The NP came in then, and she took a better history than anyone I've ever seen. She asked probing questions (the first words out of her mouth were, "nosy questions here--" ) and circled back to the same thing multiple times (since I would give partial answers first and then remember more later). It was wonderful knowing I was her sole focus. I didn't feel rushed or like a number in their day.
Today was basically just a consult. I have further appointments set up for an EEG (the doctor said possibly a three hour one and then later he talked about referring me for a 72 hour one, so I'm not exactly sure what I'll get). This appointment should be scheduled in a week or two (should take place in a week or two). They do EEGs there at the hospital I went to today, so the referral shouldn't take but a few days. I also have a referral for the neuropsych evaluation. This one may take longer, but the NP said they've never had an issue with insurance not taking their referrals, so hopefully this will also go smoothly and quickly.
After my EEG, the doctor wants me to try a low dose of seizure meds for 3 months. He's fairly confident every time my side goes numb it's a seizure. He said something about temporal lobe lesion seizures, but he had a really strong accent so I didn't quite catch what these seizures are called. He suggested the meds first, and from the looks on our faces, he suggested doing the EEG first and then starting the meds. He was very clear that I could stop whenever if I noticed any bad side effects at all. He said the particular brand he's giving me doesn't have depression or anxiety as side effects, which I really don't want because I do already have mental sensitivities, and those side effects are more likely to sneak in and I won't notice until I'm in a terrible way.
He seemed confident that these seizures are what's affecting my coordination and aphasia (since both are slowly getting worse).
I have a follow up appointment already set up for December 2, and the doctor wants to do blood work to see how the meds are affecting me. (He said my white cell count and etc could change.)
So here are my praises from today:
--not a word said about not wearing a mask
--Bill was able (and welcomed) into my appointment
--I felt seen and heard
Prayer requests:
--EEG to be scheduled soon
--wisdom about these meds
--neuropsych evaluation to be scheduled soon
--my PCP to submit for a handicapped card now that I've had several scans and neuro appointments