Should I go somewhere for another opinion? If so where?

[Shorts]

I was told I have bulbar palsy in 2006 and that is was a possible ALS diagnoses. I got a 2nd opinion in January of 2007. That doctor confirmed that it was likely that it was bulbar palsy but that he would not have diagnosed it as that at this point. I have been seeing the doctor for about 5 years now and my voice has gotten worse but my swallowing is still fine. However, my balance and leg strength in the past year have weakened. My question is should I go somewhere for another opinion? If so where?

 

[brooksea]

Have you been seen at an approved ALS Clinic/Center by an expert? Here is one near you:

Froedtert Hospital/Medical College of Wisconsin
Department of Neurology
9200 West Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53226
(414) 805-5224
Medical Director: Paul Barkhaus, MD


It is always wise to get a 2nd and 3rd opinion, so you can best prepare for your future!

 

[kmendsley]

I personally got 3 opinions. It was because I had one yes ALS, one no so I needed a tie breaker. Unfortunately, tie breaker was yes...but for your own self of knowing for sure...I would recommend at least a second opinion...and try to get into a ALS clinic to get it as well. Best of luck!

 

[notme]

HI

I'd definitely get a second opinion from an ALS specialist. The ALSA actually recommends doing so as well. With bulbar onset after this long--perhaps they will find something else is the cause.

Best of luck

 

[Shorts]

Thanks for your input. Froedtert ALS clinic was the place where I was told I had bulbar palsy. The 2nd place I went was the ALS clinic at Northwestern in IL where I was told " that it was likely that it was bulbar palsy but that he would not have diagnosed it as that at this point. " I have been going back to Froedtert every 6 to 9 months since 2006---at this point I am not sure what I should do---see someone else or just "hang in there with Frodedtert". I was thinking about going to Mayo?

 

[Chase_Corin]

If you believe that you want a second oppinion go get it.... there is nothing worse than thinking in the back of your mind a few years ago "if I had only done somthing". My father needed to do absolutely every test possible to rule out Lyme disease or heavy metal poisoning before he accepted his diagnosis.
And that is after his diagnosis was given by the head of neurology at one of the best teaching hospitals in Canada. He told me his reasoning was that when he was dying in a year or two he didn't want to regret not doing enough. I compleetly agre with his thinking. You are the one that needs to be satisfied that you have gone to all measures possible to have your health assessed propperly.