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View Full Version : Dumb thing to do, what now?


Jules Montrose
10-16-2006, 01:16 AM
Recently, I started getting lazy about taking my Lamictal. I'm not even quite sure why - I guess I *did* feel slightly over-medicated so I was able to justify rationing it (I don't have very much money, so AED costs cripple me).

So anyway, I'm not really having any sort of serious seizures as far as I can tell. I'm pretty sure my blood levels where sufficient to take care of those as if I am unmedicated the partial seizures virtually never stop.

However, since I wasn't diagnosed or treated for 15 years after the onset I developed a number of mental disorders which, from both my research and what my neuro said, seem to be directly caused by E. These include SEVERE Anxiety and fairly strong PTSD. Now they're back with a vengeance, I started having problems about a week ago: worrying a lot, extreme hypochondria, lack of concentration and (I guess from PTSD?) I have very bizarre, long-lasting vocalizations out loud. I'm physically ill and can't eat. It's becoming so bothersome that I realize that I have to get treatment ASAP.

So, anyway, I'm wondering who I should go to with this. My neuro is always booked solid (no surprise - she's very good) so that's out. I'm really, really poor so I usually just go to free clinics when I'm sick but I'm kind of concerned about doing that for this since they'll probably just treat it as a psych problem rather than understanding the bigger picture (Yes, I've gone to therapy before and they pretty much said that I was well-adjusted enough that it wasn't a case where I just needed to talk things out.). Also concerned that they might prescribe me something that interacts with my meds or makes my E worse.

So, sorry for the long post, but is this something that I can just stop at a clinic for or is this Outpatient/ER material?

taft
10-16-2006, 02:40 AM
First off start taking your meds like you should;) I think any doctor that knows smack about epilepsy and knowing your history will know they are related so I would give them a try if the neuro absolutely can't get you in. I am a dr snob and we don't even go to regular mds anymore because I find they are too generalized for teh complexity of the situation. Good luck

Jules Montrose
10-16-2006, 02:45 AM
Thanks, Taft! I finally saw that post about panic attacks vs. E and now I'm fairly sure these are actually szs. Makes sense, I suppose.

The hospital is pretty good and may be able to give financial support so I'll probably just go there tomorrow and see who they recommend.

And, yeah, no slacking on meds from now on!