Should I request to see a new neurologist?
I had my first tonic clonic seizure last July in the middle of the night and it lasted a few minutes.
Sparing all the details I got referred to a neurologist and saw her withing weeks due to a cancelled appointment.
She basically questioned if I really had a seizure and after a bunch of questions she came to the conclusions it was a one off and that's it. My family Dr said the same thing. My wife and I both got a weird from from the neurologist and something just didn't feel right.
I had a another tonic clonic seizure near the end of August of the same year and was out on Lamotrigine. This happened when I was in vacation away from home and the ER prescribed it with no contact with my Neurologist.
When I saw her 6 weeks later she didn't know I had a 2nd seizure and wasn't aware I was on medication or what that medication even was.
During that visit I explained Ive had issues with sleep for years and suspected sleep apnea, issues with chronic dehydration and inconsistent appetite. Also smoked marijuana chronically and I drank every other weekend. Not to excess though. All she cared about wasnthe alcohol and shrugged the rest off. I asked about an MRI and she said they come back negative 95% of the time and basically wasn't interested in ordering one.
I ended up pushing for the MRI and I also had to push for a sleep study which she was surprised I even wanted one.
Moving forward I talked to her near the end of that year for a check in and she sent me for bloodwork.
Fast forward to May now and I've been having issues with headaches, nausea and a disoriented feeling for the last 5 days that very much reminds me of when I was originally titrating up on the limotrigine. Keep in mind I've been at my target dose for nearly 6 months for no problems. I also now have a CPAP machine.
Called my neurologist and the receptionist recommended I talk to a pharmacist as I can't talk to my neurologist until Friday, a week later from the phone call. I pretty much told her I'd like to get blood work done to see my limotrigine levels.
2 hours later she emails me a requisition form to get blood work done and says this should have been done in January. But I did get the blood work done in January...
My pharmacist looked concerned when I stopped in yesterday when I told her my symptoms and was surprised I have to wait a week to talk with my neologist. She said to go to the ER if symptoms get worse.
Feel like I'm losing confidence in the neurologist and I'm not a priority for her at all. I'm 38 with two young kids and a wife. Pretty stressed out these last couple days and my minds wondering if you know what I mean. Trying to stay positive.
Edit - feel I should mention I quit drinking and smoke pot immediately after my second seizure. I started eating better and consistently. Also better with hydration. Prioritize sleep and the CPAP I've had for about a month has made a dramatic difference in my quality of sleep.