Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

I don't know what to do

Mon, 07/23/2007 - 12:16
I saw my neuro Wednesday. I had another baseline EEG and a 48hr EEG done the week before. They lost one of my memory cards for my 48hr EEG so they only had 24hrs of info. Everything came back as normal. I am really upset about them losing my memory card, they lost the card that I was having symptoms on. I also had problems during my baseline and my neuro said she was going to go back over that too. During the baseline the room started spinning like I was on an amusement park ride. I told the tech, and he asked me if I was going to get sick and I was unable to answer him, he continued to ask me a few more questions but I couldn't answer. I am so confused now though, I thought for sure we would have an answer since I had something happen during the test. I also have been having strange/severe pain around my left rib cage so she examined me and found some lumps on that side. She ordered a chest x-ray and abdominal ultrasound. I went in Friday morning for those, during the ultrasound they only looked at my spleen and my left kidney. The ultrasound tech left the room and then took me for my chest x-ray, and there they only did a front view and my left side again. This is what I don't know to do about... My neuro and I talked about medication I was on Topamax 75mgs twice a day. She had upped me to that the month before and I was not doing well on that dosage so I told her that I didn't like it. So she told me to go back down to 50mgs twice a day and to add Keppra 500mgs at night. Now what I don't understand is why am I adding another seizure medication if all my tests are coming back normal??? The Topamax is working, I have not had a t/c since starting it, so why add Keppra?? I don't like the possible side effects, really thinking I should see what these lumps are before starting something new???? What do you think??? Thanks!!

Comments

Re: I don't know what to do

Submitted by GodivaGirl on Mon, 2007-07-23 - 13:53
As someone on Topomax 100mg 2 x day & Keppra 500mg 2 x day. FYI: Also on Clobazam 10mg @ night Just a guess - I started Topomax before Keppra. Actually when my life stabalizes a bit my neuro's intention is to totally get me off the Topomax (because it didn't really work for me) Topomax I know I got told drink a whack of liquids, risk of kidney stones and problems. So, perhaps they're noticing problems with your kidneys and want to get you on Keppra ultra quick. If that goes okay then they want to gradually get you off Topomax. I'm not a doctor, I'm just on both & always do my homework before I start to take anything. FYI: If you're afraid of Keppra, look into Lamictal....that's the one my doctor in Toronto wanted to put me on, but my doctors from my home town had me on that when I was younger, it didn't work for me, perhaps instead of Keppra it might be a better option for you. Another option, Tegretol CR (or if your American Tegretol XR) worked amazing for me for 15 years, just built up a tolerance. Either way, I do know Topomax has some kidney issue side effects, so take the caution doctors want, and get back in touch with doctors if you're worried. Good luck

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.