Dr Bakker is now retired, this is more a review of my experience thus far with MS clinic at RD hospital.
First thing you need to realize if you're newly diagnosed with MS - you are now a very large paycheque for a lot of people... keep this in mind and above all, and remember this always
i actually really liked dr bakker as a person because of her candid honesty
Ask your neuro if they get a cut of the prescriptions they write - they will confirm that they do (and Dr Bakker confirmed this with me also)
I had major insurance, they got to prescribe me with very expensive therapies, no cost to me - the potential side effects were never accurately or fully discussed ahead of time by anyone, and they always sucked and were horrific... MS is bad enough - but the side effects from the drugs that I experienced were WORSE than my MS symptoms, and the MS clinic staff will fight and argue if you dare phone and say "I'm woozy and my heart is racing after taking this", " my eyes burn and I scratch my own skin raw after taking this, I have no body hair left I've scratched so much", "I'm seeing and hearing things", "I have severe memory loss".. apparently I do MS wrong... according to staff at this clinic... they will make you feel that everything you experience is not only your fault, but also not a problem and not severe... you are to conduct a normal life, work a normal 9-5, all while feeling like you've been hit by an asteroid
The big questionnaire they have you fill out as you enter the clinic? Yeah that will be completely ignored... feel free to leave it blank of write an essay about elephants with purple polkadots... you will get the same result
"I'll have the OT teach you fatigue management!" (every year, same time, for 20+ years)
"I am sending you to go for a urine test, in case the urgency to pee is a bladder infection!" (every year. for 20+ years)
I swear a script is being read... and they aren't listening to my replies... the same conversation over and over, ALL THE TIME, and none of my concerns ever addressed (or even heard)
Most recent therapy I was on was pushed on me, after adverse/ severe reactions to every other drug they tried, this one I was told "two doses, two years apart, and that's it forever, nothing else"...
Well, two years after that drug (a chemo) was all done and finished (also with significant lasting side effects)... "your MRI is clear!! You're doing great! No new or active lesions! Let's get you in to get started on a new preventative maintenance drug!"
"Wait... I'm healthy, no active or new lesions - and you want me on more drugs again?"
"well they won't hurt, and you've got benefits, it won't cost you anything, we've got good data that says they help decrease frequency and severity of relapses, why wouldn't you?"
Sooo - yeah - I am not okay with any of that really...
Somewhat by accident, my spouse needed help from a dietician... which... when married means I also ended up eating the same food and cleaning up my diet alongside... guess what has helped with MS symptoms more than any drug therapy or "fatigue management" course? That's right! FOOD.
Guess how many times dietician was offered at MS clinic in the last 21 years? If you guess ZERO - you'd be correct
When I brought up that diet change was helping, I got a somewhat hostile reply that equated to "that's just conspiracy theory/ in your head/ placebo effect"...
alternative/naturopathic therapies are STRONGLY discouraged and spoken against here...
At this time, i have lost faith in the medical system... I have too much money in a benefits package and with my nations socialist healthcare system... with an MS diagnosis and a system that allows physicians to get a cut of meds prescribed... I understand why the push to have me on drugs exists... I just wish they'd suggest diet, and maybe try to alleviate some symptoms from me... alas... "a patient cured is a customer lost"
No wonder neurologists are able to retire so young...
The timer to telling your MS clinic to pound sand has been ticking since you were diagnosed... allow me to encourage you to do so sooner than later... your stress level will be much lower without these people interfering in your life, pushing drugs and trying to justify their wage...
Submitted Nov. 27, 2023
5
Staff
5
Punctuality
1
Helpfulness
2
Knowledge
Dr Bakker is a pleasant person, but I can honestly say, that in the 15+ years I have been seeing her, she has done very little for my MS. I am not sad to see her retire. Perhaps another neurologist will listen to me more closely.
Submitted June 13, 2022
5
Staff
5
Punctuality
5
Helpfulness
5
Knowledge
My husband is a new patient of Dr. Bakkers. He has Primary Progressive MS - newly diagnosed. Dr. Bakker is a wonderful, kind, caring Dr. She knows her stuff and can deal with difficult topics in a warm and caring way. After having seen another MS Dr. outside of Alberta, we realize how fortunate we are to have found her. I hope that Dr. Bakker will stay in Central Alberta to continue good care for MS patients who struggle so much. Thank you Dr. Bakker. Also, a note about her staff. We have had the opportunity to meet with most staff in her office (social worker, occupational therapist, nurses, and front desk staff). All have been extremely helpful and supportive to our family in navigating through the progressive stages of this difficult disease.
Submitted Dec. 21, 2021
5
Staff
5
Punctuality
5
Helpfulness
5
Knowledge
Very easy to talk to and just a all around great visit. Left there feeling all my questions where answered.
