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mae_risa · Feb 8, 2008, 10:28 AM

Hi to everyone,

I'd like to take this chance, to ask if do you know any specialist doctor or neurologist here in metro manila who offers good medical assistant because I'd like to help my fiancé because he got a seizure disorder for about 2 years but he is taking medicines (dilantin). He is still suffering for some attacks like 2 times a month, or it varies if he is so tired the whole day or feel depress. I've ask some hospital with neurologist doctor but the fees is way up high. I'd like to know if what also are the test or laboratories he need to undergo..

I really hope that if ever there could be someone who will read this can help me.

Thank you so much and God Bless you all.

Sincerely,
Mae

jrebel7 · Feb 8, 2008, 11:22 PM

Hi there. I am answering this because I saw you had posted it twice. I cannot help you with information regarding health care in your area but if he is on Dilantin, I am assuming he has been to a neurologist who put him on the medication. Is this accurate? If he is still having seizures, the amount of medication probably needs to be adjusted and a call to the doctor who prescribed the medicine should be able to advise him, (do not add or subtract amount without checking with his doctor please!) since he should know his health history. Sometimes, it takes awhile to get a balance as Dilantin builds in the system so he would need to be taking the amount prescribed for awhile. A blood test will show the level that is in his system. The doctor can go by that as there is a high and a low guideline. He knows I am sure, not to allow himself to go for long without food, drink lots of water, get rest and reduce stress (I know you mentioned being tired and stress). I hope this helps until an expert is able to get with you on this question. Best to you and your fiancé!

JoeCanada76 · Feb 8, 2008, 11:30 PM

My wife is on Dilantin and has been on that medication since 9 months of age. Even with medication some people still end up having seizures. It is a matter of knowing what to do when he does have seizures. There are many other things that can trigger it, also there are things that can be done to minimize seizures. Will it be completely gone, the answer is no. Medication levels needs to be checked on a regular basis, if its too low or even too high can trigger more seizures. As the above answer. Sleep disturbances can trigger more seizures, stress. Also not eating properly. Eating a healthier diet can help.

What he needs is understanding. Depressing or mood swings can be triggered by seizures itself, or medication. 2 attacks a month is not that bad, considering what I see my wife go through. Each person is different, but without the medication it would be a lot more severe, even worse. There is also the option of having medication added but he needs to be able to see a doctor, to adjust and experiment with different medication.

Take care.

mae_risa · Feb 9, 2008, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by jrebel7

Hi there. I am answering this because I saw you had posted it twice. I cannot help you with information regarding health care in your area but if he is on Dilantin, I am assuming he has been to a neurologist who put him on the medication. Is this accurate? If he is still having seizures, the amount of medication probably needs to be adjusted and a call to the doctor who prescribed the medicine should be able to advise him, (do not add or subtract amount without checking with his doctor please!) since he should know his health history. Sometimes, it takes awhile to get a balance as Dilantin builds in the system so he would need to be taking the amount prescribed for awhile. A blood test will show the level that is in his system. The doctor can go by that as there is a high and a low guideline. He knows I am sure, not to allow himself to go for long without food, drink lots of water, get rest and reduce stress (I know you mentioned being tired and stress). I hope this helps until an expert is able to get with you on this question. Best to you and your fiance!

Thank you so much for sparing your time to read my questions. He told me that he has been into a neurologist 2 years ago but after that he wasn't able to visit his neuro doctor again. I believe that we should have to visit again a neuro doctor. Thanks again... and God Bless

jrebel7 · Feb 9, 2008, 11:03 AM

Mae_risa, glad to hear back from you. I totally understand your concerns and desire for your fiancé to see a neurologist again. I saw one in 1972, just after the birth of my first child. He was the one who diagonsed my seizure disorder. My regular doctor is the one who has cared for me ever since. I am sure that ideally, it would be great to be able to be under the care of a neurologist but if that is difficult due to not being able to locate one in your area, here is just a thought:

Your fiance's regular family doctor would be able to do the blood test. They just have the blood drawn at a lab and they get the results back. The doctor would need to specify when he ordered the blood tests that he wanted a Dilantin Level reading. Could be that his level is just too low and as I said earlier, the doctor could increase the dosage per day. When I woke up this morning I remembered the neurologist also said no alcohol. I don't drink so I just didn't think to mention that one. His instructions were as follows:

"Don't get hungry, don't get overtired, don't get constipated, no alcohol and don't get stressed."

He was seemingly unfeeling and I left his office devastated. My family doctor has just been amazing. As I said, I do understand you desiring him to see a neurologist to rule out other causes.

If you don't mind me asking, what is his dosage of Dilantin now? I only ask because I will compare it to what I take in terms of how mine is controlled now. If you prefer not to share that information here on the public forum, please feel free to Private Message me.
Good Day to you and yours! :)

mae_risa · Feb 9, 2008, 08:06 PM

Hi... you know sir, hearing from you again regarding with this matter help me a lot to be more understanding as what my fiancé been going through. I know that he is taking Dilatin 3 times a day... after meal...

Good to hear from you now that you already controlled the attack of it,.

I always appreciate the big help.. you were extending for us.

God Bless.

Mae