Second Opinion?
I have been diagnosed with MS for almost a decade. Most of that time I have been on Tysabri, and recently found out I am a high JCV positive so will be getting off of it ASAP. I had a hard time choosing a new DMT between Kesimpta/Ocrevus/Briumvi. I think Ive made my choice for now.
The issue is that I felt dissatisfied with the short and rushed appointment that I had with my neurologist. I'm not sure if there is more to this process or not, but wondering if it makes sense to get a second opinion and to meet with another neurologist at a nearby MS center for peace of mind, or if that would be a waste of time. What I am looking for is reassurance that I should indeed come off of Tysabri immediately (I think yes, but want to be sure, even with extended interval dosing, because it has worked so well for me), reassurance that I'm choosing the best DMT (although I'm not sure there is really a clear answer here for that), to understand their processes and procedures vs. what my doctor is doing and also to see if maybe that MS center is a better fit for me (my current neurologist is cold, apathetic and dismissive). I am getting just a brain MRI soon to check for PML, but otherwise haven't had an MRI scan in over five years, and when I did get one nobody ever followed up with me on the results. Nobody ever followed up with me on my blood test results either. I'm not sure if any of this is normal, hence the second opinion, but also don't want to come across as a whiny anxious patient.
I did get a second opinion once several years ago and that doctor looked at my chart, noticed that my current doctor is one of the top doctors at my current MS center, started praising him, and then just agreed with what he said and dismissed my concerns. I think he maybe knows my current neurologist, because I'm sure it's a close community and they probably all know each other and are hesitant to disagree.
Should I get a "second opinion" or just set up an appointment at the other MS center? Has anyone pursued this for similar reasons? Thank you so much for your help!