leese's Blog

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Wut?


leese

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I went to the neurologist today. I hadn't been in well over a year. Was a new Doc to me, since my previous one went on to other endeavors and this one took over my file. I'm not in dire need of a neuro doc, so it was fine. He suggested changing my dilantin to something with fewer side effects for the long-run. My last neuro put me on dilantin at my request, as my insurance didn't cover enough of the costs of the pricier, newer anticonvulsants. A better suited med has gone on the generic list at the 4 buck rate and is affordable even without insurance. yippee! My gums were getting sensitive and bleeding from the dilantin, so I guess the switch is well timed. I feel slightly apprehensive about the switch, but I know it'll be fine.

 

The aspect of the appt. that is on my mind is that my memory deficit really was spotlighted. The Dr. gave instructions for getting on the new med over the course of three months. I nodded and even asked questions but when I got home I had to ask my husband the particulars again and didn't even remember some parts of the info at all. I suppose if I were out in the real world at a job, the deficit would come up in my face multiple times a day. But being at home and jotting down notes and setting alarms on my phone to jog my memory is my comfort zone. I also repeat information multiple tmes aloud if I'm alone or back to a person once or twice as confirmation and it seems to set it in place in my short term memory. But today...I didn't do any of those things and realized what huge holes I have patched by compensating for my memory deficits. I'm glad my husband went with me and I didn't pull my independence card and go alone.

 

Thing is, except for my husband and daughter, I'd venture most people aren't aware of my cognitive deficits. My personality is mostly intact, I'm coherent, seem self-assured and problem solve at a high level for anyone; stroked or not. BUT...the slightest stress,changing information or plans, multiple bits of info, leaves me blank and lost so easily. There are other cognitive sand traps as well. But the memory one is the everyday use deficit that translates into impacting life.

 

29 months post stroke and it really became apparent(to me) today. Well, there's another fine mess, Ollie.

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Well Ollie, mess or not, look at what you accomplished! You understand your stress issues. Neuro appointment with a new Doctor, nonetheless and now discussing changing your seizure meds! Ya think! Leese, that would have sent me to the notepad, and I am the caregiver.

 

Wonderful news and thank you so much for sharing. Great strides forward and please take a minute tonight, just for me, to give yourself a big hug. Knowing when you need help and accepting it, graciously. Well done!

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Guest hostwill

Posted

I was on Dilantin for years, but because of gums bleeding, i was switched to Keppra which works great for me.

 

-will

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