My illness journey

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I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension when I was 18. I had been experiencing blackouts of vision and an increase of migraines (which had existed since I was about two years old). The Optometrist ran a visual field and took pictures of my retinas. At that point, she said based on the results it was almost undeniably IIH. I was then sent to an Ophthalmologist who agreed with the diagnosis and sent me for an emergency CT scan on my head. I was also then sent to a Neurologist who I call "the neuro from hell" as she had no clue how to treat this disease. I was then put on Acetazolamide which caused severe kidney issues and dehydration in days of starting it. Since I was "being stubborn" (Neuro's words not mine) with the treatment I was then sent to see a Neurosurgeon for an LP shunt, but my family doctor had put me on Lasix as I had a large fluid build up in an ankle I had injured due to a sudden high-pressure attack. The Lasix was half controlling the disease so the surgeon had decided I should try a different medication on top of the Lasix. About a month later I say my Optho again then was put on Methazolamide as that was an older treatment. It worked, and I only needed Lasix when my ankle swelled up but not a daily medication. I used Methazolamide for a year then got a pretty nasty kidney stone and was taken off it by my new neuro after discussing it with the surgeon, and they felt my kidney needed a break. Six months was supposed to be my break but about Three months in I decided I wanted to get on Birth Control as my symptoms were worse when Menstruating. At the Six month re-check I was actually in remission, and my neuro pulled off Depo as it can cause IIH. Three months after that it was back, and I was put back on Methazolamide with Lasix this time. I put myself back on Depo as I know it helps me with symptoms and giving up the ability to have kids at 21 is not something to take lightly. I am currently having issues due to some possible nerve damage from my lumbar puncture that diagnosed me, and my migraines are no longer controlled either, but the IIH itself is not an issue to me. I am now entering my 2.5th year of university and getting a double major. I'm still fighting, but I won't let this win.