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[CarrieH]

Hello, my name is Carrie. I am 33 years old and had my first seizure when I was 6. At the time both of my parents were heavy smokers and because of that I weezed. The doctor placed me on an Asthma medication that I was told was linked to seizures in children. I go through another 25 years with no problems then while in my Physical Therapist's office I had my second seizure. This one was due to the mixing of Tramadol (Pain med) and Zoloft which together apparently lowers seizure thresholds. I was pregnant and lost the baby after I had the seizure. I made it through another pregnancy with no problems until being up all hours of night with a newborn caused my seizures to return. That was about 3 years ago. In the past few months I've had 2 more seizures with no warning.I moved from the DFW area to the Seattle area and had to find a Neurologist. I had an EEG and during the 4 minutes he spent in the room with me I was informed my EEG was Positive and they could see what part of my brain is causing them. He mentioned genetic and I am terrified about my children possibly having this condition. Had I known before having kids that I had a genetic condition I would have never had children. I am depressed beyond belief. My 4 minute neuro doc gave me the starter pack of Lamictal XR. I hope to find someone online who can recommend a physician who is good with Epilepsy and treats me half way decently.

~Carrie~

 

[Endless]

Carrie,

Welcome to the forum!

You have been through so much. I'm so sorry. It makes me mad when I hear about medical errors. You should have never been given that drug combo at all, let alone if you have a history of seizures.

http://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=2221-0,2057-1348


I always check here before I take any drug. I saved the full list in there so that it's easy to add and subtract, and I can see all the possible drug interactions. The doctor and the pharmacy are supposed to do this, but things fall through the cracks sometimes so I do it myself:
http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html

Two ways to find a good neurologist:

- look at the nearest teaching hospital (university)

- look for a level 4 epilepsy center near you. The neurologists are epi's (epilepsy specialists) and tend to be better at managing seizures and seizure meds than general neurologists. Here's a link to find one.

http://naec-epilepsy.org/find.htm

I'm hoping things will go much better for you. Remeber that we are all here for you.

 

[CarrieH]

Thank you so much for the advice on finding a doctor. I feel like I've been thrown to the wolves. Thank you thank you thank you!

 

[Nakamova]

Hi CarrieH, welcome to CWE!

I hope you can find an excellent epileptologist. It will make a huge difference in your stress levels, not to mention your actual health.

Do you keep a seizure diary? In addition to tracking seizure frequency and scope, a diary can also help find triggers. More info here: http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f23/seizure-journals-10776/

Best,
Nakamova

 

[RobinN]

Hi Carrie,
Welcome to CWE. I hope you find the support that you are needing. I know I did.
Trust your instincts.

 

[Cardones]

Hi Carrie

So sorry your seizures returned after such a long break. I always get so worried when I hear stories like yours. I had a seizure when I was 17 and am told it should not happen again but stories like yours prove we can never assume that so I really feel for you.

Anyway you said your doc mentioned genetics so am assuming he does not think this is related to the various prescription drugs you have taken. From what I have read it is dry good news that your EEG was positive in the sense it should e easier to target the problem and treat which is perhaps why your doc was so brief with you. That said I hope you find a doc with a better bedside manner!

Am sure all will be fine for you. Although some epilepsies appear inherited the majority are not apparently so am sure your kids will be fine too but hope you get the answers you deserve soon.
Best of luck!

 

[CarrieH]

Thanks for the welcomes.

The 25 years between seizures makes me feel like I'm never going to be safe without anti-seizure meds. I feel genetics is a huge issue in my case. I was totally honest with the doctors as in Washington State providers can pull up your complete prescription history online. Besides its lying to omit in my opinion.

 

[Wally]

Hi Carrie. I'm just down the road from you in Olympia. I go to the Regional Epilepsy Center at Harborview in Seattle. There are lots of plain Jane old neurologists around here, but I'd rather deal with someone that specializes in our problem. I also heard of a Naturopath Neurologist in Tacoma that I was thinking of checking out. Lemme know if you need more info, you have found the right website.