Keep in mind my current neurologist (Dr Dan McLaughlin) has referred me to neuroimmunoligist Stefan Blum at the Mater Public as a critical care patient. Stefan is the one I'd researched and has 10 SPS patients!

Lucy Burr my CF specialist had suggested Andrew Swayne as an option as they collaborate closely. But to leave the decision to my current neurologist, who chose Stefan for my specific issues.

Just as Jo was arriving into Cooly airport this afternoon I miss a landline call thinking it was a spammer. Turns out it was the Mater. We play phone tag. When we finally touch base, the lady announces that whilst she hasn’t seen my referral yet (it’s still bogged down in the other admin area) Andrew has emailed requesting her to ask me to come in tomorrow Tuesday 7th Nov at 130pm. I’ve been listed as category 1 and a cancellation has occurred.

I asked if the appointment would be with Stefan. She advises he no longer works at the Mater. I ask if I can call back and quickly think it over. She says she’s leaving 10mins. I say can I put you on hold for a minute whilst I discuss with my friend.

Jo and I quickly go over pros and cons - two drives to Bris this week, not Stefan, but it is Lucy’s guy, and we land on “lock it in” as we don’t even know where my guy is now and getting into Public is hard and clearly Lucy has pulled strings. Seeing someone is better than no one. And it’s free. And he might be able to help me with different treatment given I’m still not great on 10mg of the Baclofen. Plus seeing him before the neurosurgeon on Friday might be also useful. We figure we should get this new chapter underway and see what comes.... maybe he still collaborates with Stefan, maybe he knows where he went, maybe Andrew is better for me anyhow given Lucy respects him.

I go off mute and let her know if feels like I'm on a gameshow... but we’d like to lock it in and the reason for my hesitation is we are down the coast and I was expecting Stefan. But it’s important and I’m grateful.

Another day of the unplanned changing plans!