Happy Friday! Time for some updates and some new information…

Many, many thanks to all of you for your devotion and your comments. This sure is a great ride!

First, I’m interviewing Dr. Brien Smith of Henry Ford Hospital and Greg Grunberg, actor and fantastic Epilepsy Advocate, today via satellite with the help of Epilepsy Advocate. I will post the interview this evening, as soon as I receive the link from the production people. I’m anxious to know from Dr. Smith…what he feels is on the horizon in terms of treatment for Epilepsy (among other topics)…and from Greg, I’m curious about the advocacy movement–what more can we do? How can we push for more research funding and how can we move the needle in terms of erasing the stigma and teaching people about the seriousness of Epilepsy.

Photo courtesy of Henry Ford Hospital

I’m speaking in Lansing, Michigan on Tuesday, May 4 at a legislative gathering. The topic?…the switching of anti-epileptic drugs by pharmacists without notifying either the patient or the doctor. This is an incredibly serious issue and I’m sure you know at least one person (I’m one of those) who has suffered serious consequences when a drug is switched from the name brand to one of the generics. Did you know that Zonegran has at least a dozen generic versions? And, sometimes the pharmacy will switch from one generic to another…whatever they can buy for the least amount of money. I’m passionate about this issue, so hopefully we can move the needle in terms of new legislation which would prevent this from happening. There are two bills in the Michigan Legislature that would tackle this, House Bill 5077 and Senate Bill 926. Could these be a model for other states and even the country?

Finally, I taped an interview last week for The Doctors , a syndicated TV show. If you’re not familiar with it…check your local listings! The show will air on May 19th. I was able to comment on my positive experience with the VNS (Vagal Nerve Stimulator)…something I’ve spoken about often. For those of us who are not able to have surgery, this is a viable option. I’ve always said there are some misconceptions about the device, so I hope you will all tune in and learn more about the VNS!

Again…my thanks for your attention and your input. Have a great day…and feel good!!