Just got back from the neurologist and...

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darcness

darcness

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I'm so happy! :woot:

Well I had a list prepared of all the SE's that my wife was having from the Depakote and the other strange happenings going on. He was very attentive, listened to everything I had to say and addressed the concerns. Basically I couldn't have asked for more.

After telling him all about that and mentioning that we were thinking of having kids in the future (1-2 years) he recommended a med change. He even mentioned that she HAS to be on Folic Acid after we wean off of the Depakote.

He switched her to Keppra because it's easy to get her to a therapeutic dose and there shouldn't be any complications with the Depakote. He said his choices were either Lamictal or Keppra and because it would a long time to ramp up the Lamictal because of the interactions with Depakote, he wanted to go with Keppra.

He even told us right off the bat about the possible mood swings with Keppra and I assured him that I already knew about Vitamin B.

He even went as far as to compliment me for being so educated and proactive on the subject. He said it helps very much because not only can I give him insight onto what's going on, but it's great for my wife because I do all the research and educate us both on E.

He then said we need to keep an eye on the myoclonic jerks. He said they could be seizure related or they might not be, but he certainly didn't rule anything out. His words were "We'll keep the door open on it and monitor it." I thought it was great that he didn't want to decide one way or the other, but rather wanted to reserve judgment until we have more time to evaluate.

Basically I couldn't have really asked for anything more. The doc was completely honest, informative, and genuinely listened to what we had to say. He's certainly restored my faith in him and I'm so happy for that. We have to call him in 5 days and let him know how things are going with the Keppra and then we can start working on weaning the Depakote.

So for now, things are good. I'm really happy with the way things went. :rock:
 
Congratulations! :)

It's nice to hear that you are so pleased with the doctor. He sounds like a caring person who is willing to help you and your wife. I have found that good physicians who actually listen and work with the patient are sometimes hard to find. I wish you guys good luck with the med change.
 
That's fantastic! It must be such a relief to know that you have a neuro who is willing to work with you and not in spite of you.
 
Wooohoooo!!!!

I am SOOO glad to hear this, darcness!!! Knowledge really IS power, isn't it? Hot diggity dog!!!:clap::clap::woot::woot::bigsmile::bigmouth:
 
Yay! It's nice hear when things go well at the doctor's office.
 
Coooool

Sounds like an excellent neurologist! I say keep this one.
 
Thanks for all the kind comments all.

Talk about a load off my mind. That Depakote was like poison to her. Sucks that she has to wean off it slowly, but here's to hoping that the Keppra works and isn't as nasty with side effects.

And yes Eric, I definitely think this is one to keep. I was begining to wonder, but he certainly proved that he knows his stuff and is willing to listen. Very good to know he cares.
 
I agree, He's a keeper! :D :clap:

I'm so glad that things went so well for you both! :woot:
 
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Good to hear that kind of news. Just watch the second dose of Keppra in a day unless she is taking the all day Keppra. On two a day the second dose always knocked me on my rear for about a week. I spent 6 weeks getting to the dosage my neuro wanted me to be on. We had no knowledge of any side effects because it was all new to us so cheers to you and knowledge!!!!
 
It's great to have a neuro that you are comfortable with and spends time with you addressing your concerns. I have to give you a big "atta boy" for being such a supportive partner and taking time to learn about E. There is a LOT to learn!
I am on Keppra. I have had a few adjustments to the amount I am taking, but overall I am happy with the seizure control. When I first got diagnosed and put on Keppra, I was happy that neuro put me on it as it seems to have less side effects than other drugs.
I did have problems in the beginning with being drowsy, but that went away after a few weeks. As far as the moodiness, I didn't have the problem in the beginning, but after my initial doseage was adjusted from 500 mg to 750 mg (twice a day), is when it kicked in. I would get very sad or very angry...but that got better after being on the higher doseage for awhile.
Good luck with the change and with getting pregnant!
jen
 
That's wonderful news!!! Glad to hear of your positive experience. :D
 
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