I also met with Dr. Barker. I agree with everyone else...he isn't the friendliest doctor. I am still W&W, so he never actually took it out, but he did seem knowledgable. However, I'm younger than most of his patients, so when I asked him why when I have one alcoholic beverage I fall over like a drunk, he had no idea. He said he couldn't answer that because most of his patients are older and don't ask him things like that....soo...that wasn't too helpful! But, I just stopped drinking at all (not that I drank a lot before - only maybe once ever two or three months, if that...), so now that isn't an issue. I figure I fall over enough sober, so I don't need to add alcohol to that!
I was going to Mass Eye and Ear, but I have recently switched to Dartmouth Hitchcock in Lebanon, NH. It's a bit closer for me, but also, I just really like the doctor there.
And, at DHMC, they have an AN clinic every Monday afternoon, so I was able to get my second opinion appointment scheduled within two weeks. It was great. They also had both a APRN from neurosurgery and the doctor in the room, so it was very beneficial. I also felt more comfortable with the ppl at DHMC than Boston, so I was able to advocate better for myself.
I'd say, meet with Mass, and if you want a face to face second opinon, definitely call Dr. Saunders at Dartmouth. They're great.
Good luck and I really hope you feel better soon!
