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VNS question
Wed, 07/31/2013 - 02:46I am thinking now of getting the vns and have some questions. I've already had a right temporal lobectomy about five years ago and it didn't work and I feel getting the vns might help. I really don't want another brain surgery. Has anyone had any problems with the vns? Has it stopped anyone from having seizures? I always feel my seizures coming on and I think this might help. So does it stop the seizure when you feel an aura? Do you get any pains or discomfort from it? How many people have gotten it and it didn't work and how many people have gotten it and it helps them a lot?
I know so many questions, but I need to know before I start considering this. I feel ready, but would like to know more from someone who already has one.
Thanks,
Nicole
Re: VNS question
Submitted by llora428j on Mon, 2013-09-23 - 15:47
My doctor suggested the VNS therapy today at my 6 month visit. Over the past year I have tried new medications to control my seizures. I tried Vimpat, a new drug which was supposed to work wonders, along with starting back on Neurontin. This was added to the Tegretol XR and the Lamotrigine that I started taking the year before. Presently I am on the Tegretol XR, Lamotrigine, and Neurontin. I am still having seizures. I was completely controlled for about 10 years and my doctor started weaning me off of the Neurontin I was on then. I was weaned totally off of Neurontin and some of the Tegretol.
I have simple partial seizures and have an aura for about 10 minutes before I go into a seizure. Has anyone with these type of seizures had good luck with the VNS? How long did it take to recover from the surgery? Does insurance usually pay, my $10,000 has been met for the year. After that it is 100% covered. I am just anxious about having a surgery right now. I just had a procedure where I was put under and had a feeling like I was going to have a seizure beforehand and had a seizure after I came out. I have never done that before. Would love some input on others' experience before I attempt this procedure.
Llora
My doctor suggested the VNS therapy today at my 6 month visit. Over the past year I have tried new medications to control my seizures. I tried Vimpat, a new drug which was supposed to work wonders, along with starting back on Neurontin. This was added to the Tegretol XR and the Lamotrigine that I started taking the year before. Presently I am on the Tegretol XR, Lamotrigine, and Neurontin. I am still having seizures. I was completely controlled for about 10 years and my doctor started weaning me off of the Neurontin I was on then. I was weaned totally off of Neurontin and some of the Tegretol.
I have simple partial seizures and have an aura for about 10 minutes before I go into a seizure. Has anyone with these type of seizures had good luck with the VNS? How long did it take to recover from the surgery? Does insurance usually pay, my $10,000 has been met for the year. After that it is 100% covered. I am just anxious about having a surgery right now. I just had a procedure where I was put under and had a feeling like I was going to have a seizure beforehand and had a seizure after I came out. I have never done that before. Would love some input on others' experience before I attempt this procedure.
Llora