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update from neurologist visit

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Posted 10/4/2012 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
I forgot to ask 1 important question: can i drive again now? I remembered at the restrurant afterwards so i called and they are suppose to call me back.

What i did find out: I need to take the seizure meds for at least a full year. He wants me to start taking the hydrocodone/acetephan that the er gave me for gall bladder said too addictive. He gave me a 2 week sample of savella. Said would be better and to discuss with Rhuemy in Nov.

I def had more than 1 seizure not sure how many.

They sent in the paperwork for disability 2 days ago. The dr did not see that it had been sent but when i was talking to the nurse, the receptionist heard and said he had sent it. I asked if he could tell whether or not he was backing me for it. he said: IT LOOKED LIKE HE WAS. Said he had put down due to brain injury.

this will help.

Said the problems with eyesight, strength in right hand and my grip will probably be permanent. Said to read more (like that can be possible), use audio books at times to help with comprehension. But he did say when i told him i had quit my job, he said i def could not do it with my problems.  so that should have been a clue he was backing me.

Gonna read posts about savella, but any info would be appreciated. I had tried lyrica before but it did not help. Is it expensive?

Posted 10/4/2012 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
Just wanted to say to make sure you double check what the laws are in your state about driving with a diagnoses of seizures and being on those meds..

My nieces now ex husband back in December ran a red light and killed two people...a husband and wife in their 60's. Because he had had a previous seizure, and was on medication, but had a drink or two the days before the accident which is a an absolute no with seizure meds...as well as the laws in his state showed he was not allowed to be driving because of the previous seizure...He is now in jail and facing murder charges.

I say this to really be careful that it is much more about what your Dr. says about driving if they are not up to date on the laws of your state.

It's a tragic story for everyone involved from the family that lost their parents/relatives, and for my 2 year old great nephew:(
Posted 10/4/2012 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
I know. In fact told dh that very thing. If i was in an accident and had not been seizure free for 6 months, i could be in big trouble. I called the dr's office since i never received a call back. Dr said no driving till Nov 1st. So another month. My parents are so thrilled...not.
Posted 10/5/2012 3:31 AM (GMT 0)
Ladywithfibro- I suffered from seizures. My dr. Cleared me to drive, but I don't right now. Having fibro fog and my alertness is not the best sometimes I decided to take the disability bus. I wasn't sure if your state has one? I have heard some nightmares stories about people driving with seizures. I am actually got use to someone transporting me now. They have to come to my door and get me and have to make sure I am in someone's hands when they leave me. I am so thankful for this service. I look at it as a warm vehicle and don't have to drive in the ice and snow.
Posted 10/5/2012 6:13 AM (GMT 0)
Ladywithfibro,

Well, I'm glad at least you got somewhere with the doctor and it does sound like he will be on your side.

A far as the Hydrocodone/Acetominophen - did you mean he doesn't want you to take it, or does?

Debbie
Posted 10/5/2012 10:00 AM (GMT 0)
I take savella. It has been my miracle. It is 165 or 185 can't remember, but they have form on manufacture web site to fill out if you need help. When my dosage is increased for the first couple days I feel a liitle off, but Dr said because body is adjusting, but she said a full 2wks is needed... I assume you got the different dose pkt to slowly up your dose. I take 150mg a day 50am 100pm, my only side effect is dry mouth so I drink a lot, but could be tramadol too lol, and decreased appetite, lost 16 PDS since march when I started but its OK, cause I gained a lot before DX laying around so much.

I hope it helps you as much as me, I have a few bad days, but not bed days.
Posted 10/5/2012 11:31 AM (GMT 0)
Oops, sorry. He wants me to stop taking the hydrocodone. Should have proofread better. I talked to the blood thinner clinic as I am supposed to let them know of any drug changes. They said to start the med on Sunday as I have appt with them on Wednesday. It is the starter pack to start out slow .
As for the driving, I have to start off slow while getting used to the meds but do not have the option of help except for family. While they do have vans to help they are notoriously unreliable here. As long as I keep my magnesium and potassium up I should not have any more seizures.
Posted 10/5/2012 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
My friend's daughter is epileptic and has had several Grand Mal seizures.  She is now on proper medication and hasn't had a problem.  She drives, too.  So, I'm sure your doctor wants to make sure your medication is truly working.  I know you will be careful when you do get to drive.  My friend's daughter is and has gotten on with her life. 

 

Sherrine

Posted 10/5/2012 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
I hope my post doesn't sound like I am trying to say those with seizure disorders cannot drive at all or should be afraid to drive.

I just wanted people to be aware that it's more than just what their Dr. says and to check with their state laws. And to also be very careful about having any alcohol when on these type of seizure meds as that can make them less effective.

So, I am all for making sure we take percautions and care of our health and use medications when needed, but as Sherrine stated...live their lives fully:)
Posted 10/5/2012 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
I was always worried about driving before my health problems. I do not drink alcohol at anytime so that is not an issue. I also always ask dr who writes a new script about interactions.
since my seizures were not due to epilepsy the state laws are different from what pertains to me. Mine were due to the magnesium and potassium levels. I am taking meds to keep them up.
I feel a person has to be aware of the dangers of anything that pertains to you. My brother was beaten up when he got home one night at his apt. He was jum
ped when as he got out of his car. A maintence worker happened to be leaving and saw him laying on The ground. He was taken to the closest trauma center. His phone was never found nor the ones who did it though someone saw a car parked by that nigt with the lights blacked out.
Sorry, but the main thing was several months later as he left work to get lunch he blacked out and hit a jogger on the sidewalk breaking his leg. They said due to the trauma. This is after the drs said he was ok.
I learned then they do not know everything about how your body will cope with trauma.
Posted 10/5/2012 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
You are a smart woman who is cautious.  We all should be cautious when getting behind the wheel of a car.  You will probably just start out running to the store and back until you feel more comfortable with driving again.  You will do just fine especially since you are mindful of the health problems you have.  You will be certain to take  your medications as directed, too, so I think you will do just great!  It will be a little scary at first, I would imagine.  Just take it slow and easy.  You still have another month of healing, too, so your body will be accustomed to your medication and that's a plus!

 

Snowbunny, you didn't sound like you thought people with seizures shouldn't drive if under good doctor supervision.  You were just giving warnings which is important.  I always see the positive in things though so I wanted to reassure Lady that many do drive even though they have had seizures.  Not to worry!

 

Sherrine 

Posted 10/5/2012 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
:)
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