Submitted Sept. 17, 2021
5
Staff
4
Punctuality
5
Helpfulness
5
Knowledge
Competent. Knowledgeable. .and cordial. Pleasant demeanour.
Submitted June 2, 2021
5
Staff
4
Punctuality
5
Helpfulness
5
Knowledge
Bakker is easy to talk to and is very understanding and knowledgeable.
Submitted June 2, 2021
5
Staff
5
Punctuality
5
Helpfulness
5
Knowledge
I felt like the doctor listened to me and my concerns, was very calm and knowledgeable
Submitted June 2, 2021
5
Staff
5
Punctuality
5
Helpfulness
5
Knowledge
The Dr really helped me and my family ! Thank you so much Dr Bakker
Submitted June 2, 2021
3
Staff
4
Punctuality
1
Helpfulness
2
Knowledge
She spent my precious time trying to push experimental vaccines. I said liquid nanoparticles instead of lipid and rather than correct me she scoffed. I have MS - my brain ain't what it used to be!
Submitted April 13, 2021
1
Staff
1
Punctuality
1
Helpfulness
1
Knowledge
Competent. Knowledgeable. .and cordial. Pleasant demeanour.
Dr Bakker is now retired, this is more a review of my experience thus far with MS clinic at RD hospital.
First thing you need to realize if you're newly diagnosed with MS - you are now a very large paycheque for a lot of people... keep this in mind and above all, and remember this always
i actually really liked dr bakker as a person because of her candid honesty
Ask your neuro if they get a cut of the prescriptions they write - they will confirm that they do (and Dr Bakker confirmed this with me also)
I had major insurance, they got to prescribe me with very expensive therapies, no cost to me - the potential side effects were never accurately or fully discussed ahead of time by anyone, and they always sucked and were horrific... MS is bad enough - but the side effects from the drugs that I experienced were WORSE than my MS symptoms, and the MS clinic staff will fight and argue if you dare phone and say "I'm woozy and my heart is racing after taking this", " my eyes burn and I scratch my own skin raw after taking this, I have no body hair left I've scratched so much", "I'm seeing and hearing things", "I have severe memory loss".. apparently I do MS wrong... according to staff at this clinic... they will make you feel that everything you experience is not only your fault, but also not a problem and not severe... you are to conduct a normal life, work a normal 9-5, all while feeling like you've been hit by an asteroid
The big questionnaire they have you fill out as you enter the clinic? Yeah that will be completely ignored... feel free to leave it blank of write an essay about elephants with purple polkadots... you will get the same result
"I'll have the OT teach you fatigue management!" (every year, same time, for 20+ years)
"I am sending you to go for a urine test, in case the urgency to pee is a bladder infection!" (every year. for 20+ years)
I swear a script is being read... and they aren't listening to my replies... the same conversation over and over, ALL THE TIME, and none of my concerns ever addressed (or even heard)
Most recent therapy I was on was pushed on me, after adverse/ severe reactions to every other drug they tried, this one I was told "two doses, two years apart, and that's it forever, nothing else"...
Well, two years after that drug (a chemo) was all done and finished (also with significant lasting side effects)... "your MRI is clear!! You're doing great! No new or active lesions! Let's get you in to get started on a new preventative maintenance drug!"
"Wait... I'm healthy, no active or new lesions - and you want me on more drugs again?"
"well they won't hurt, and you've got benefits, it won't cost you anything, we've got good data that says they help decrease frequency and severity of relapses, why wouldn't you?"
Sooo - yeah - I am not okay with any of that really...
Somewhat by accident, my spouse needed help from a dietician... which... when married means I also ended up eating the same food and cleaning up my diet alongside... guess what has helped with MS symptoms more than any drug therapy or "fatigue management" course? That's right! FOOD.
Guess how many times dietician was offered at MS clinic in the last 21 years? If you guess ZERO - you'd be correct
When I brought up that diet change was helping, I got a somewhat hostile reply that equated to "that's just conspiracy theory/ in your head/ placebo effect"...
alternative/naturopathic therapies are STRONGLY discouraged and spoken against here...
At this time, i have lost faith in the medical system... I have too much money in a benefits package and with my nations socialist healthcare system... with an MS diagnosis and a system that allows physicians to get a cut of meds prescribed... I understand why the push to have me on drugs exists... I just wish they'd suggest diet, and maybe try to alleviate some symptoms from me... alas... "a patient cured is a customer lost"
No wonder neurologists are able to retire so young...
The timer to telling your MS clinic to pound sand has been ticking since you were diagnosed... allow me to encourage you to do so sooner than later... your stress level will be much lower without these people interfering in your life, pushing drugs and trying to justify their wage...
Submitted Nov. 27, 2023