Recent content by Craig Mattice

Good Morning Caroline! (Well, in the US anyway.) I spent a good part of the early morning hours pouring over past medical evaluations I've endured. I found it interesting that as far back as 2006 mention was made of overall brain atrophy and further investigation of SAC (Spinocerebellar...

Update! After firing my first out patient PT, which this thread subject is based upon, I was referred by my wife's friend at work to a new PT group. The difference is night and day. The new provider is awesome, professional, compassionate, very knowledgeable, the practice is multifaceted...

I'm being thrust back into the "monitor thy neuro" syndrome again, especially since this new neuro, whom I like and appears to know his stuff, has entered the picture. I just received his notes from my last visit and I'm seeing generalized and nonspecific comments being written. i.e. "patient...

Just received and read my neuro's notes from my evaluation visit. Now HSP is "suspect" and we may have in the "differential," meaning mix of conditions to consider, spinocerebellar atrophy. As posted in another thread, I'm not willing nor in a position to fork out $1,000 for a $7,000 genetic...

Hi Caroline, Thank you for your thoughts and comments. What's funny is this is the first time I've seen this neuro. He is in the same group I've gone to since 1999 presentation of initial symptoms. My first neuro, who was awesome, moved on to the lecture circuit, I fired my second neuro, and...

A quick update. My neuro wished that I have them look into my new insurance company about paying for an Athenia genetic marker test to confirm or rule out Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. After waiting a month, I received a call from his office. The secretary has gotten a big run around and a...

My impression was strictly because we had not had the genetic marker test ever done. We looked into it three years ago but insurance wouldn't pay and neither would I. It seems to be the only "definitive" test for HSP. I wonder if it's just more important for him as a neuro to know than I care...

Why am I not surprised? I was asked by my excellent PCP to see a "real neuro MD" rather than the neuro adult NP i've been seeing since '04. I complied, my NP was not surprised and because my case is so complicated I was assigned a "real neuro MD." My first visit to him was on Thursday this...

Time to Update Everyone! Thank you all for the great responses and recommendations. I appreciate you time and insights. Well, I fired my first PT group, canceled my future appointments and was just going to go to the YMCA. After conversations here, on other forums, with friends, and my wife...

Funny you should mention this as my YMCA is one of the metro areas premier locations with two indoor pools including a lift for wheelchairs and a graduated ramp to enter and exit the pools. They have a specific Multiple Sclerosis/Neuro Muscular challenged aqua therapy class three times a week...

Thank you for all of the great feedback and support. As of this afternoon I called and canceled my two appointments for PT next week. For the $80 out of pocket that will pay for a full month membership to my YMCA. I know I can do all of this PT exercise stuff at home and on my own. Found a...

I know I'm a little late to this thread but still wished to contribute. Having HSP (Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia) I am in chronic pain. I currently talk a regimen of Baclofen, Neurontin, Clorazepam, and Ibuprofen just to get through the day. Am I pain free? Not by a long shot but prefer to...

I was release last Monday from in-home to outpatient physical therapy. I went to the first session and they spent an hour and 15 minutes with me for the initial evaluation and exercise regiment. I was impressed and excited as to what this can do for me. Fast forward to Thursday, yesterday...

Hi Kevin, Yes, I was offered the same opportunity but also felt the value of the test did not offset the financial investment. I too have SSDI and why muddy the waters although I would still be totally disabled according to SSDI. I have talked with my kids and they are aware of what symptoms...

Hi Olly, I seem to have a mixture of symptoms very similar to advanced MS but other symptoms, including the high arches, indicate HSP with some family history suspected. At this time, my neuro believes HSP is the best best, definitely NOT MS. I just keep an open mind as I don't believe what...