Update on my New Neuro!

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momof3boys

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I went in on the 19th of March to meet the neurologist my Primary care doctor recommended. We sat down and went over everything that has happened since I first began seeing the neuro that wouldnt help me with the seizures that occured since January 21st. I explained what Ive been experiencing, and how when the other neuro told me to add just one extra Keppra XR tablet, just once... not everyday... but during that time i added it, the auras went way down, and I started to feel so much better. But then the following morning, I was back to my original dose, and the auras and seizures came back again. It was like that neuro was playing mind games with me. :soap: Anyways, this new neuro said its for sure in his opinion that what Im experiencing is auras/ simple partial seizures, and the Keppra XR at 3000mgs is not controlling them. They last between 30 seconds to 1 minute, but afterwords I have the worst headache ever, and with my old neuro not prescribing me any ativan to stop the seizures, I was constantly taking ibuphrofen for the headaches. It just wasnt helping. So we had some options to choose from...

1) go up in dose on the Keppra XR.

2) since we know the Carbatrol and Keppra combined really worked well for me, (the only reason I was taken off of it, was because I was on it for 11 years and my other neuro thought it was bad to be on it for too long) I could go back on that, but at a way lower dose.

I was taking 1200mgs a day of the Carbatrol prior, with the Keppra XR. If I were to try the Carbatrol again, I would be put at 200mgs in the AM and 200mgs in the PM. Just seeing if that low dose will help keep these seizures from coming.

The reason I didnt choose going with increasing the Keppra XR was because of a prior experience I had with it. I was increased to 4000mgs and I felt like a complete zombie! I had the worst of headaches, and I had break through seizures. Now at the time, I was also on Carbatrol 1200mgs a day, but becuase of that experience, us not knowing if it was the carbatrol combined doing it, or not... I just didnt want to go through that again. I havnt had any issues with the Carbatrol in the past, So i chose option 2. I started it on thursday night, and have been on since. I felt alittle dizzy and drowsy the first night... but since then, Ive been doing ok. Been alittle sluggish, but I think its helping alot with keeping the seizures away. Ive gone from having daily auras and night seizures to being seizure free at night, and during the days I will have alittle of the slow motion feelings.. but its nothing compared to what I was having before.

I get my level checked in two weeks. So if anything more does occur, they said to call and let them know. But for now, they want to see how I do on this dose.

I just wanted to update everyone! :)
 
well im just excited this guy is on board with trying meds. I just hope Carbatrol is all you need and at a low dose as well. Lets both hope new meds is the answer! Crossing my fingers for you buddy.
 
I was going to send you a message to see how this appointment went. It sounds like he is taking you concerns into consideration. I know what you mean about the 4000 mg of Keppra I find myself napping a lot and truthfully its not helping with the simple partials but until I can get in to see him I'm kinda stuck with it. If with Muay my fingers are crossed for you!
 
Thank you everyone! It means so much to see everyone by my side through this! Today is day 4, and Ive been feeling alot better. Prior to starting this, I was having rough nights, waking up to simple partial seizures, and feeling horriable during the day. Now Im not having anything at night "Knock On Wood" when I say this... lol... and my days are going better. Everyone once in awhile I will get that slow motion feeling, but its better than what I was experiencing before! :) Im glad this neuro is on board with me too. It makes me feel so much better knowing hes not like my prior one and wont take me seriously. To be honest, my prior neuro put me through hell for two freaking months! I hope one day he wakes up and realizes what he's doing to his patients!
 
Happy to hear -- sounds like you have someone that will work with you. It's so important. Here's to hoping you continue to feel better!
 
It's great to hear that this doc is supportive, listens, and gives you options and input into the meds. I hope he is a keeper!
 
Hi Kristin,

I'm keepin' my fingers crossed for you, too. I also hope this neuro keeps up the good work. Thinking of you.
 
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