Hi, I am Elaine. For 56 years I had seizures but since January 2007 I am seizure free. I fell the pain and frustration of the person falling on Lamictal. I was on the same medication and diagnosed with postural hypotension. The neurologist did not recognize that I was having a reaction to the medication and kept increasing the dose when I passed out. I was getting out of control and knew that I needed to return to Massachusetts General Hospital for care but the HMO tried to refuse the referral. I am a Registered Nurse and was able to insist on the needed care. Once at MGH my medication was changed and seizures well controlled. My neurologist suggested testing and my first MRI showed the focus of the seizures. It was the same area known to be injured from the Pertussis vaccine and my first seizure was a 6 months after the vaccine. After an extensive testing period the Seizure Team at MGH decided that I was a candidate for surgery. It took a year being well controlled on medications to get the courage to have the surgery but it was the best decision I ever made. I am writing to encourage everyone to advocate for the BEST POSSIBLE MEDICAL CARE. I am seizure free and wish everyone the best care possible. Sincerely, Elaine