Neuro and Epi?

[mel239]

Does anyone have both? I always feel like Im bothering my epileptologist with minor questions.He only sees patients on Mondays,so his schedule doesnt warrant alot of attention.Would a neurologist benefit me,maybe one that was closer to me and had a regular schedule?How do others do it with both docs?I dont want the epileptologist to feel like im going behind his back and Im not seeking a second opinion and I really dont need handholding,but his office has caused major problems with my paperwork and one hand doesnt know what the other is doing is an accurate description.

[Endless]

I used to have both, but I really didn't need the neurologist anymore, since epilepsy is my only neurological problem. Besides, my neurologist didn't know alot about epilepsy. In fact, precious little, so that office was of little help.

I do use my primary care provider alot, to answer questions about drug interactions, side effects, etc. But she's pretty clueless when it comes to anti-seizure meds and seizures in general. I call my epileptologist's office more than I think they want me to. But if not them, then who?

I depend on my pharmacist a lot now for drug interaction and side effect questions. She's extremely knowledgable and lots of help.

[Cint]

I only see an epileptologist, also, since I have mult-type seizures that are refractory. If your dr. only sees patients on Mondays, have you discussed these office problems with him? Maybe he isn't aware of what is going on in the office, since he isn't there often.

[PhylisFeinerJohnson]

Well, you could ask your epileptologist for a neurologist recommendation, sort of as a backup for when you have questions or problems when he's not available (which doesn't sound like very often!)

Also, here are some tips I conjured up for getting the most of doc visits (because they ARE short!)

Be prepared! Bring your daily seizure diary with you (documenting your sleep patterns, eating habits, activities, changes in your normal life/routine, auras, dreams, how you feel before, during and after a seizure, how long it lasts, etc.) All of this can help bring your doc up to date on what's going on with you.

If you can, bring along a family member or friend for a second pair of ears, to help describe your seizures or to take notes during the visit. Sometimes it's difficult to soak up all the information. Plus, they may remember something that you missed or forgot.

Let your doc know how you’re responding to your current medications. Be sure to share your concerns about any side effects, drug reactions, behavior changes, physical changes, trouble sleeping, loss of memory, or even brain fog. Accurate reporting will help you and your doctor make decisions together about whether you need to up your anti-epileptic drug, change or supplement it with something else.

Prepare a list of questions in advance to help you make the most of your time with your doctor. List your questions and the doctor’s answers from most important to least important in case time runs out.

Be persistent in asking your questions until you fully understand the explanation. If you don’t understand a diagnosis or treatment, ask more questions — take more notes.

Make sure you understand the script and whether name brand or generic will make a difference for you. And make sure you know exactly what the doctor wants you to do before you leave the office.

And finally, ask about follow-up and get a contact number so if you happen to think of more questions, or forgot something the doctor said, you can call the office immediately and request the information.

This is what I do with my husband and he does for me. And it works like a charm. Our docs even appreciate our "being prepared." (Well, sort of!)

[epileric]

Unless someone has more neurological problems than just E and the other neurologist is also a specialist, I have trouble understanding why someone would want a neurologist and an epileptologist, after all an epileptologist is a specialized neurologist.

It is also possible for each of them to use a very useful & curative methods that contradict each other, so if someone does have both they should always work together.