Advice please

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I am just getting started in my visits with neurologists, so I am asking for some advice from the veterans out there.

I got sent to a neurologist's office by my primary nurse practitioner.

My first visit was in December of last year. I saw a nurse practitioner in the neuro's office too. She ordered tests and told me that she doesn't think my episodes are related to what my mom experiences but from a head injury in 2007. She immediately wanted to put me on Depakote for my headaches. I declined, and I blew off the tests because I was so unimpressed with her.

I went to the same office this past week because my episodes are getting stronger, and I just want the tests. I saw another NP.

He thought he had seen me the last time I was there and then was very embarrassed to find out he didn't. He went on and on about why he thought he saw me last time.... The dictation looked like his, I looked familiar, he was really embarrassed, blah blah blah... :bigmouth:....

Then he tells me that he was in cardiology before but switched to neuro in April. The NP who saw me in December switched to kidneys. Ok, so I am not seeing a doctor..I am seeing a NP..and a cardio NP at that!!! WTH??!! :woot:
Not only does he tell me about his prior cardio experience, he asks details over my husband's heart attack.

It gets even better...

I was trying to convey to him that I have these irrational fears and anger that come along with my episodes. I wanted to express just how awful they are, so I told him how I felt suicidal just days before seeing him which also happened to be the day after an episode. He stops midtracks and wants to hear of my suicidal ideation. I told him how I felt and how I felt out of options. He then tells me that technically he should report me and have me committed to a 72 hour hold in a psychiatric hospital. He said he was putting his license on the line by not reporting me. He looked confused. He made me promise to contact my therapist, but not to tell him that I told the 'neurologist NP' that I was suicidal. OK dude, you handled THAT well. :clap:

Anyway, he ordered the tests I wanted and I am scheduled to see him October 6 to go over them. I suppose the actual neurologist will have to look at my case before the cardio nurse comes in to tell me what my sentence is? Am I right on that? I surely hope so.

But I am left wondering. Should I just automatically find another office and have my test results forwarded there? Or should I go back to this wacko office and see what they have to say before going somewhere else?

Thanks for reading. :rock:
 
popcorn

I am not sure I got this right, so just hang in there a second. You went to see a neurologists when you got sent to someone who had moved from cardiology, so you were sent to see an intern, some one who is learning there trade. I am not sure if you are on meds, but if you are, you need to look up the side effects. Some medication can result in sever depression which results in sucidal thoughts, this needs to be monetered carefull and if something like this happens you should visit your doctor. As far as I would be concerned its a neurologists you need to see not an intern. There is a little confusion on my part, but I hope this little bit helps. The more I read, the more it reminds me of much the same thing happening to me a few years ago. Get a new doctor one whon knows why you are there, if you want get the test results sent over to the new doctor. Do not go back to this office, who knows what they would tell you.
 
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Thank you. I am sorry if my post is a little confusing. But yes, I don't feel this new nurse practitioner is competent to handle my case especially since it isn't like I am grand maling all over and making things obvious. I figure it is best to just get the tests done that he ordered because they are standard tests of blood work, MRI, and EEG. I am going to start looking into other doctors and let my primary care giver know I want another referral.

Thanks!
 
Ask for referral to Epitologist....the real Epilepsy specialists and you may be lucky to find someone to treat - overall wellbeing....

IF you can find the right epitologist (not easy).........can be like hitting the jackpot for advice (on overall wellbeing).

Explore CWE, there is much to learn here...MUCH..
 
When I first started seeing my neurologist I would see the nurse practioner every other visit. The woman would listen to nothing I had to say. I would tell her what was going on and I was starting to have alot more seizures.

She told me that it was because I wasn't talking my meds and if I'd start taking them and taking them right then the seizures would stop. My mom and husband were both with me on this visit. All of us told her that I was taking my meds, taking them right and on time. We showed her the pill case with all the pills seperated out with the ones that I take in the AM and PM. We told her that I have an alarm on my phone that went off at med time so I wouldn't miss a dose. We just argued and argued back and forth and I ended up walking out of that visit learning nothing and not having any changes.

When I was scheduling my next appointment I told my neuro's secretary that for every visit that I was going to have with them I was going to see my actual neurologist and not the nurse practioner. If I couldn't see the actual neurologist for each visit then I was going to find a new neurologist. Ever since this visit I have only seen the neurologist.

The nurse practioner is still working there so I know she has stayed in neurology because this whole ordeal happened a few years ago.

If you don't like what's going on with the dr then have it changed or move on.
 
I could not agree more. I had something like that happen as well.
 
See A neurologist (not necessarily the one you have), get the EEG, MRI, CAT scan, or blood work done. Test results may not clearly show that you have epilepsy, so you'll have to prove it by showing them your behaviors when having a seizure. If the test results don't come out clear, they may have you stay in the hospital to try to record a seizure if you have the seizures frequently. If you have proof that you have them then they'll medicate you. Beware of bizarre side effects. Read up on the medication side effects before starting it. Hopefully you'll find a medication that works best for you. If you're not on medicine already the fears and anger may just be a result of dealing with this frustrating circumstance. I know how stressful it can get. I hope all goes well for you.
 
Did you mean that you wanted new test results or the ones the first nurse practitioner did? What did the test results show? Did they show you had epilepsy?
 
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