lucky. What a great day and Starbucks---woo hoo!!Diane J Standifordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11862850657925658079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555205834524822081.post-31849768697333594052009-07-09T21:29:18.878-04:002009-07-09T21:29:18.878-04:00You know, MS was just another disease before I met...You know, MS was just another disease before I met Herrad. After reading her posts I've learned so much about what a person with the disease endures and feels...when I discoverd you, Cranky, I saw the other side, the person who cares for the patient (I hate that word, sorry), the person who has to deal with the nitty gritty and all the administration duties...it's really been a learning experience and a heartfelt one too. How wonderful that you have the MS Clinic...I think that is so great, never thought Botox could be used to help...anyway, my jumbled words aside...great post today.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com