3/4/25

 Today Ethan had an appointment with his new neurologist. This doctor is different from his neuro-surgeon. So many doctors. So many appointments. All in Rochester, so thankful for that.

The neuro-surgeon follows the mass on his pituitary gland. Today’s doctor follows Ethan for his seizure disorder. It has been about 18 months since we last saw this doctor. 

We happily reported (knock on wood) no seizures. The medication is working. Yay!

It seems like everytime we meet with a neurologist, they start to discuss removing the anti seizure medication. At first, this is what I wanted. I had/have a suspicion that it does contribute to “irritability”. How much irritability is from being a 22 year old with multiple medical issues and how much is from the medication?

We had a neurologist we really liked and trusted. He said that Ethan should NEVER discontinue his anti-seizure medication. He said that because Ethan has had a stroke, he is far more likely to have seizures forever. It makes sense. There is a permanent chance in the brain. We have held onto this theory.

Today Ethan met his new neurologist. This new guy is a fellow, which means he is going through additional training under the supervision on the attending doctor.

He briefly mentioned discontinuing the anti-seizure medication. I know that Ethan NEVER wants to discontinue the medication. He is worried that he could have a seizure while driving or if he has a seizure, he will not be able to drive for a year. He also doesn’t want to bite his tongue ever again.  That took months to heal and was terribly painful for him.

We shared the “never take Ethan off anti-seizure” theory with the new doctor. We shared we were told that due to Ethan’s stroke, he has an elevated chance of having seizures forever.  The new doctor said he would support us and chose not to change anything. Perfect!

He did a thorough neurological exam on Ethan. Ethan’s only deficit from the stroke is when he smiles, his smile on the left side slightly droops. I also notice it when Ethan is tired. Otherwise he has equal strength and sensation on both sides. We both liked this new doctor. We visit him again next year and it can be a video visit! Score!

I am trying to make as many appointments as I can a video visit. This allows for Ethan to have these at work and appointments like these, he can start to navigate on his own.

Tomorrow I take Moe to the vet for the first time. He came to us vaccinated, with heartworm prevention. I am nervous. I don’t know how he will react as he can be unpredictable when we need to do things to him. He still gives me a hard time with trimming his nails, but I can get them done, treat by treat, toe by toe.

I am worried taking him into a setting with so many strangers and men. Oh…those scary men! I know how protective he is of me. He has my back for sure. 

I don’t want him to bite anyone. I am also worried with his past trauma he will go into “fight for my survival” mode. I am going to give him a sedative to help ease any anxiety he may feel with the visit. Giving him a sedative eases my anxiety too. 

I am going to have a bag of treats and a licky toy for distraction. Phineas was always such a good boy in these situations. I never had to worry. Moe is a hot mess! I do believe that dogs teach us things about life. 

We had Phineas that taught the kids about unconditional love and friendship. Moe is teaching us that patience can help shape a personality. Unfortunately, he also taught us that we can never ever have any food out with him and other dogs. 

Wish us luck.🍀