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Neuro Dr didn't take me seriously because I have depression??

Tue, 02/05/2019 - 21:52
Hi all, I am seeking just someone to listen and also to share their experiences in being diagnosed, especially any troubles they had in the process. I'm new here and don't have an epilepsy diagnosis. I've been to the ER twice in the past three months for 3 episodes of what the ER doctors and the doctor at my University Health Services think are seizures. I had a CT scan, EKG, MRI, and bloodwork and they all came back fine, which is great! The next step was a neuro appt, which I had today. So today I had my neurology appointment, and I went in with a great attitude, sure I was going to make progress. I know they had all my files from the ER visits because the lady at check-in had them, but the doctor had reviewed none when I met her. I explained everything to her, and she reviewed my meds and saw I was on SSRIs (I have been for roughly 6 years) and immediately assumed I have anxiety. I tried explaining the meds are for Major Depressive Disorder and not anxiety, but she thinks there is just something wrong with my mood. I think she was able to write off the episodes as anxiety attacks because of the meds and because the suspected-seizures aren't the stereotypical thrashing about kind (I can't breathe, have lapses in memory, stutter for about 5 seconds beforehand and then can't move or talk at all for about 30 seconds, feel fine afterward). But all three times I had them, I was not anxious at all! I was actually feeling great and quite happy before they took place. I am so frustrated that I feel like I am not being heard. I am not a doctor and certainly do not know as much as the neuro, but I was so upset at being written off like that. I'm going for more blood tests (Lyme and something else) and also an EEG, but I think that she's prescribing those just because she feels like she has to. Also, I am 20 but did not wear makeup today so I looked about 16, and my mom drove all the way up to my university because she got protective and the doctor was much more prone to talking to her than me (my mom insisted on being in the room - guilt-tripped me when I asked her to stay in the waiting room both before and during the appointment). I think because I looked young, I was taken less seriously. I have noticed that happens to me sometimes. I am just so upset. I would so much appreciate any thoughts or stories you can share. I feel really alone because I don't want to bother people with this. Thank you.

Comments

A little over a year ago I

Submitted by birdman on Wed, 2019-02-06 - 22:17
A little over a year ago I had a doctor who treated me like a child (I'm over 50) or like I needed someone to make decisions for me.  I changed doctors and am happy with the epilepsy specialist I have now.  I a book I have the term "counter transference" is used to describe how doctors may treat patients in the way they were treated by their caregivers.  I'd say your doctor has a problem, then again don't forget there are patients who may prefer such treatment.  I suggest you change doctors or at least ask to get a second opinion..During the EEG's I had as a child I was often upset that I didn't have seizures during the test.  What could they know from such tests?  Well later I learned that a person with epilepsy often will have spikes and other abnormal activity that will show the patient is prone to having seizures.  So do not be disappointed if you go through the test with no spells.  It is a valuable test.    What does mom say to doctor when with you and doc?  Hopefully her comments are supportive of something happening other than psychiatric problems..  For me it was always humiliating for my mother to comment on how I did some crazy acts that I could not remember but it supported the fact I was having seizures.  If mom insists on being with you during the visit tell her that she should not just be there to listen in but help support you about what you are experiencing.  You may want to get educated through this website and others about epilepsy.  Your appearance may show a young lady, but you can present yourself as informed and serious about wanting to know more.  And as I always tell others you need to make records of all the seizures, medications, doctor appointments.  Doctors rely on this information to make decisions about treatment.  You will also present yourself as one who desires to take control of your treatment.

yup, your doc was a bad fit

Submitted by Amy Jo on Thu, 2019-02-07 - 14:06
yup, your doc was a bad fit for your needs (just awful!!) so get a new one who will investigate things properly. And FWIW - a lot of seizures are not the 'stereotypical thrashing' aka tonic clonic AND depression is more prevalent in the epilepsy patient population than in the general population.

Amy Jo, Thank you so much for

Submitted by 16nhandley on Thu, 2019-02-14 - 21:00
Amy Jo, Thank you so much for your reply. I have a new neuro and will be getting my EEG tomorrow and seeing the new neuro in a couple weeks. Thank you for your reassuring response, and take care. 

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