b'Life with MSPPCCPPvvssNNeeuurroollooggiissttWWhheennttooVViissiittEEaacchhBy Matt CavalloAt a recent neurology appointment, my Concerns about sexual function, bladder neurologist ordered labs for me. The purposeand bowel function of the labs was to monitor and authorize my Concerns about memory, concentration, next multiple sclerosis treatment. When heor fatigue was writing the order for labs, I told him I Concerns about walking, dressing, and thought I might have a urinary tract infectionactivities of everyday life andaskedhimtoaddaurinalysistotheWorder. He paused for a second and said heWhheennttoovviissiittyyoouurrpwould add it, but this is really something Iprriimmaarryyccaarreepphhyyssiicciiaannneed to talk to my primary care physician When you dont feel good and need to be about. That made me realize that while myseen by a doctor neurologist is the point person for my MS If you are experiencing a health issue, but care, there are still other aspects of my healthyoure not sure what it is, and you want to that need to be managed by other carebe referred to a specialist professionals.For yearly physicals and wellness checks In this article, I will share with you two Many people are busy and do not take lists. The rst is a list of when to call or visitadvantageofthesekindofservices,but your neurologist. The second is when to visitphysicals and wellness checks can lead to your primary care physician.early detection and prevention of potentially W devastating illnesses. Whheennttoovviissiittyyoouurrnneeuurroollooggiisstt AtleastonceortwiceayearforanMS For common illnesses, such as the cold or u checkup For routine bloodworkAny MS-related questionAs a starting point to determine the causeQuestions concerning your MS treatmentsof health concerns.Questions about starting or discontinuingYour primary care physician is the starting an MS treatmentpoint for most non-MS-related health concerns,If you start experiencing symptoms youwhereas your neurologist is your MS specialist. believe are MS-relatedWhen you are living with MS, it is important to have the right primary care physician toQuestions about MRIs related to the brainhelp you care for and monitor all non-MS or spine taken for purposes of MSrelated health concerns. Make sure you visitQuestions about a new MS treatment youyourprimarycarephysicianannuallyfor saw on TV or social mediaregular health and wellness visits to promoteFor more information about MS clinical trialsyour overall health and well-being. msfocusmagazine.org 12'