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Is it possible to outgrow epilepsy?

Tue, 03/04/2008 - 09:28
I've had seizures since infancy; convulsive (petite mal) starting out up until about age 12, I went with my mother to apply for disability at that time and was informed by letter regarding the disapproval, that it would be something I would grow out of. Well about a year to date I've had a partial seizure while in the military service and  some seizures while I sleep. I didn't qualify for any military benefits because of it being a pre-existing condition. I want to know can you truely ever out grow your seizures or do your seizures transition to another form of seizure as you age?

Comments

Re: Is it possible to outgrow epilepsy?

Submitted by George R on Tue, 2008-03-04 - 13:58
George - NYC -- Does epilepsy ever leave us entirely, whether through surgery, medicine or just plain chance? From what I've read, only in a small percentage of cases. I've had "E" for 35 years and have seen my seizures go from wild tonic-clonic ("grand mal") versions to, in recent years, auras. A long time ago, typical neurologists would tell people that as one ages, the seizures get worse. If you've done reading on this subject, you'll see that this was merely an assumption. In my case, my seizures are far less frequent and much milder. Then too, so is my attitude toward having epilepsy. Sure it's there, but there's far too much to enjoy while we're walking the planet than to worry unnecessarily about our future. A very positive thing is communicating with other men and women who have "E" -- it's refreshing, informative, and often cheaper than a shrink.

Re: Is it possible to outgrow epilepsy?

Submitted by ducky on Fri, 2008-03-14 - 10:38

That's a good out look on life with E.  Im from nyork and even though life has it's ups and down's u still have to rool with the puches.  Yea E can b a pain in the butt from passing out to nearly brain surg. but u have to just go with it.  keep up the good attitude, from a fellow newyorker.

That's a good out look on life with E.  Im from nyork and even though life has it's ups and down's u still have to rool with the puches.  Yea E can b a pain in the butt from passing out to nearly brain surg. but u have to just go with it.  keep up the good attitude, from a fellow newyorker.

Re: Is it possible to outgrow epilepsy?

Submitted by mrs stone on Sun, 2008-04-27 - 11:36

hi george

this is a good question to be asking. i've suffered from epilepsy since i was 17 and was fully diagnosed at 18 and went into denial for 2 years as i couldn't accept it.

it took me a few years to get my seizures under control and now i know my triggers i'm happy to say that as of july 2008 i will be fit free for 5 years. my main upset at such a young age was not being able to drive and i lost alot of friends (or i thought they were my friends till i wasn't their taxi's anymore!!)

i've got a few friends with epilepsy (we all seem to find each other) and one has been fit free since she had her first child. the other has had ongoing problems and she's even had a fit since having her child and collapsed on her doorstep with her child inside the house on its own.

sorry to divert what i'm trying to say is that each person suffers this condition on their own and no one has exactly the same things happen to them. i'm lucky in the way that i can control my condition and am going to see my consultant to take me off medication completely as me and my husband are ttc.

who knows in time yours may stop altogether or it may get progressively worse. as the others posts say just enjoy the life you have and live it the best you can regardless of this little obstacle. i'd love to consider myself fit free for ever more but i'll be constantly cautious and on the look out for that fit on the horizon.

good luck xx

hi george

this is a good question to be asking. i've suffered from epilepsy since i was 17 and was fully diagnosed at 18 and went into denial for 2 years as i couldn't accept it.

it took me a few years to get my seizures under control and now i know my triggers i'm happy to say that as of july 2008 i will be fit free for 5 years. my main upset at such a young age was not being able to drive and i lost alot of friends (or i thought they were my friends till i wasn't their taxi's anymore!!)

i've got a few friends with epilepsy (we all seem to find each other) and one has been fit free since she had her first child. the other has had ongoing problems and she's even had a fit since having her child and collapsed on her doorstep with her child inside the house on its own.

sorry to divert what i'm trying to say is that each person suffers this condition on their own and no one has exactly the same things happen to them. i'm lucky in the way that i can control my condition and am going to see my consultant to take me off medication completely as me and my husband are ttc.

who knows in time yours may stop altogether or it may get progressively worse. as the others posts say just enjoy the life you have and live it the best you can regardless of this little obstacle. i'd love to consider myself fit free for ever more but i'll be constantly cautious and on the look out for that fit on the horizon.

good luck xx

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