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My doctors are really hacking me off

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/8/2008 5:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi All,

So, I had my seizure Saturday morning.  Looking back, I had been getting that "weird" feeling since starting the steroids.  In my heart, I really think they caused the seizure.  I mean, when you hear hoofbeats, you look for horses.  The coincidence of no seizure for three years and then having one after starting medicine that lists seizures as "rare but possible"  is just too much.

So, I called both docs on Saturday, but of course I had to talk to the docs on call.  The doc from my GI place said to call my regular GI on Monday.  He said it was possible that the steroids caused the seizure because of all the crazy things they can do.

The doc from my neurologist's office said he didn't think the steroids caused the seizure, but if I wanted to I could increase my seizure med by 25 mgs.  However, he then ended the conversation with the "wait and see" line.

I called my GI doc this morning who said to talk to my neurologist first.  The nurse said they had people with epilepsy on steroids before and they didn't have any problems.  Well, sorry.  My bad, I guess.

My neurologist is out of town until Wednesday.  So, his secretary said she would talk to the doc on call - a different one from the one I talked to over the weekend.  This doc suggested DOUBLING my seizure med from 200 mgs a day to 400 mgs.  WHAT?????!!!!!  So, one neurologist gave me 25 mgs or wait and see and another wants me to double it?

I am on board with upping my dosage.  But I think doubling is a little extreme.  So, I am going to call my neurologist again in the morning and ask the secretary to talk to him when he comes in on Wednesday.

What's with not being able to talk to the doctor?  The neurologist's secretary is very pleasant, but I've got QUESTIONS!  It's not much better talking to the nurse from my GI place.

I'm sorry - there's really no point to this post.  It would just be really nice to have a plain answer, seriously. 

Thanks for listening to my rant,

Beth

 

Posted 7/8/2008 8:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi...I don't know much about epilepsy, but I can totally see that prednisone would cause one since it's a hormone. It can trigger lots of stuff, and maybe with the combo of other meds it's more likely?

I hope you'll be able to get the dosage of seizure meds straightened out sooner than later...are you still going to remain on the pred or get the doc to put you on a fast taper?

It's heartbreaking to hear you have to deal with this on top of what you're already going through. Curious..did you just have your period during this seizure or are you expecting it?
Did you just have a major storm blow through your area?

My husband dispatches for the ambulance and he's noted that sometimes seizures happen in "clumps" where they'll have one after the other in a span of time. THAT I find interesting.

Keep us updated as to how it goes with the talk with your doc.

quincy
Posted 7/8/2008 2:01 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Quincy,

Thank you for the reply - I really appreciate it!

I am calling my GI doc this morning and asking for a fast taper on the steroids.  I just can't take anymore chances.  I had been improving, and I am scared that I will regress.  So, I am going to ask about steroid enemas because the inflammation goes up the left side of my colon only.

We haven't had any storms.  However, I should start my period next week.  I have read about how a woman's period can sometimes bring on a seizure.  And, I watched the fireworks on the 4th.  I had my seizure on the 5th at about 8:30 a.m.  I think it might have been a combo of the fireworks and the steroids.  But then I wonder if I would have had a seizure while watching the fireworks if they had anything to do with it.  People with epilepsy are supposed to stay away from strobe lights, etc. 

Anyway, that is weird that your husband notices seizures in "clumps!"  The human body is a weird machine!!!!!!

Thanks Again,

Beth

Posted 7/8/2008 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
Beth, I'm glad to hear you are going off of the steroids, that is scary. I hope you continue to get well with the enemas. Doctors and their offices can drive us nuts, I feel your frustration. July is suppose to be the month that most doctors take off for their vacations, it figures that is when you need them! Take Care, Bellski
Posted 7/8/2008 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
I don't recommend a very quick taper from Prednisone, it's better to taper gradually though I see your cause for concern on the Prednisone.  Sorry you have so much to deal with.  I have a lot of trouble getting a hold of my doctors and getting the run-around, I hate it!  Hope you feel better.

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