My Neurologist’s Poor Choice of Words

By sariah

1 min read

Before I was diagnosed with MS about 10 years ago, I was seeing a neurologist for pain in my legs. He diagnosed me as having diabetic neuropathy. I went to a support group for neuropathy and listened to everyone’s stories and while I could relate to some, my experience wasn’t quite the same.

Diabetic neuropathy

My son had MS so I had watched the onset of the disease with him and the progression. I asked my neurologist and my primary care doctor several times, “Don’t you think I have MS?”

They both said, "No, you have diabetic neuropathy."

An MRI confirmed MS

One time as I was leaving the neurologist office he said these fateful but very ill-chosen words: “Don’t worry, one day you won’t feel the pain any longer because your legs will just be numb.” I believe he was trying to actually comfort me, but it definitely did not have that effect. It sent me into a very depressed state. After many more episodes of legs going numb and arms going numb and finally when my face went numb, they decided to do an MRI. And lo and behold, there were lesions and I had MS surprise surprise!

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Kim Dolce Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="3944843" username="sariah"/> , wow, it takes all kinds in the medical profession. Bedside manner seems to range from godawful to kind and understanding. I wanted to read on to see what has happened with your legs during the last ten years. Has sensation returned to your limbs at all? I hope you'll write more. --Best, Kim, moderator
1. sariah Member
 Kim, sorry it took me so long to reply to your comments. Yes the numbness in my legs went away years ago. As I mentioned in my reply to Patti’s comment I have unfortunately gone from relapsing remitting MS to secondary progressive. One of the most challenging symptoms I deal with right now is the effect on my balance. I can fall down just standing still and have had almost daily near misses with falls . Also My fatigue level has greatly Increased and I am dealing with some depression. On a more positive note I do have support from friends and family which means a great deal
pattiwoodard Member
Sariah, this doctor was unbelievably incentive to you. Then, he has the ignorance to come out with the statement, “Don’t worry, one day you won’t feel the pain any longer because your legs will just be numb.” How positively unprofessional and outright rude of him to say such a horrible thing to you (or any patient). I sure hope you have found yourself another neurologist. One that has proved to be supportive, kind, and helpful to you. Also, Sariah, how are you doing now? I sincerely hope and pray you have been doing well, and have a doctor you are very happy going to now.
1. sariah Member
 Hi Patti, Yes I went on to work with several other neurologists through the years -none of them made such unfortunate remarks. Thanks for asking how I’m doing. Unfortunately the last two or three years have shown a remarkable decline in my circumstances. I went from relapsing remitting MS to secondary progressive which means just a continual slow decline. I do get support from an MS support group in my area for which I am very thankful. How about you how are you doing ?