Specialists' Specialists

My neurologist looked at the results of my genetic testing and suggested I see a specialist he really respects. I'll call her Doctor Very Busy. Unfortunately, according to Doctor Very Busy's receptionist, I could only get on the waiting list for an appointment.

My general practitioner was doing his own research at the same time, at came up with two names. The first name was that of a specialist who could see me in June. I'll call him Doctor June for now, but I'll change his name in a bit. The second name was that of Doctor Very Busy. Turns out I wasn't even on the waiting list to see Doctor Very Busy - because there is no waiting list. Doctor Very Busy has decided to limit her practice to ALS patients. So my general practitioner asked to whom Doctor Very Busy recommended patients she couldn't see go, and was given a name. My amazing general practitioner got me a February appointment with the recommended doctor, so I'll call that doctor Doctor February.

Earlier this week, I got a phone call from Doctor June's receptionist. Doctor June had an opening; could I come in on Monday? Yay! Doctor June is now Doctor January. And Doctor January heads one of the most prestigious neuromuscular research centers in the country.

I'm quite excited; I really do think I am getting close to a real answer now. (Remember, CFS is a syndrome, so it doesn't explain anything causative - an underlying disorder, such as a genetic disorder, can cause the physical symptoms that get labeled CFS.) I'm also a bit nervous. "Important" doesn't begin to describe the significance of at least one of these upcoming appointments.