UPDATE Neuro Visit Yesterday

Not exactly sure what to think of my neurologist yet.  He was impressed that I had a symptom list and a timeline all printed out for him plus all of the current labs I've had, etc.  Said he wished more of his patients did that, would reduce a lot his doing repeat tests.

Right now he's more concerned with my seizures and the up and down of the Dilantin level that I've had going on.

First things first he said let's get you on a medication that's not quite so volatile, b/c Dilantin has been know to cause many of my symptoms, so first he's scheduled a new EEG since I've had several seizures since the first one was done, which didn't show any abnormalities.

Once that's done and before my next visit, he's going to go over my MRI a little more closely and sit down with me then to explain the findings.  (I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing)

He did say that I definitely do have Epilepsy, and he said something about changing my medication to a new drug on the market called I think he said Viramax? Note exactly sure, but he said it has less side effects than Dilantin and before he can even consider MS, he'll have to rule out that the Dilantin isn't part of the problem so getting me off that and onto a new med for awhile will aid in that, even though some of my symptoms may be irreversible.

Plus, he also wants to get the Medical Records from the Hospital and Neurologist in FL for those times I had the seizures down there, I couldn't remember if I had a CT scan, MRI or what tests had been done except that Dilantin levels had been drawn.  As well as the ones I had done here that pertain to my seizures.  

He did say he's going to schedule another MRI next month as the radiologist recommended and see if there are any changes.

I asked about the 6mm lesion and he said it could be caused by the Dilantin, (he really doesn't like Dilantin as a first line treatment for epilepsy)

So at this time, I'm still in limbo land and not really sure about this Doctor.  Should I ask my primary care physician to get me a referral to another Neurologist for a second opinion or give this guy a chance?

Suzie

[daisy.girl]

Glad your visit is over.

Sounds to me, like he listened and is being very proactive.

Nothing that you have described leads me to think he is dismissive. In fact, quite the opposite, he said he will look at the MRI in more detail and then sit down with you to go over it, order a new one, get your seizures under control, change up your meds.

He liked your history and timeline, and wants the records from FLorida....at this point, I'd say he's a keeper.

God Bless

[sllowe]

Hi there,

Welcome!
I 2nd Daisy-girl! This sounds like a good visit. While I cannot speak to the Dilantin, it does sound to me you should give this Dr. a chance to get your seizures in order and go from there.

Thanks for joining us!
-Shell

[Wobbly]

Hi there, this Neuro sounds like he wants to listen and hear you, which is a good and rare thing.  I'm glad you found a Dr that will go over things with you and will look at changing meds to help with symptoms...if they are caused by meds or whatever... it's good that he wants to find that out.

let us know how things go..
take care
wobbly
dx

[Quixotic1]

This guy is a keeper for now!  He is interested, invested and right.  Neurological problems often have to be sorted out one by one.  The seizures are a serious problem and are muddying the whole picture.  Bravo for him.  He sounds like a thinking sort that you need right now.

My vote, give this guy a run at it.

Quix

[biowham]

I'd never heard that about Dilantin...but I'd never heard much about Dilantin in the first place. Learn something new every day.

Hold on to this guy. He's obviously not just an "algorithm" doctor, and he's open and listening. Good stuff.

Bio

[rendean]

Ditto what they all said.

Ren

[supermum_ms]

I have the same opinion as everyone else, he sounds like he's investigating and looking out for you, all good things. I dont think you need a second opinion either.

Cheers.....JJ