my brain is like that because I've ridden so many roller coasters*

Back in November I told you about how I was seeing a neurologist to discuss the little passing out issue I've had for the past fifteen years. Well, the news is good, folks. Although I do have abnormal waves in the left side of my brain and probably always will, my neurologist gave me his blessing to stop taking seizure medication, which has been a twice- or thrice-daily part of my life since 2001. I've been thinking about stopping the medication for a couple of years now, and the time has finally arrived!

This is exciting for me on many levels, not the least of which is that it removes a major roadblock in the having-of-children department. The drug I was taking has been shown to increase the risk of miscarriage, low fetal weight, and birth defects. Scary stuff!

So the game plan is that over the next six months I will pay very close attention to how I am feeling, and document anything of concern. I'll see the neurologist again in June to report my progress, and if all is well I'm hoping he'll tell me to leave and not come back (until the next six-month check-up).

I will probably continue to wear my medic alert bracelet. I wear it every time I go out, with the exception of my trips to the gym. It's such a part of me that I feel naked without it--the same as my wedding rings, except that I've been wearing the bracelet for several more years than the rings! Plus, it's just really pretty (see also my delicious citrus fruits). I consider it to be more of a lovely accessory than a medically-necessary personal billboard--which I suppose is the whole point of making attractive medic alert bracelets. I got it from Lauren's Hope, in case anyone's in the market for such an accoutrement.

So, hooray for progress and for bountiful bowls of oranges and lemons!

* It has nothing to do with roller coasters.