My life has literally changed thanks to Dr. Pokala. I mean this as a compliment even though my story is pretty sad. I was seeing Dr. Pokala for a temporary condition originally. During one of those appointments I mentioned a weird feeling in my legs that I had previously told at least two other doctors about. Those other doctors basically blew it off...probably because they are too proud to admit they didn't know what to tell me. I have worked in the medical field for 7 years, so I have obtained a pretty solid B.S. doctor meter, if you will. But Dr. Pokala took it seriously and asked me loads of questions. Although he couldn't pinpoint the problem immediately, he and I kept talking and I could tell Dr. Pokala was a solid doctor because he had such determination and genuine curiosity as to what the heck was going on with me. We decided to schedule another appointment within a couple of weeks so he could do some research outside of our time together and perform some tests on me to help put some puzzle pieces together.
My Mom drove in from Houston to go to this next appointment with me. Dr. Pokala blew both of us away. He did a physical exam and even asked about some family history. I could tell he was onto something uncommon. He asked me if anyone in my family had ever been diagnosed with a rare specific hereditary neuropathy. My mom's face dropped in shock and she told Dr. Pokala that her father had been diagnosed with a more generalized neuropathy several years ago. Dr. Pokala called it. I had what my Grandaddy had. Back then, no one really knew what to call it, but now we do. BUT THIS GETS BETTER!! Dr. Pokala is SO GOOD that he said, "You have most of the classic symptoms and I'm almost positive [this is what you have]..." but there are some uncommon symptoms you have that makes me think you have an uncommon subtype or I'm wrong, but we are on the right path. He cared so much about figuring this problem out that he worked on my case...searching, talking to colleagues, reading...I'm not sure what all he did. But he went ABOVE and BEYOND to help me. He was determined! I tear up when I talk about this because I am so thankful for Dr. Pokala. He told me he thought it best to have me to genetic testing. He told me that it is very expensive, though and asked me to give him some time to figure that part out. He felt it was necessary to make a solid diagnosis and to pull all of out random dots of facts together. He found a genetic test for my specific, rare neuropathy that was FREE! He is magic.
Sorry this is so long. I just have to get my point across about what FANTASTIC neurologist he is. I have never had a doctor in my life care so much, work so hard, go so out of his way to help me. My diagnosis is rare. I know it was not easy to diagnose. But he was determined because he loves what he does and cases like mine spark his brain, which he loves.
He even saw my mom's feet at an appointment and suggested she get the same test as me and find a neurologist in Houston. She and I have totally different symptoms, but he was spot on about her too! The genetic test results came back and they look like a copy and paste of mine! We both have the same very rare subtypes of the same rare neuropathy.
If you are looking for a neurologist, you have to see Dr. Pokala. He will stop at nothing to help you. I was referred to him by one of the top neurologists in the Texas Medical Center. Now please let me pass on the recommendation/referral. Dr. Pokala has changed my life and continues to help me with life advice, medical advice and is still learning more about my neuropathy. Go! Make an appointment now! I promise you will not regret it.
(Hi, Dr. Pokala if you are reading this. No pressure, right?) read more