Watch out for me as a bible writer,

Yes it's a bit of a loner walk. When I was 22, other than my girlfriend and 2 family members, I told nobody that I had epilepsy. Because of the potential work related negatives that often will never be forgotten. Example: I work in construction. Word gets around after a while in a town of 300,000. I'm 65 and it would be expected that some people think of my abilities as something like sitting in an institution, shaking endlessly with aspirin for control. I'm a general contractor now and if a client knew, I could expect that they would call me last or not at all. 20% of the rest of the world thinks they can catch it. Another 75% will never meet someone who has it., or that they know has it. Me--my practice only... Nobody really needs to know I have it. Little good can come of it outside this kind of format here, other people with the problem, people with varied experience to offer you. Mayo can jump me here for that last sentence. I'm just stating my practice.

As far as epilepsy service, it's like a car repair. Good shops and bad. Some for some things. Not all neurologists got a straight "A" in all their classes, some C. And some are short 10-11% on common sense which is harder yet to believe, but common sense was given out randomly at birth, a few do learn it though.

Being alone: Maybe the best answer/view, for me, was to consider myself a comedian for the rest of the world, without saying anything. I always felt that they the humans weren't able to understand, call it a disability larger than mine. And theirs actually is larger since it's not something they are going to spend much time on understanding, just reacting to it. I think of it as, not really their fault, their disability. Pat them on the back without saying it or doing it. But don't be critical or angry about it. I worked for the Department of Disabilities in a southern Chicago location and for a community living house for developmentally disabled in Boulder Colorado, 8 residents with 8 hour a day jobs, incredible discrimination in many locations, only not necessarily color of skin. The best jobs I have ever had! One observation and many statements by the residents there was, "I wish nobody knew I was disabled." Face structure for them was often a way for someone to make that observation, same as color, as there are African Americans with epilepsy too. I can fairly tell you skin color or nationality can fade in-out with years. The way people discriminate with others with disabilities will be around longer. It already has been hundreds of years. Mayo can jump me for that one too. Let's say I'm truly not being political.

lamotrigine I believe is a chemical likeness to Lamictal. I'm on Lamictal. Doing well but on a large dose for 8 years, but controlled 90%, 500mg a day when 600 is considered close to max. I was on lamotrigine for 3 days and it did not work. Back to normal once back to Lamictal and just fine. About 5% of lamictal users have to have the original brand name. I'm curious about how/why your neurologist has never seen you. This may be because of the virus but it seems a bit overactive by your neurologist. If you were in a hospital for hitting your head during a seizure, you would be seen by or referred to a neurologist. If CT, MRI were needed, and it would be if you are having what you just described, when you got to have those done, everyone there would be wearing a mask. It's a fact, I just did both less than 30 days ago. If we can sit in a Wendy's, you have permission to have your mask off for eating. Masks or more, I would think, should get you into an office for an exam. I was just in a dermatologists office to check a skin issue (1 month ago). We wore masks and so did the staff. Maybe this is where some of the Mayo people should step in to verify. I find it hard to believe a neurologist can prescribe meds without seeing you(?), epilepsy(?) with drugs(?). I could be wrong. Dear Mayo, please step in.

Leonard, I think posted here, if it's who I think he is (9979 posts) is smarter than most neurologist's for a couple reasons. Mostly because he asks questions, not just of folks here, of neurologists. Again, Mayo staff, please step in here,,, they know Leonard and he would be able to comment and willingly help and direct better than I. If he doesn't find your posts anyway I'd be surprised so, go looking for him. I'm sure Mayo can find him for you too. And, he's a bit of a Psychiatrist, with good free help, and he jokes too.

I'm in and out of this Mayo site during a day or weeks or hours. If I don't get back here in the next couple hours don't worry about it. I want to come back to see whats been going on with you and will before end of day today, 9PMish, mountain time. And please, if I'm rattling on too much, say so. I'm aware of it with no feelings hurt. Rick