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Seizures Returning 4 Years Post Op??
Fri, 08/18/2006 - 22:04Question:
I need other opinions on this- 4 years ago I had a RTLobectomy to remove a benign tumor and seizure focus. Since surgery I have been seizure free until about 6 months ago when I started having episodes of deja vu accompanied by what I call "funky vision" when things just don't look right (a lot like when you've been drinking). I also frequently see spots in my vision (usually black spots but sometimes white or 'clear'). I'm concerned that these are simple partial seizures (aura's) returning.
What do you think? I've been debating about going to the neuro for a while because I know she will insist on an MRI and an EEG and quite frankly I don't think either will show anything and I don't want to spend the money on them. My last EEG was a couple of years ago when I thought perhaps I was having simple partial seizures but the EEG showed nothing (not unusual though to have those results). I'm pretty positive there isn't a new tumor growing, but I can't help but feel that these are seizures again (milder than before but still seizures).
Do you think this warrants a trip to the neuro or is it something I should just ignore? My mom makes a good point that it might be best to go earlier rather than later in case I need to go on meds again (perhaps keeping them from progressing in severity like they did before)....
??????
stef
Comments
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Seizures Returning 4 Yea
Submitted by stefie on Fri, 2006-08-25 - 22:14
No I'm not sorry at all. It still amazes me that insurance companies can get away with all that they do. I too, maxed out my insurance that year, and still had a ton of "over the amount allowed" expenses to cover. They always find something to charge you for.
I'm sorry to hear that the other meds haven't worked for you. I was on Dilantin, Trileptal and Lamictal (Lamictal working the best, but I never had anything close to control with any of them).
(((hugs to you too))
I just tell myself (all the time) that I'm just grateful to be alive, whether its a good day or bad I'm still grateful to experience it..
Re: Seizures Returning 4 Years Post Op??
Submitted by bettyoconner on Thu, 2007-10-18 - 11:24
You explained exactly what my husband is experiencing. He has his surgery 4 years ago this month. I found out earlier this month that for about the last year he has been experiencing what he is calling auras about twice a month. He didn't mention it to me because he knew I would be worried, want to go see his neuro, and start watching him like a hawk. I also think he was just scared to admit that to himself that his epilepsy was not actually cured. But anyway, I found out. He finally agreed last week to go see his neurologist in Texas (we live in Louisiana) but because I am working on my masters I can't really afford to miss a week of classes right now if we can put it off until December when I am between semesters. Financially it would also be easier to do it in December if we can. So my question is, have you seen your neurologist? If so, what did he/she say?
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Seizures Returning 4 Years P
Submitted by mommy2kyra on Fri, 2006-08-25 - 14:42
I have tried all kinds of meds: dilantin, depakote and depakene, keppra, trileptal, lamictal, one other, and phenobarbital. Unfortunately, none controlled the seizures. I loved the depakote, but had some rare and dangerous side effect. The dilantin didn't cut it and cut off the circulation in my feet. Keppra didn't work at all. Phenobarb was next, and then they tried to switch me onto 3 different meds. None worked, no matter how slowly we weaned off the phenobarb, I couldn't go lower than 150 mgs of phenobarb without cp's ans tc's in withdrawal. So, that is why the epi pushed for my surgery. I wish to God that insurance companies wouldn't be such jerks about coverage for such things. That's a huge frustration for me. When I got my surgery lined up, I assumed that I only needed to pay my $3000 deductible, since Mayo wasn't a preferred provider. Instead, it was $3000 plus what my insurance carrier didn't deem necessary charges. Like in the surgery, they only covered 2 of the anesthesia. I had 3. Helllo? It's not like I had a fricken choice! Boy, does that get me. Or, since my room was solo in ICU I have to pay 10% of those fees. I bet that you're sorry that you even mentioned it now, huh? LOL! My point is, I can totally understand and relate. It *is* frustrating, and it's so unfair. I wish that it weren't this way for people! (((hugs))) to you! Heather