Finnish Health Care,a Personal View

The Finnish Health Care system proved to be both efficient and caring too me.In the Spring of 2004 My wife noticed that I was suffering with severe calf cramps in my sleep.Whilst at the time I did not notice;I did feel tired through the days.My wife suggested that I pay a visit too my local Doctor.This I did and explained that when going to bed my feet ached causing me to have to tense them and release the tension after a minute or so,this I would do until I fell asleep.

First Encounter With Finnish Health Care

Within 5 weeks I was asked by the Finnish Health Care Nurse  to visit The Neurological Polyclinic,Meihilahti,Helsinki, for tests and to see a specialist.To tell the truth I did not believe there was a problem and thought it would just go away given time!Next was seen by a young looking female neutologist/Licentiate.She performed a physical check and asked if I would be willing to stay 1 night in hospital for a sleep analysis.Now I do not like hospitals at the best of times,however I agreed to her request.Some nights later I was in a hospital bed aand at 2400 I was given the oportunity to take my last cigarette.Then I was connected to a machine by way of sensors placed on my legs,chest and head.I really was now in the hands of the Finnish health Care system.It did take several hours to get comfortable and fall asleep

The following morning I was disconnected from the apparatus and given a Finnish Health Care breakfast,and told I could leave whenever I was ready.Within 1 hour I was at home thinking:NO PROBLEM

Aproximately 6 weeks later I was summoned back to see the Finnish Health Care Doctor and given a description of the report from my stay in Hospital.She confirmed that I was suffering from Restless Legs,and that a drug actually for Parkinson’s Disease may be of help.She then went on to say that she would like to carry out further examinations.Again I agreed believing she new more than me.

Finnish Health Care Discovered I suffered From MS

For the  following 3 months I was tested.Tests included SEP/WEP,MRI and finally a lumber puncture/spinal tap.She had informed me throughout these tests that I my be suffering from Lyme’s Disease or Multiple Sclerosis.Through continued talking with the Neurologist I became aware of my situation.Things like my worsening balance,vision and urinary problems now seemed to have a name causing them.Something I had lived with and put up with for some 5 years.The Finnish H eralth Care system gives me some answers.Whether they were good answers was the least of my problem but to know was a huge relief in itself

Spring 2005 came and I was officially diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.Was it a shock?NO.At least now I had some sort of expanation for the changes that I was noticing within myself.I can even say that at the time of being diagnosed I was in Denial.This could not happen to me!Why have I got it and where did it come from!

It turns out that Doctors have no idea where it originates from?Some suggestions include Genes,Geographical location,Diet or even from a Virus.It is however an auto-immune disease,causing my white blood cells to attack the Myelin coating the central nervous system.Suffice to say that I have got it and I am going to go on living.I liken it to opening a new chapter in a book.Im have always been a positive person,rather seeing the glass half full opposed to half empty.

I know this is a short post on such a topic;however,if  it was not for the expertise,new technology,efficiency and most of all the very special attention I recieved from the Neurologists at Helsinki University Hospital,I would just be a frustrated individual,staggering around as if Drunk.

Thankyou to all at Meihilahti Hospital,Helsinki,the Finnish Health Care System and the team of Neurologists that saw me straight