By late summer 2021, I was getting seriously concerned about my self diagnosed “Restless leg syndrome.” I had suffered enough of the ailments (as described on WebMD) and consulted with my family physician to substantiate my belief it was RLS. My doctor prescribed a medication that he thought would help-it didn’t, at least I didn’t find relief so I kept studying to find what it was and what would relieve the misery. For those unfamiliar with RLS it is best described, by me at least, as being similar to the pain you feel right before a severe leg cramp. The moment right before the cramp causes you to jerk your leg into a position that relieves the impending knot in your leg muscle is what you feel with RLS. During the day you are moving around so I never notice it, but laying in bed trying to sleep is when it manifests itself. It starts more as an annoyance-your legs feel unsettled-restless, so you start tossing and turning trying to find a comfortable position, which never happens. You finally fall asleep when your body gives up, maybe giving you a couple of intermittent hours of sleep. The only remedy I have found is Tramadol in growing quantities. The other concern-long term, is its relative, Parkinson’s. Everyone knows of Micheal J Fox and his battle with the disease and how inspiring he and his family are. My reference is closer to home. We had a neighbor, my favorite neighbor actually, that was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He went from a vital and strong guy to dead in 2-years. This is why I started searching for an answer. Trying to get an appointment on my own was impossible. Like everything else, the pandemic seemed to wipe out the ability to find a neurology specialist so I enlisted the help of my doctor. He gave me a number and the critical referral for an appointment. The contact led me to a survey to complete and an email address. By late October 2021, I received an email back saying I was now on the waiting list for an appointment. The email continued saying it could be up to eight months before I receive that appointment. After several months I started sending a regular follow up email to check progress. Finally, the last week of September 2022, I got my call. My appointment is January 17, 2023. I have mixed emotions. I am happy to finally have my appointment. I am happy thinking I might finally start getting an answer regarding my future, but I am sad too. How many people are out there that need a specialist for a variety of reasons but will not last the 15 months it has taken me just to get an appointment

It is nice to have friends. It is even better when they are decent and compassionate. It is priceless when they can navigate through the above situation and get an appointment now without even asking for help. The prior story was related to my situation, this is about my oldest son. He is amazing on many levels. He is sensitive, kind, a musician and model handsome. He is also an artist that became an entrepreneur and elevated that gift into a multi-million dollar business. He worked tirelessly, pushing him well beyond his comfort zone to learn the brutal truths of creating a startup and coming out the other end on top. Through the pandemic and isolation he and his partner fought through all the global challenges no one could ever imagine, much less plan for, and launch and deliver a successful product. It took its toll. What was supposed to be a 6-month sabbatical to recharge the batteries and regain perspective has turned into a fight to regain his sanity and restore his mental health. It has been an anxious time for his family with numerous twists and turns, and while he professed no inclination to harm himself, in todays world that concern is never out of mind. During this time Lisa has shared her concern with a dear friend and neighbor who also happens to be a doctor. The friend has a son that experienced a similar episode and was able to regain control so it was helpful to gain possible insight on a possible direction. Lisa also shared our frustration to find proper counseling. No one seems to be accepting new patients and those that are have a waiting list that stretches into months. Our son desperately wants help but can’t get it. The friend’s husband heard the story and offered his help. He is not a mental health specialist, but has connections well beyond our normal sphere and placed some calls. A friend helping a friend. Our son is on the fast-track to get help now and I couldn’t feel more grateful for having a friend.