Posted by bookgurl99 on July 15, 2003, at 22:02:57
In reply to Re: Had terrible attack. Any 1 have these symtoms? » bookgurl99, posted by mercedes on July 15, 2003, at 16:26:35
Mercedes,
interesting that you ask how i cope, as i just went to the doctor _and_ therapist today. the dr. confirmed that my last attack is not evocative of seizure disorder (something my pdoc was concerned about), and said that the treatment _is_ prevention. Good prevention prevents more attacks, accumulation of damage, and allows you to heal.
This is . . hard to deal with emotionally. I just had a serious attack 2 weeks ago that left me with slower thinking, some word-finding difficulties, and some blurred left-eye vision. My dr. basically said the damage has been done; hopefully things will heal with time.
(btw, my dr. called this 'familial hemiplegic migraine,' which may be in the BAM class)
This is really tough for me, as I was always a 'brain,' and have developed most of my identity around my intelligence. I find it hard to find myself lovable when I need extra help. Plus, I am really frightened about being able to meet my career goals.
I guess I have faith in healing, as in the past, I had a much worse BAM attack (trouble recognizing faces, even), and recovered within a few months once I began preventative treatment.
Right now, I take a calcium-channel blocker that is used to lower blood pressure. it's verapamil, 80 mgs, 3 times a day. I think you will be surprised to see how effective it can be once you get over the initial dizziness caused by it.
I am starting on effexor to see if it helps. I have had the worst attacks when I have _not_ been on a med. I have also had my worst attacks prior to menstruation, and after consuming a lot of coffee.
My dr. has suggested depakote to me, but I am wary of trying it. The side effects seem so powerful.
I would say, basically, avoid doing anything that would also encourage stroke -- quit smoking, quit coffee, and work to find a preventative med. If your dr. does not believe you on this dx, then you need to find one who does.
Keep me posted,
books
poster:bookgurl99
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030714/msgs/242296.html