Has anybody had a phone/skype appointment with a physician?

For those who don't live near a TMS physician and have opted to speak with one over phone/video, how has it worked out for you? Are there any 'prerequisites' for the appointment, such as having been seen by other physicians first to rule out physical problems? I had a MRI for my back many years ago which showed the 'normal abnormalities' (slight disc herniation, L5-S1, stenosis, etc.), but I'm convinced (at least consciously) my pain is due to TMS. Still though, even after speaking with a TMS therapist, symptoms haven't subsided. I'd like to speak with a physician.

Any advice is welcome.

Thanks!

 

I had a Skype appointment with Dr. Geitzen (here on TMS wiki list) and it was very helpful. I sent him my records via email, he reviewed them and assured me that I didn't have structural damage. That was very liberating and set me on the path of recovery. I am back to normal life now.

 

@TG957 yes, I spoke to Dr. Geitzen as well!

 

Thanks for your reply. There's a small part of me that's wondering if I need to hear it from a MD that there's nothing physically wrong with me. Perhaps I'll schedule an appointment.

 

Did it help you with your recovery?

 

Absolutely. It cleared my doubts and set me on the right path. I had the right expectation going in. I did not expect a miracle pill from Dr. Geitzen and accepted that the effort was still mine to get myself out of the TMS trap.

 

Yes! He is a neurologist so I specifically reached out to him regarding my trigeminal neuralgia and my MRI results.

 

@determined_75 physicians will always tell you that something is wrong and will want to treat it either by surgery or pills. I also had MRI abnormalities that were supposed to be treated by surgery (artery touching the trigeminal nerve). My take on this - unless it's a tumor that is irritating the tissue there is no abnormality.

 

@Patricia is right. My electromyography was abnormal and I was told many times that I needed steroid injection and/or surgery. Here I am - fully recovered.

 

Thank you @TG957 and @Patrisia!