Neurologists

[Guest guest]

Hi gang, So many RLS sufferers seem to think that a neurologist will

understand their problem better than their primary physician. And I'm sure

many do. But just thought I'd tell you of an incident today.

I went with my husband for an after-hospital visit to the neurologist who

had been called in to see him. When the visit was over, I asked the doctor

if he knew anything about RLS (thinking I might go see him if he was well

versed). He said yes, and I said I had it. He immediately said, " Sinemet

is the best medication for that. " I then said I'd tried it and it didn't

work. He then scribbled out on a Rx pad the names Klonopin, mirapex, and

sinemet and said they were the medications used for RLS. I said I belonged

to a e-mail RLS support group, and he cut me off, saying " A patient brought

me a whole lot of information about it. I read it and then threw it away. "

I asked him why he threw it away, and his comment was " It's mostly in their

head, but they all seem to think they need medication. Mostly it's an old

folks ailment. " Then he stood up to indicate the visit was over. So I guess

he thinks I'm a complaining old lady. :-) I didn't bother to tell him that

my RLS is under control with medication, but it took a little testing to

find the right combination.

Just thought you'd find such heartfelt compassion from a doctor very

moving!!! Glad he isn't my doctor!!! Evidently the poor RLS sufferer who

brought him all the information isn't going to get much help. My heart goes

out to that person. I had an irresistable urge to punch him in the face,

but I behaved like the (old?)lady I am and kept my mouth shut. :-)

Lynne Gessner

sdale, AZ