Finding and Choosing a Medical Professional

Until a few years ago, I rarely needed a doctor.  I escaped years of physical activity and organized sports without any major injuries.  I would go for my annual physical, but that was about it.  There was a time around ten years ago when my knee was giving me trouble to the point that I needed to see an orthopedic specialist.  After examining my knee and hearing me describe the situation that caused the discomfort, the doctor told me to “quit acting like a teenager”.  Message delivered; message received.

More recently; when I fell and broke an ankle due to my balance issues, my surgeon immediately referred me to a neurologist after seeing me walk like an ancient man.  “Quit putting this off and get it checked out” he scolded.

I saw this neurologist many times and endured four MRI’s and more than ten blood tests. He was very professional and thorough throughout his final diagnosis of hereditary spastic paraparesis (HSP).  Since it is my body and my life, we discussed getting a second set of eyes on my condition.  He wholeheartedly agreed and told me that he would do the same thing if he were in my shoes.

I not only got a second opinion; I got a third and a fourth.

The point is that it is your body and your life.  You are the person that must live with the circumstances—whether it is HSP, MS, cancer, or any other medical condition.  Find a professional who seems to give a rip about you.

And don’t ever give up on getting better…be your best YOU!