Need GOOD doctor reference for daughter in STX

shelley,

I'm so very sorry to hear about your daughter. Fortunately, this is one subjecdt I know well and can hopefully help you out.

The Gov. Juan Luis hospital is equipped with both a CT scanner and an open MRI machine. There is a neurosurgeon on staff there by the name of Dr. Meyer. I haven't seen him personally (yet), but am impressed with his credentials.

I'd recommend that you start with a different doc, though, as neurosurgeons are programmed to cure everything by cutting. THere is a WONDERFUL neurologist located in La Reine that can probably get you in ASAP. Dr. Babu is his name -- his phone number is 773-5070. I have seen to him and trust him totally -- he is a very kind, caring man who knows his stuff.

Please let me know if there's anything else I can do to help, ok? I'll be thinking of you and your daughter.

--HC

Thank you so much for the info!! Should I start with a General Doctor, or go straight to the specialist? Is Dr. Babu in STX?

Thanks again!!

SKIP THE GENERAL PRACTITIONERS AND GO DIRECTLY TO DR. BABU -- do not pass go and do not delay in calling for an appointment. Tell the receptionist that your daughter had these seizures last night so they can make the call as to whether you should head to the hospital ER first.

Of course you should head for the ER if your daughter has another seizure of even looks like she might. I didn't suggest that you go there today because she hasn't had one since last night -- the ER wait can be long and frustrating, so you may actually be able to see Dr. Babu before getting to see the right docs in the ER. Don't get me wrong, the ER staff are GREAT people, just a bit overextended and there's a few who seem to operate on island time when not faced with a critical condition. Did I mention I've spent close to 100 hours in the ER since moving here?!)

A lot of the general docs that I've encountered here are here because they want a country doc kind of practice -- basic medicine with good patient relationships. They reall,y don't respond well when faced with more intensive medical needs and would probably end up sending you to Dr. Meyer or Dr. Babu anyway.

--HC

And yes, Dr. Babu is mid-island island STX near La Reine-- follow Centerline Road west past Sunny Isle until you reach La Reine (the McDonalds and gas station/car rental shops on your right are your markers that you've reached the right road), and turn right at that light onto 75 North. Dr. Babu is a short way up 75 North on thbe left side of the road.. His staff provide excellent directions.

--HC

Thank you SOOOOOOO much. I feel so much better. I felt lost since i haven't been here very long. It's a little overwhelming right now because in a month I'm moving from Colony Cove to Cotton Valley. Moving, Seizures, adjusting to the island life with twin teenagers....GOOD GRIEF!!

thanks again!! I'll call Dr. Babu's office as soon as I get my insurance information. I talked to insurance today and they said all doctors on the island are "out of network"...
Another obstacle...but worth it. I love it here...

Glad to be of service -- will keep you in my prayers that whatever is going on is easily and quickly identifiable and curable/treatable.

Don't even get me started on insurance. I am covered by a group plan from Blus Cross Blue Shield in the Washington DC area. While vitually no doctors or pharmacies on STX or in Puerto Rico (where the doctor who refills a pump I have implanted in my abdomen is located) accept this insurance, so it's almost a full-time job submitting reimbursement claims and tracking their status. Fortunately, Gov. Juan Luis hospital does accept my particular plan, so all it costs me is the co-pay.

Please let me know if I can be of any other help at all as you navigate yet another unexpected "adventure" -- I'd be more than happy to do anything within my abilities to take some of the stress off your shoulders. (It would actually be good to divert my attention from some of my own stresses and feel useful to others again, even if it's just for a bit!)

Please keep me/us posted, okay?

Thinking of you,

--HC

Hey Shelly,

Considering seizure activity is based in one's brain, if I were you I'd be calling Dr. Babu NOW to get an appointment ASAP, and then worry about submitting the claim for reimbursement later. Snce all docs on the island are out of your network anyway, odds are that you will be required to pay the full cost of the office visist up front anyway, then file the claim yourself to get reimbursed for the 80% (or whatever your plan's number is) they will cover.

Pease don't waste any time in having her see someone, okay? As with any medical condition, long term damage is best avoided by early detection and treatment. And your kid's brain isn't worth taking any chances on, regardless of the cost.

