Making some changes

    I had an appointment with Dr. Younus on October 4 and we got to thinking about all of this brain fog/swirling that I deal with. She asked me how long I’ve been on the Trokendi. I was a little confused since she’s the one who put me on Trokendi. Then she corrected herself and asked about the topamax, since they are the same drug, but Trokendi is long acting. I told her I couldn’t remember, but it has been years. Dr. Matthews started me on Topamax. I started seeing him August 23, 2017. It could have been any time between 2017-2018, so at least 4-5 years. She then asked how long I’ve had brain fog and swirling. The swirling is only since COVID, but the brain fog has been much longer, but not to the level it is now. She reminded me that cognitive issues are a side effect of Topamax and asked how I feel about coming off the Topamax to see if there’s a difference in my cognition. This, of course, comes with a risk of increased migraines. However being on the Ajovy may help. This trial will lead to one of several conclusions:

1. There is an improvement in my overall cognition- no increase in migraines- stay off topamax and maintain with Ajovy. (Optimal!)
2. There is an improvement in brain fog, swirling remains- no increase in migraines- stay off topamax, swirling caused by other problem, likely long covid
3. There is no change in my cognition and topamax was not the culprit - no increase in migraines, stay Topamax free
4. There is no change in my cognition and topamax was not the culprit- increase in migraines- return to topamax

    The obvious is we look for an improvement in overall cogition, no increase in migraines and I get my life back. However, I will be happy with any improvement. I also stopped taking the SSRI because Walgreens was playing games with filling it. I dont want to be on any mind altering medication, but we will keep the Memantine for now since that helps with cognition. I will discuss all of these changes with Nikita (Covid clinic) and see if there is a cognitive therapy I can go through.

    The reason I am pushing for all of these changes is because I had an interview for a promotion last month and had a complete shutdown of my brain. I couldn’t focus, couldn’t perform and I cried during my interview because I felt like an idiot. I explained to the interview panel about my difficulties, and of course I did not get the job. I do NOT want this to hold me back from future promotions, however. We have several promotion boards coming up between now and the end of the year.

    So that’s the plan for now. We shall see how this all works out. On another note, I have what could potentially be shingles for the 4th or 5th time. This is on my left lower back. It’s very painful, but no blisters, thank GOD. Hopefully, its not really shingles, but it could be.. It hurts deep into my core. :-(

    This brings me to this- overall, I feel well. I am habitually tired, but that’s nothing new. I work an extra shift per week and my sleep schedule is trash. OH- this brings me to another point from Dr. Younus. She has asked me to request an alternative work assignment until we work out my brain.. she said my diagnosis can possibly qualify me for ADA accommodations. I don’t know that I want to do that. She said this will get me on a better sleep schedule, and it will. What it will also do is hurt me finaciallly. For now, I will keep on keeping on.