Scared & angry & frustrated.

[lisafaz]

I don't even know how to tell I'm having one.

My Dr thinks I'm having TL seizures, but can't give me a firm answer. I stared seeing double randomly in June & went to an ophthalmologist & a neurologist. Had an MRI, found a 9mm "spot", but was told it was probably the Trileptal I'm on for bipolar. Backed the dose down a little, stopped having them for a while. Over the summer, I'd get slurred speech & SUPER sleepy during the day, so I'd take a nap & think nothing of it. Then in September, this began happening at school. More & more frequently. So, I went to my family doc, who sent me to a neurologist she liked, who sent me to a partner who specializes in epilepsy. I don't like him very much. I think I'm going to change very soon. Last night, I began taking Lamictal (in addition to Keppra & Trileptal), because now I'm having migraines again. I had them 20 years ago, then began Neurontin for bipolar, switched to Trileptal & never had migraines that whole time (well, maybe once a year). Today I'm drooly, disconnected, shaky, anxious... don't know if I'm having one or not. I've had to go on medical leave (was asked to) and now feel completely out of control of my life & useless. And very scared. What if this never gets better? I asked my Dr not to put me on Lamictal, because when I tried it years ago for bp, it made me really stupid. I couldn't do basic subtraction, and I teach high school. I'm scared.

 

[Nakamova]

Hi Lisafaz, welcome to CWE!

Since you just started the Lamictal yesterday, it's probably too soon for it to be the culprit for what you're experiencing today. Try and keep a record of everything you're feeling and when, including the double vision, the slurred speech, etc. It's tough with epilepsy, because the seizures can cause problems and the meds can cause problems too. Keeping a journal is one way to help sort out what might be triggering what. It's also a good idea to track other things like diet, fatigue, metabolism, hormones -- all potential triggers.

If you keep records about your seizures, it can also help if you end up switching to another epilepsy specialist. Be as proactive as possible -- ask questions, take notes. For the migraines, consider taking magnesium -- it can help -- and try taking a B complex vitamin with B6 -- it can help with overall brain health and any moodiness that you may be experiencing from the Keppra. With bipolar disorder, it's possible that Keppra may be making things worse for you. If your meds aren't helping control your seizure-like symptoms, or have bad side effects like the Lamictal did last time you tried it, then make it a priority with your docs to find better ones.

Best,
Nakamova