--HC

shelly-

just reading your posts and think Ive seen your posts before about tennage twin daughters and are you the shelly from Oklahoma too?

Anyway I sense your concern with all these variables and frustrations of being new to the island and SEIZURES...medical issues...that's another level of concern...anyway I recently moved here as well and the few people I have met that have given an extra hand have really helped with the transition. I was in a car wreck the 5th day here, so a new job with no transporation and not many friends was a challenge...anyway if you need anything - or just another friend on the island Id love to meet. And teenage daughters...I always love youthful energy...Ive worked with teenagers alot in the past. Anyway- I beleive you live in Colony Cove and I will actually be going there next Tues pm for the scrapbook meet that was organized on this site- Id love to meet.
Anyway- if you need anything..please let me know. or if you want to meet before then for a friend to "roll the stress off" on....

Sincerely - Lisa

Shelley,

I read your post and just had to put my two cents in...

1. 16 yrs old is still pediatrics and they will be happy to see your daughter. In fact, they might even be better. Most internists do not want to see anyone under the age of 18.

2. Take her to the ER immediately if she has another seizure. There are multiple advantages to taking her there. She will need work up that includes imaging studies (CT scan), labs, and possibly a hospital admission. Regardless of whethere you are "in" or "out" of network, emergency services are always covered by your plan. If they aren't, you could by rights sue your insurance company.

3. Hipcrip is right that she will need to see a neurologist. He will need to order certain tests to work up her condition though, which might give you some trouble depending upon your coverage. See point 2 again for details. I can tell you that new onset seizures often are admitted to the hospital for a full work up.

Good Luck...

If you ever think there is a life-threatening emergency, please go to the ER.

Thank you for the information. I've been doing some reserach and I think it might be her heart causing these seizures. She has had an EKG done and it was irregular. It may be causing a loss of oxygen to her brain. I'm going to find out monday what is covered and what isn't. I didn't have a car at the time this happened last time, so I couldn't take her anywhere. I will have a car this week so I will have the ability to do more.
I think I'm going to start with a neurologist, get the EEG and possibly a CT (to check for tumors, as her gpa has a brain tumor currently that is inoperable) then move on to cardiologist.
She's had to drop out of athletics due to heart palpatations and fainting in the past. Thank so much for ALL of your input.

Shelley,

Please be VERY careful about trying to diagnose your daughter's condition yourself if you do not have any medical training. Internet research does not come close to replacing the rigorous years of medical training spent by all practicing physicians.

If she has another seizure call 9-1-1 and have the ambulance take her to the hospital. They do have ambulances on St Croix. If you call the main number for Juan F Luis there is a prompt if you need an ambulance.

I don't want to scare you, but if your daughter is truly having seizures because of her heart, that is an extremely dangerous condition. What do you mean by "irregular" on the previous ekg? Has she ever seen a doctor or cardiologist for these fainting spells?

CT scan would need to be done before the EEG. Juan F Luis has both CT and MRI.

PLEASE see a doctor and let the doctor be in charge of her medical diagnostic work up.

JFL number is 340-778-6311

Take care and good luck!!

Shelly- Sent you an email with my contact info. If the situation arises again where you are in crises and require emergency transport, I'll gladly come get you and take you to the doc's or ER immediately, no problem. Since you are now in cotton valley, I am in Tipperary, just a mile or two away and can be there in minutes.

What I meant by "irregular" is that the EKG showed some heart palpatations. We were in the process of moving here to STX so I couldn't follow up on it. I'm going to take her in as soon as my insurance packet gets here next week. I would KICK myself if something happened to her due to my "Self diagnosis".
I'm going to start with the neurologist and go from there.

Thanks so much everyone. I appreciate your concern!!!

shelly,

I am begging you to not wait until next week. Had I known that she was already limiting her activities due to heart palpitations, I woulkd have never suggested skipping the ER. Heartbeat irregularities and seizures are not to be taken lighty -- if you'd kick yourself if your misdiagnosis was wrong, how bad will you feel if you learn that delaying followup on her palpitations and seizures almost killed her, something you won't know until afte the fact -- and possible when it's too late

If you're set on starting with a neurologist, call NOW. Personally, I would get her to the ER today, where they can take a team approach to figuring out the problem and get the CT or MRI scans that a neurologist will want to see anyway.

