Terrified.. what would you do? (Health related)

[Scarecrowsweeding]

I’ve developed tremors in my hand and my foot has started to drop when I walk (no injury or pain, I just suddenly can’t walk without lifting up my knee high enough so my foot doesn’t drag along the ground). I’ve been referred to orthapedics and neurology by my GP but of course the waiting lists are horrendous. I suspect this is a neurological condition such as MS. The waiting is killing me and I’m thinking of trying to book a private neurology appointment.

Anyone with any experience of this? I’m not sure where to start looking for a private appointment or who would be good to talk to. I’m very scared.

Has the doctor ordered blood tests for B12 etc. in the meantime?

I would go private. And I work for the NHS but this type of thing I would go private for.

Yes my B12 and everything else was fine

Awwww, no advice but just wanted to say it sounds very scary. No wonder you’re worried. Thinking of you and hoping you’re ok x

Yeah go private!

I'd go private too, if at all possible.

Speak to your GP and ask who they would recommend, then ask for a private referral.

I would go private for an initial appointment, I had to see a neurologist for neurological symptoms, he immediately moved me to his NHS clinic without having to wait on a waiting list.

I'd pay the £250 or so for a private consultation. Worth every penny.

There is zero point paying for a private consultation by itself. What you need are tests. If you are worried about MS you could book a private MRI.
MS Society have a free helpline. You could ring them for advice.

It can be caused by a pinched nerve in the back or peripheral neuropathy.

Also be aware that if it is something less common it can still take a while to narrow down the cause. Yes I have been through this. Paid for MRI, had lumbar puncture on NHS.

I’m worried about MS but I know there could be plenty of other causes so that’s why I thought of going to neurology to see what tests they recommend. I know there are different pathways for different suspected causes

From experience, neurology will do a physical examination, ask lots of questions and then recommend tests. If you can't afford to pay for the recommended tests as well, you are no further forward. So if you only have the consultation fee, save your money.

If you have a good gp go to them and say if you only had a limited amount of money and wanted to hurry up your diagnosis, what would they pay for.
They might say they can't advise, but it's worth a try.

Thank you @BeLemonMoose . Sorry you’ve been through this too. If the neurologist recommends a test is there no way for me to then go on the wait list for that test?

@Scarecrowsweeding there might be. But check this out first. Your gp might know or know where to find out. It will vary area to area.

I also found that I got seen much sooner in NHS than I was told I would be. I think i was prioritised because I was still fairly young. But it was a while ago, so things might be different now.

Good luck, I know it's scary. It's actually better when you know what you have to deal with. And sometimes the causes can be two different less serious causes, rather than one cause for all symptoms

Just googled my area and GPs are forbidden from ordering NHS tests recommended by a private consultant here. Your area might be different or the same.

Thank you all for the advice. I think I will need an MRI which is not GP ordered anyway?

The point is usually a private consultant can only order private tests. Not NHS tests.

Very often a consultant will do private consultations alongside their nhs work. If this is the case, it’s possible for them to transfer you to their nhs clinic after your initial private consultation.

Privately order brain and spine scan- approx £1500. Consultant with neuro around £300. Any unusual results can have your referral moved to urgent. Neuro results take a long time. And you do not need a LP for a diagnosis of MS- new criteria released this year. Hoping it is just temporary. If not- there are so many treatments now. But best chance is catch it early- private would be worth it in this case. X

I would suspect vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. It can cause hand tremors and gait problems. It is depleted by stress, sugar, refined carbohydrates, alcohol and some medications.

You need to supplement it alongside a B complex and magnesium. Benfotiamine and TTFD are two forms of it which are particularly well-absorbed. EONutrition on YouTube is a good place to find out more.

You can go private and have a consultation with the neurologist who will write to your NHS GP regarding your visit and any tests they recommend. If you don't want to wait for this process via the NHS, a private MRI costs about £600. The initial consultant fee is about £250. Follow up to discuss the MRI is around £150.

I would run a screening for B12 deficiency including MMA and homocysteine and fight to get B12 injections if needed

check out the pernicious anaemia charity’s articles on b12 deficiency symptoms

Thank you for the advice. Can anyone recommend a private hospital in the south England?

for those suggesting vitamin deficiencies I have had blood tests and do not have them.