Update on daughter’s medical stuff
Okay.
She saw this neurologist last week, and he started her on Keppra. This is a kick-ass drug with a list of unpleasant side effects longer than several TV commercials put together. The doc seems to be convinced that she wasn’t fainting, she was having seizures that she mistook for fainting. So, he says she needs to take this drug for the rest of her life. Oh, and BTW, don’t get pregnant, it does bad things to fetuses. and on and on and on.
So, even evil stepfather at the other house began to wonder whether this was a good idea, and emailed the Mom. She and I emailed each other, and found we both wanted a second opinion, and she seemed surprisingly willing to let me handle it. Which is good, cause this woman is not a savvy medical consumer.
So I got a recommendation from my doc (very experienced, and I trust him), and contacted that office today, and we have a 2nd opinion appt set up for this Thursday morning.
Note that daughter still has fainting-like symptoms, specifically (and almost exclusively) when she stands up after being sitting or horizontal for a long time. Last time I checked, Sweety has that too, and it’s called "postural hypotension" — low blood pressure plus quick standing up means all your blood goes to your legs and out you go. This is not a neurological problem.
More later. Little puppy Cera had some surgery today (that’s another entry), and I need to go tend to her.
Love to you all, and thank you for your kind words and support. Hugs
-Jude
i hope the 2nd opinion gives you better news. xxx
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I had a friend who fell on a sidewalk and bit his tongue when he bit the pavement. The doctor who treated him wanted him to take an anti-convulsant for the rest of his life, “just in case”. Now that’s defensive medicine. I like the postural hypotension explanation. Good luck.
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I’m glad you are working together and getting a second opinion. I hope it is not necessary to take that medication.
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ditto everyone else, a 2nd opinion is a very good idea. I hope she is okay.
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My friend at work has the postdural thing.
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If the 2nd opinion says the hypo tension thing, then the first doctor made a pretty serious misdiagnosis. And giving out anti convulsants for the rest of someone’s life ‘just in case’? What the hell? Hope your daughter and your doggy’s ok.
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I’m all for the second opinion too. I’d for sure want to rule out any kind of eating disorder. I know that sounds extreme, but with the stress’s your daughter is under, one never knows. (I’m a recovered bulumic, had same symptoms) New meds scare me. If she does end up needing anti-seizure meds, I’d opt for the older ones like Dilantin. I’ll try to read last entry later when I get more time.
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BTW… this is Whispering Wind logged in under my other diary.
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I hope it gets better. Those neuro drugs do nothing for a person in any way. Sure, it’ll control whatever problem IF YOU HAVE IT but it’s awful in the long run. I know, I’m a walkin talkin victim of 15 years worth of it.
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2nd opinion, definitely. Best to all,
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Gee, where would we be in life without stress. Hope all is well on all fronts
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I am glad you are seeking a second opinion, as that med does not seem quite right.
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Have you ever heard of Vasovagal syncopy? People with vasovagal syncope typically have recurrent episodes, usually when exposed to a specific trigger. The initial episode often occurs when the person is a teenager, then recurs in clusters throughout his or her life. Prior to losing consciousness, the individual frequently experiences a prodrome of symptoms such as lightheadedness, nausea, sweating, ringing in the ears, and visual disturbances. These last for at least a few seconds before consciousness is lost, which typically happens when the person is sitting up or standing. When they pass out, they fall down; and when in this position, effective blood flow to the brain is immediately restored, allowing the person to wake up. It can be mistaken for a seizure disorder. mention this to the doctor if it is not been ruled out.
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My brother has a condition called Arnold Chiari Malformation for which that is one of the major symptoms. If you can I would get her screened for it. She’d have to have an MRI and a doctor to check for it.
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I hope she’s okay, and the doctor was wrong and she doesn’t have to take kick ass medication for the rest of her life. Don’t doctors do a bunch of tests and things before they prescribe very strong drugs? It seems… lazy to me to do it on the very first visit. Plus, not everything is solved with pills. The one thing that helped David more then anything? Giving up meat and eating ginger candies. Lots of hugs, John
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so nice to meet you. I look forward to getting to know a bit more about you. I confess, I really like mysticwolf, and went through a few of her notes to look for interesting peeps. Yep, in my estimation, you would be one~!
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ryn: The gift was from Williams Sonoma, and the website for the item is http://www.bialettishop.com/index.html.
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