Linda Brandwin, R.N. Linda Brandwin is a registered nurse and a medical billing and claims specialist. For the past 10 years she has worked directly with insurance companies to give advice and guidance to the health care consumer. Readers may send email or write Linda Brandwin at 5500 Single Oak Hill Ct., Woodbridge, VA 22192.

Most insurance companies allow for second opinions
Nov. 19, 2004

Q: I get migraines, blackouts and seizures. At first the doctor said I had epilepsy because I was admitted with a grand mal seizure. I have had many other seizures and some are triggered by pain. When the pain is not controlled, it almost always triggers a seizure.

I have been referred to different neurologists and they can not figure out anything. I am on three different seizure medications. They do not want to give me anything for the migraines. I explained that the seizure medicine is not working due to the non-control of pain. Do you know how upset I get because they act like it is no big deal? Do you know of any doctors that can help me with this problem? I am also talking to a psychiatrist about the depression from all of this. I am about ready to stop taking all of the medication. It does not help.

I think it is not right to pay thousands of dollars for medication when the doctors do not even agree on the problem. Do you know if there is any help to get these things paid for? I have six children and one grandchild and we just can not afford these doctors' visits and medicines. Social services told me that we are not eligible for help because my husband makes too much money. What a laugh. I am not allowed to drive or work unless someone is with me. Can you offer some help?

A: Feeling frustrated and depressed is not surprising in your situation. Not only do you have unexplained seizures and migraines, but your medical condition has turned your life upside down and has also become a financial burden. I can not recommend any particular doctor, hospital or medical center. Most insurance companies allow for second opinions. Ask friends, acquaintances and neighbors for the names of neurologists or medical centers that they like. You have six children. If you are happy with the children's pediatrician, he may be able to make a recommendation. Your pharmacist may possibly be able to give you some names of doctors that he works with who might be able to help you. Also your psychiatrist may be able to refer you to another doctor. You may want to keep in mind that your problem may not be in finding competent physicians but in communicating with them. Some doctors are just better listeners than others. These doctors may be a better match for you. No matter what you decide, getting off your seizure medication without the recommendation and follow-up of your doctor is not a good idea.

Talk to social services again to determine your eligibility for Medicaid or any kind of state aid. Make sure they know that you can no longer work.

Ask your pharmacist for the names of the drug companies that manufacture your prescriptions. Most of these companies offer special medication rates for people who can not afford drugs because it is a financial hardship.

If you owe money to any hospitals or medical centers or physicians, call their billing departments and try to work out a payment plan that you are comfortable with.

You may also want to contact some charities or church groups in your area which may be able to provide some assistance.

Most importantly, please call the Epilepsy Foundation. This may be your most valuable phone call. The Epilepsy Foundation could turn out to be your best resource for information. They may provide you with guidance regarding your diagnosis, treatment, neurologists, medications and financial assistance. There may even be support groups to join where you can share your problems with others who have already been through this. The insight from a support group could be extremely helpful.