Embrace Your Destiny: Anticipate Success With Neurologist

Check-in at Durham Office

I always look forward with anticipation to the twice yearly visits with my Neurologist, Dr. Scagnelli with Raleigh Neurology. I've been seeing Dr. Scagnelli for a year since my long time doctor, Dr. Gregory Bertics semi-retired. Dr. Scagnelli and I are still getting acquainted but overall, I'm pleased with him and hopefully he is with me. Much to my surprise and delight, I discovered that he has a very nice office in Durham. This is 30 minute closer on a long 4 1/2 hour road trip to Raleigh.

I usually have high expectations when I go for my check-up. I usually think I am doing good overall. What I really want though is unsolicited confirmation from him. The changes I feel in walking, strength, balance and general ability is slow to recognize. Family and friends who see me regularly rarely comment about any improvement they see. I'm sure changes in gait in particular are so slight they probably aren't noticeable. I really work hard for and appreciate good feedback from anybody, but I live for the day the doctor tells me, "You are doing great!"


At my previous visit with Dr. Scagnelli in October 2017, when we discussed the medicine I'm taking, I reminded him I had quit taking the compounded Amino-Pyridine medicine for movement. In further discussing movement, he told me about the use of Vitamin  B7, a compounded biotin product that was having excellent results with MS patients. He explained that it is not a drug and is perfectly safe to use with no side effects noted. The only down side would be having to pay full price.  I decided it might be worth the money if indeed it has zero side effects! What could I lose? I found out that the price is not exorbitant at $80 for 30 day supply. Sure enough, I had no side effects and excellent results. After seven months, all movement is improved. Everything I do from walking to practicing piano is better! What remains unclear however is how much is attributable to the B7 and how much to the combined other therapies I do.


My first appointment with Dr. Scagnelli after starting the biotin, B7 routine was just recently in April 2018. It was also my first time going to his Durham office. This new office could become a new standard. It's thirty minutes closer and much more relaxed. I was in and out of my appointment in one hour this time! 

I am delighted to report too that I did get the thumbs up, definitely improving affirmation I wanted! After doing the usual work with the nurse, Dr. Scagnelli came in. He always has me do a walking test first. I did it with shoes and without. He was very pleased and noted that my walking was faster than he recorded in October at the last visit. Then he checked strength of arms and legs. He presses down on each leg to note my resistance. I am sitting on a table for this test and several others. He said these tests also showed strength had improved. 

Before I know what's happening, he's  dismissing me with a "See you in 12 months". I had questions! No blood work? Can I come back sooner? I can't remember a visit when I didn't conclude the visit going to the lab to get blood work.  He basically said I was doing very good and to keep doing all the therapies I'm doing. If I experience any issues to call him. I was truly disappointed not to go back for a year! I enjoy going to Raleigh to see friends and get a little shopping done. Plus, I like to get his professional opinion on whether I have improved. We compromised on a nine month return visit. 

Raleigh Friends, Louis and Neville Sinclair 

I look forward to catching up with Raleigh friends and doing some much needed shopping!

I'm feeling like I'm in a very good place with my MS and overall health and movement. The walking issues are improving all the time. I'm working with Physical Therapist Thomas on the basics of walking with relaxed movement. I'm much more relaxed over the piano keys which makes playing much better. The fingers and shoulders are not acting so spastic, usually. I have even agreed to be in a recital in early June! What was I thinking? I would never have even considered doing this previously. Is it the B7 making the difference or is it everything all together? I am not willing to risk taking away anything to test my theory. I'll just hold steady because it's all good!