Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
M
Monica19815 Asked May 2019

Husband going for initial neurology appointment Monday. What can I expect?

Having voiced my concern to his PCP about behavior changes, short term memory loss, inability to focus or concentrate, etc. his doctor did a cognitive test in-office and DH did not do well. All our local neurologists are booked very far out. The PCP found him an appointment at a very reputable teaching hospital about 45 minutes from our home. Every day I notice my DH getting worse. He is a lifelong mechanic and can do/fix anything....in the house, cars, RV's, appliances, plumbing, electric, etc. We recently had our bathroom painted and I had bought all new towel bars. My husband has put in towel bars before, without any issue or help. He opened the first towel bar and was just looking at one of the end braces...totally confused and unable to figure out how it gets installed (standard towel bar...nothing different), turning it over in his hands, just befuddled. So I stepped in and helped him figure it out, helped him hang the towel bar, which I never had to do before. We only got 2 hung that day, then 2 more the next day. Simple things take him much longer. I see things everyday that he seems to be struggling with. His thought process has become much slower. He is 67 years old. I am 58. We have been married 5 years, together 7. He denies that anything is wrong.


My questions are - What can I expect (tests, etc.) during the diagnosis process? How long does it take to get a diagnosis from the time of the first appointment with the neurologist? I know that SOMETHING is wrong...just don't know what yet. His B12 and D levels were both "low normal" and his testosterone is fluctuating wildly (between 300 and 1300, up and down, over the course of a couple years) so his PCP wants him to see an endocrinologist (tomorrow). However, his PCP told me he believes DH's problem is neurological. It just scares me to see my DH seemingly getting worse every day. Looking back, I see that he has had symptoms for several years and I never, ever equated them with cognitive issues.

Lymie61 May 2019
Take a notebook with you so you can jot down notes including questions if they come to you. Also let DH answer the doctors questions first, the doctor will direct questions to you when he wants to hear your answer or silently ask when he or she isn't sure about your DH answer but part of the exam is getting answers from the patient directly. We tend to protect and help our LO's so much we answer for them and that isn't always helpful during an exam like this. They may decide to do a more detailed Nuropsyc exam before giving full results or diagnosis so don't be disappointed if you don't walk away from this appointment with all the answers you are hoping for.
Monica19815 May 2019
Great advice, thank you. I know I would have tried to answer for my husband, but only because he does not see the changes in himself. Now I will stay silent until a question is asked of me. I appreciate that advice very much. I will also take notes.
Sweetstuff May 2019
Hi Monica. I’m sorry your husband is showing these symptoms. My Moms pcp ordered mri and carotid ultrasound while we waited for neuro appt. Neuro shared the results during appt. Mom is also checked regularly for b12 and potassium levels. She is being treated right now for a low normal b12. I went in with a list of examples of behavior for neurologist. They need to know what you see every day as the appt could take place on one of your husbands better days. I felt bad contradicting my Mom during the appt so I chose to share my list with the Dr to read. I wish you the best at the appt. Come back to this forum. It’s been helpful for me to know I’m not alone in this journey. Caring and knowledgeable people here.

ADVERTISEMENT


JoAnn29 May 2019
First, I would make a list of changes you have seen. Helps with the types of questions the dr will ask. Give it to the receptionist asking it be given to the dr. Go in with husband. Sit in a corner and let the Dr. do what he does. If he asks u a question please be honest even if in front of ur husband.

Moms Neurologist started with a small physical. Mostly to reactions to hitting below the knee with that little hammer. Using a tuning fork to test for neuropathy. Then questions on what is what. Memory test showing a simple picture of a house and then drawing it on a pc of paper. Remembering what items were on a tray. Mom went every 6 months to keep up with changes.
Monica19815 May 2019
JoAnn....Thank you. Making the list and giving it to the neurologist is a great idea. I will do that. My DH denies everything. He thinks hr is just fine. But I understand that is normal. He does not see what is happening to him. Everyday I see decline. It scares me to death. Thank you for that great suggestion!

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter