Life with MS

At a recent neurology appointment, my neurologist ordered labs for me. The purpose of the lab was to monitor and authorize my next multiple sclerosis treatment. When he was writing the order for labs, I told him I thought I might have a urinary tract infection and asked him to add urinalysis to the order. He paused for a second and said he would add it, but this is really something I need to talk to my primary care physician about. That made me realize that while my neurologist is the point person for my MS care, there are still other aspects for my health that need to be managed by other care professionals. 

When to visit your neurologist

• At least once or twice a year for an MS checkup
• Any MS-related question
• Questions concerning your MS treatments
• Questions about starting or discontinuing an MS treatment
• If you start experiencing symptoms you believe are MS-related
• Questions about MRIs related to the brain or spine taken for MS purposes
• Questions about a new MS treatment you saw on TV or social media
• For more information about MS clinical trials
• Concerns about sexual function, bladder and bowel function
• Concerns about memory, concentration, or fatigue
• Concerns about walking, dressing, and activities of everyday life

When to visit your primary care physician

• When you don't feel good and need to be seen by a doctor
• If you are experiencing a health issue, but you're not sure what it is, and you want to be referred to a specialist
• For yearly physicials and wellness checks
• Many people are busy and do not take advantage of these kinds of services, but physical and wellness checks lead to early detection and prevention of potentially devastating illnesses
• For common illnesses such as a cold or flu
• For routine bloodwork
• As a starting point to determine the cause of health concerns

Your primary care physician is the starting point for most non MS-realted health concerns, whereas your neurologist is your MS specialist. When you're living with MS, it is important to have the right primary care physician to help you care for and monitor all non MS-related health concerns. Make sure you visit your primary care physician annually for regular health and wellness visits to promote your overall health and well-being.