Vimpat - are memory issues transient?

Thanks so much Chris. I knew if anyone had good insight it would be you! I don’t know how long before I go to Vanderbilt. No word on appt yet. My neuro said he wanted the psych to recommend an antidepressant, and psych said he would have to research what worked with lacosimide, and even pharmacist said she would have to research! So if no one knows it looks like I’ll just try alternatives I used to walk but would have to drive to an area where I could. No place I can get out around my apt (no sidewalks and bad traffic) so I have stopped since no driving. I’m going to have to get motivated to exercise indoors for now. Thanks for the advice!

Hi @baa , a very good morning to you!
Thank you for your kind words 😍
It sounds strange to me that your neurologist could not prescribe himself or herself an anti-depressant. I hope you get your confirmation from Vanderbilt soon🙏🙏🙏 and get the attention of an epileptologist who can handle all that.
Meanwhile, if I were in your position, I would go to a functional medicine doctor as @hillsboro has suggested.
Yesterday, was cleaning day at home and my watch pointed out I had given 14.500 steps, reaching my goal of 10.000 steps a day. As I said to a friend recently, with such a watch we would amazed how much energy and exercise we can do at home. But it is not like brisk walking, a continuous exercise.
I also do not drive anymore. When I need to reach a place that I can not walk to, I use Uber. Uber or other similar services could be an option for you to have outside walks, perhaps? Or find a neighbor who drives and with whom you could go to a place for a walk? A third option would be to rent a treadmill for some time, if you have space at home for that. When I hurt my knee, I have rented an exercise bike following the recommendation of my doctor who put me back walking. Just some ideas on how to cope with this situation.
Wishing you a wonderful day. And stay strong, trying to live one day at a time 🪻🪻.
"I live each day as if it were every day. Not the last, not the first. The only one." - Pablo Neruda
Lots of hugs to you!
Chris (@santosha)

Hi Chris and thanks! I am thinking about hinting for a watch that measures steps for Christmas. Sounds motivating! Yes, I am a little frustrated my neuro referred to psych for prescribing and more surprised psych couldn’t! Made me feel a little funny and may be a sign to do alternatives until my referral goes through to Epilepsy Center at Vandy. It is always so good to hear from you. I saw the most wonderful photo of the fantastic statue of Christ the King overlooking Rio! Made me want to catch a plane! Hope all is well with you-

Hi Chris and thanks! I am thinking about hinting for a watch that measures steps for Christmas. Sounds motivating! Yes, I am a little frustrated my neuro referred to psych for prescribing and more surprised psych couldn’t! Made me feel a little funny and may be a sign to do alternatives until my referral goes through to Epilepsy Center at Vandy. It is always so good to hear from you. I saw the most wonderful photo of the fantastic statue of Christ the King overlooking Rio! Made me want to catch a plane! Hope all is well with you-

Is your “psych” a psychologist or psychiatrist? In many states psychologists can’t prescribe meds. In those states only psychiatrists can. That’s the way it is in most states. Psychiatrists are hard to get into because there is such a need and not enough of them. I would get on any waiting list you can. They don’t get shorter. I live near Mayo in Minnesota so that helps. Also that I have epilepsy and was referred by my neurologist helps. I have one of the top epileptologist at Mayo so I really count my blessings.

Is your “psych” a psychologist or psychiatrist? In many states psychologists can’t prescribe meds. In those states only psychiatrists can. That’s the way it is in most states. Psychiatrists are hard to get into because there is such a need and not enough of them. I would get on any waiting list you can. They don’t get shorter. I live near Mayo in Minnesota so that helps. Also that I have epilepsy and was referred by my neurologist helps. I have one of the top epileptologist at Mayo so I really count my blessings.

How fortunate to live near Mayo! I’m sure you have access to great physicians. My neurologist referred me to a psychiatrist and I do like him. Was surprised he wasn’t able to recommend a med right away. He said he didn’t know much about lacosimide but would research. Actually, we have quite a few psychiatrists in our “small” city. So, that’s where I’m at right now.

Chris@santosha, @hillsboro, I hate taking meds and when my neuro suggested I take an antidepressant with the increasing depression, I saw the psychiatrist several times before I even considered it. Chris and I have talked about this before. I SO hate pills. I have just gotten to the point of despair lately and agreed it might be time. I don’t have much faith in them and the thought of being sedated or addicted in any way is not my thing. So I may get a prescription but I assure you I will thoroughly research myself before I would consider opening the bottle!

How fortunate to live near Mayo! I’m sure you have access to great physicians. My neurologist referred me to a psychiatrist and I do like him. Was surprised he wasn’t able to recommend a med right away. He said he didn’t know much about lacosimide but would research. Actually, we have quite a few psychiatrists in our “small” city. So, that’s where I’m at right now.