The waning doctor? Not understanding how I feel.

I have an epileptologist who has always worked with me in my treatment. She has not been controlling, However that seems to be changing. She knows I cannot afford to have the battery in my VNS to be replaced. She knows that I do not want it to be replaced. She is adamant that it is an added form of medication so I need it. It is an added form of medication that does any good for me? I have had it for nearly 21 years and there is no proof that it has ever helped my seizures. Last week she had her nurse call me to make an appointment for me to have the battery checked. I tell her I must pay nearly $1,000 in copays with my insurance to have this replaced. Have you seen a social worker? When was your last seizure? 2-3 months ago I told her. The secretary calls to make the appointment and she can sense that I would rather let the battery die and dies not make an appointment. The nurse calls me later I do not call her back.

This is all to stressful for me. It is unneeded stress! Luckily so far my seizures have handled it. But for how long? I am beginning to feel that the doctor does not understand or respect the way I feel. I am beginning to feel I need a change. I do not want to have to change doctors. I do not want any other med added. I only want my Zonisamide increased. I have noticed a great change in my seizures. They have become very infrequent.