Neurology Appointmment...

I took Jack to see his neurologist today. Have I mentioned how much I truly appreciate our neuro? The appointment was very informative -- I learn something new every time we go. Jack's Tegretol level was good, but he's having some side effects from the schedule change. His behavior has declined and he's acting out with anger and tears. I hate seeing him this way. Dr. N. said we should see improvement with his behavior soon. If not, we are to call him right away.

We talked and talked and talked and talked...he's a great listener and really good at answering our questions.

***TO BE CONTINUED***

Morgan's wailing and Jack just woke up from his nap. Well, at least I got 5 minutes!!

***LET'S TRY AGAIN***

It's 4:00 am and Jack is awake. Morgan just sleepily downed a bottle and I brewed my first pot of coffee. Today it's Dunkin Donuts brand...MMMM!!

Our plan for Jack's seizure management is to see if the new Tegretol schedule works. If his behavior improves and he has no breakthrough seizures we won't change anything. If he continues to have these undesired side effects or if he has another seizure we will try a different med. He mentioned Trileptal or Keppra.

He related several different patient scenarios from his years practicing medicine. He explained how he works with parents and patients to find a plan that suits them. I am comfortable with this plan. I think it's so important to have a doctor who listens and truly listens. Dr. N. does exactly this. We talked about Jack's seizures and where they are coming from. His EEG shows the activity is coming from his Temporal Lobe -- which is consistent with his brain injury. The type of seizures Jack has are called Complex Partial seizures...two of which generalized into Tonic Clonic seizures. So he's been having the same type of seizure which is important to know because it means the focus hasn't changed and we're not dealing with anything new or different. He explained vomiting before a seizure goes hand and hand with the Temporal Lobe of the brain. Although vomiting is yucky, it's sort of a red flag or warning and if Jack vomits we can be on the lookout for a seizure.

I mentioned how I was not treated kindly by one of his nurses and the expression on his face told me this wasn't the first time he's heard this! He said this much as well. He asked what I would like to do about it. I told him nothing. I am not looking to get anyone fired by filing any sort of official complaint -- I just wanted to make sure he was aware of her behavior. So hopefully he will talk to her. I'd be happy with that.

At one point Dr. N. joked and asked if I had ever considered medical school. It was a resounding NO WAY...lol. I've been asked by other medical professionals if I was a nurse (no), a physician (no), a school teacher (no)...I am "just a mom" and happy to be "just" that.