1. < Epilepsy & Seizures

Routine medication levels

Posted by lsittll @lsittll, Jul 30, 2023

I have always had lab work/drug levels drawn whenever I see my epileptologist. The two neurologists at the last neurology clinic I went to have not done this. The first neurologist did so once during the two years I saw her. The other never did any drug monitoring during the two years I saw him. He is the head of the neurology clinic too. My seizures have been controlled for only a year but that does not mean I do not need blood levels drawn regularly.
I thought routine drug levels/labs were always essential.

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Chris Gautier OR Santosha | @santosha | Jul 31, 2023

Hi @lsittll
Hope you have been doing well.
I also understand that those routine exams are essential. My epileptologist always asks for them when seeing him.
Have a good week!
Chris/Santosha

REPLY
Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Jul 31, 2023

@lsittll
I feel the same way as Chris that levels are essential and do it regularly.
Most doctors I've had checked levels every 3-6 months. I told my last doctor I'd prefer them done every three months, he agreed but I take older meds.
I asked my old Neuro to check my meds, he refused so I drove 15 miles to my primary, got the lab order and about half way home had a Focal seizure. I climbed out across my mom and out the passenger door. I am a wanderer and ended up on the highway.
Doctors need to pay more attention to their patients.
Jake

REPLY
1 reply
lsittll | @lsittll | Jul 31, 2023
In reply to @jakedduck1 "@lsittll I feel the same way as Chris that levels are essential and do it regularly...." + (show)
@jakedduck1

@lsittll
I feel the same way as Chris that levels are essential and do it regularly.
Most doctors I've had checked levels every 3-6 months. I told my last doctor I'd prefer them done every three months, he agreed but I take older meds.
I asked my old Neuro to check my meds, he refused so I drove 15 miles to my primary, got the lab order and about half way home had a Focal seizure. I climbed out across my mom and out the passenger door. I am a wanderer and ended up on the highway.
Doctors need to pay more attention to their patients.
Jake

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@jakedduck1

You certainly feel that it is essential to have route blood levels and lab work! Especially if you have a seizure because of the doctor's refusal to check them.

I think they are essential too but wonder why the doctor never had them taken. He was going to remove the VNS. The clinic is no longer in network with my insurance so having a new neurologist will show if it is just that site where the doctors do not have that lab work done.

Have a good day!

Laurie

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