I understand that you've had a lot going on, but everything else needs to wait until you get medical assurance that your daughter's problems are under control and are not going to cause her any harm.

Call jnrhome (Jeff) right now and get your kid the medical attention she deserves. THe insurance issues can all be worked out after she is taken care of.

--HC

--HC

Shelly:
The hospital will treat your daughter regardless of whether or not you have health insurance! Even if you have to pay $25 a month for the rest of your life to pay the bill that is better than waiting.

Go now. Please.

As HC has said, take jnrhome up on their offer. Call.

With safe wishes for your daughter,
Onik'a

To Hipcrip and Onika--- very well stated!! Kudos to both of you.

To Shelly:

If the heart "palpitations" found on the EKG are what I think they are, they are usually benign. Of course, a doctor needs to see her EKG directly to confirm or deny that. Did they tell you they were something called "pvc's" or extra heart beats?

What remains very concerning is the fact that she had three seizures in one day and has no history of seizures before. Also.. if she faints or passes out while exercising or playing sports that is an emergency and she needs to be seen immediately as well.

Bottom line is... please don't wait a week to have her seen!

Best wishes for you and your daughter(s)

Shelly,

In 2004 my brother had a seizure while he was in the shower. Nobody else was home and he landed in the tub in a manner that left him unable to breathe. I no longer have a sibling and I would hate for you to have a similar experience because you're concerned about transportation or paying your bills. If my son had a seizure we would be at the nearest ER within minutes. Don't take chances with your kid's life; go to the ER. Good Luck!

Shelly -

JNRHome and I are both on Tipperary. PLEASE call one of us if you need a ride, we will get you there...or PM me with a phone number where I can reach you. I will PM you with mine as well.

If you need ER treatment, any insurance will pay whatever they are going to pay if you notify them within 24 hours of treatment. Please don't let the insurance card stand in your way - we are less than 5 miles from you and can be there in a flash.

I can't PM you - please reach me at ssrr@runbox.com if you need assistance.

WOW...you are all so wonderful!!! Thank you so much for your compassion. It is really touching to me that all of you are such compassionate people. I'm calling the Dr tomorrow. I had them overnight me my insurance information so I'm ready to get this thing going. Thank you SOOOO MUCH!!!!

Shelly

I don't mean to impose on your family's private matters but if you could come back some time and just update us on your daughter's health, I would appreciate it.

I am not a praying person but I've done the closest to it since I read your daughter's story.

Thanks.

Onik'a

Thank you so much for your concern. As of yet, she has had no more seizures and i'm working on trying to get her an appointment and get my car so I can take her. Since I'm in the process of getting everything ready to move to Cotton Vally (thanks to Hovensa), everything is upside down and a mess. (no car, no new address yet, insurance doesn't know where to send my info..etc..)
She is healthy as of now, but I don't leave her alone. I make her sister go EVERYWHERE with her and take the cell phone incase of emergency. The Dr's office is only open mon-thur 1-4pm, so it's difficult to set an appt up.

Her biological father has decided he doesn't think it is necessary to treat her medically, so her step dad and I are on our own with this. It's a very frustrating time in life right now, but I do have strong faith to get me through it and good people on this message board.

Thank you everyone for caring so much! I appreciate each and every one of you!!

Shelly -

I feel sure if you tell the doctor's office about the seizures and how many she had and in what period of time that they will make time for you. Squeaky wheel gets the grease and all. If her biological father doesn't see the need to get her treated, then to h@#% with him.

We ARE a compassionate group and we're all in this together, but personally I'd rather be helpful and assist you in getting to a physician than hold your cyber hand. I've been on the edges of the medical field too long not to feel panic for your daughter if these were indeed seizures - I'm sorry if I sound harsh, but bad things happen when folks sit around trying to figure out the best plan and diagnose things by themselves - go with what you have available, which should be a mother's instinct. We are still here, you still have our phone number. If you need a p.o. box to have the stuff sent to, I'll let you use mine...but don't delay over papers and dad's ignorance. Your daughter's good health depends on it.