Hello All,

It's been such a long time since I've been online.  Well, it's been quite a journey since the end of January.  I was suffering from major side effects of the Topamax that I was taking and was quite ill.  Come to find out, in June during my thyroid surgery, the surgeon removed my parathyroid glands also.  Well, we didn't find this out until February when my internist did a complete blood work up on me.  I was totally depleted of Vitamin D and calcium.  My endo was not checking my calcium levels even though I kept telling her that I wasn't feeling right.   So, there was an added factor that contributed to not functioning along with the side effects of the topamax, constant migraines, vomiting, extreme dizziness, and not functioning correctly cognitively.  I had to visit the ER due to increase of heart and abdomen pains.  This continued to increase in severity.

Anyhow, we kept jumping through hoops trying to get anyone to admit that the topamax was creating most of these issues for us.  After doing every test imaginable to rule everything else out, we demanded that my doctor take me off of the topamax.  So, fast forward two months and I am now off the topamax.  The only thing that I have been taking for migraines is zomig, skelaxin, and vicodin.  No preventative meds.  I've started some nausea pills that help.  I'm taking high dosages of vitamin d and calcium and am supposed to recheck this week on my levels and all.  Anyhow, I'm not working any longer.  I was teaching preschool and was hoping to go back but I am not returning.  I just cannot do it.  I am better than I was before but as you all know, when we suffer from these issues normal functioning is non existant.  I am worried about my issues with memory and just normal cognitive functioning.  I'd of thought it would have approved by now but it hasn't yet.  I sound like an idiot when I talk and trying to concentrate is not possible.  It's scary.  Has anyone experienced prolong cognitive issues even after stopping the topamax?  Someone told me that the hypoparathyroidism (lack of parathyroid glands) can contribute to these issues also.  I just haven't been able to find a whole lot of information on that subject.

Anyhow, I just thought I'd give an update.  I hope everyone is having a good day.  Thanks for listening.  It just seems like you're going crazy as people have no idea what you're going through or talking about.  I'm just relieved that I found this sight where I'm understood.

Take Care,

Kristin