New neurologist, yay

I have been under the care of Queen Elizabeth hospital's neurology department since my diagnosis in 2013. The first time I saw my consultant was just initial assessment to see how my balance, co-ordination and general health was. He also gave me some background information on Ataxia and what to expect from my symptoms, I went to this appointment alone because I didn't need the assistance at this time.  

My second appointment was different as it was three years later. Since I believed my appointments were supposed to be annually to track my symptom progression, I had to request a referral from my GP because in the last three years my condition had developed, and I wanted to check if my headaches were symptoms of the Ataxia.  This time my mom came with me, and I'm glad she did. 

When we arrived at the hospital we ended up waiting a long time and was worried about not making it in time to collect Zaynah from nursery. Eventually we went in and it was over in 10 minutes.  He basically said Ataxia is a degenerative condition so it's only going to get worse and there was nothing he could do about it. No recommendation of physio, speech therapy, no discussion about my headaches or anything else. He literally asked what I would like him to do, how about be a doctor and help me. 

I understand my heath is going to get worse, with no cure or treatment but there are things that can help slow down the progression.  I left feeling deflated but my brother suggested I change consultant, still under the care of QE hospital just to the one that looks after him. 

So I went back to the Dr to request another referral this time specifically with Dr Tom Hayton and he was a breath of fresh air. He arranged home physio for me and prescribed something to help with my dribbling that was getting quite embarrassing. He spent time checking my gait, hand eye co-ordination and he asked the Ataxia centre in Sheffield to keep me in mind for any research opportunities they may have.

It was off the back of this appointment that I was given a walking stick, a rollator (walker) and adaptions done to my house.  So even though there is nothing medically he can do for me the response from his actions spoked volumes to me.