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Hysterectomy reduce seizures??
Thu, 03/18/2010 - 12:36Good morning ladies...
I like, many of you, have catamenial epilepsy. My seizures are completely controlled except for 1-7 days before I start my period. I have been on several different meds and several different combonations of meds for several years, but nothing works around the time of menstration.
I am 33 and a handfull of doctors have said because of the epilepsy, my baby making days are over. That is perfectly fine w/ me. Since I am no longer contemplating children there is no reason for me to continue to ovulate/ menstrate... especially since the menstration is the reason for the seizures I continue to have.
If I were to have a hysterectomy and didn't have to worry about menstration anymore, would there be a good chance that my seizure amount would reduce/ be eliminated?
If anyone has had any experiences or have comments/ suggestions/ ideas .... I would love to read them.
Many thanks to all!
Shakey Mom=> Omaha, NE
Comments
Re: Hysterectomy reduce seizures??
Submitted by Shakey Mom on Mon, 2010-03-22 - 09:49
That is what I figured... but I didn't know whether or not there was hormore fluxuation even though ovulation was no longer an issue.
My seizures are well controlled except at 'that time'... Every month I have at least 1 seizure in my sleep and I know when that happens I am going to start withing the next few days... It is so irritating.
I know w/o a doubt I will be on meds for the rest of my life, but it would be so wonderful not to have to worry about breakthrough seizures. My last child had to be delivered by C Section (almost 6 years ago). I asked my dr. if he would just take everything out because of the issue w/ the seizures. He said "No. There is no point in taking parts out unless it is necessary." I know now that I should have insisted.
Thanks for the feedback!! I might see if there is a way to induce menopause!!
That is what I figured... but I didn't know whether or not there was hormore fluxuation even though ovulation was no longer an issue.
My seizures are well controlled except at 'that time'... Every month I have at least 1 seizure in my sleep and I know when that happens I am going to start withing the next few days... It is so irritating.
I know w/o a doubt I will be on meds for the rest of my life, but it would be so wonderful not to have to worry about breakthrough seizures. My last child had to be delivered by C Section (almost 6 years ago). I asked my dr. if he would just take everything out because of the issue w/ the seizures. He said "No. There is no point in taking parts out unless it is necessary." I know now that I should have insisted.
Thanks for the feedback!! I might see if there is a way to induce menopause!!
Re: Hysterectomy reduce seizures??
Submitted by dpkhandro on Wed, 2010-03-24 - 14:20
Hi ladies, I too have petite mal seizures around "that time", but I HAVE had a hysterectomy with conservation of my ovaries. The uterus isn't the culprit, it seems to be a lack of progesterone, an ovarian hormone produced after ovulation but which then goes away when you are not pregnant each month. When you have progesterone it raises the threshold for seizure, making them less likely. Lack of progesterone lowers the threshold, making them more likely. Is this making sense? Go over to google scholar for a whole bunch of information on catamenial sezures, written in a way that should speak to your doctor quite well. The answer isn't necessarily surgery, which your insurance company would probably deny, but using progesterone supplements during that vulnerable time. The higher doses need to be prescribed by a physician or nurse practitioner, since the over the counter progesterone creams may not be strong enough. Also, maybe a visit to the gynecologist for this would be better than your neurologist. I just found all this info yesterday, so waiting to hear back from the nurse practitioner's office to make an appointment. Still started the cream from the health food store any way. Keep you posted!
Deborah
Hi ladies, I too have petite mal seizures around "that time", but I HAVE had a hysterectomy with conservation of my ovaries. The uterus isn't the culprit, it seems to be a lack of progesterone, an ovarian hormone produced after ovulation but which then goes away when you are not pregnant each month. When you have progesterone it raises the threshold for seizure, making them less likely. Lack of progesterone lowers the threshold, making them more likely. Is this making sense? Go over to google scholar for a whole bunch of information on catamenial sezures, written in a way that should speak to your doctor quite well. The answer isn't necessarily surgery, which your insurance company would probably deny, but using progesterone supplements during that vulnerable time. The higher doses need to be prescribed by a physician or nurse practitioner, since the over the counter progesterone creams may not be strong enough. Also, maybe a visit to the gynecologist for this would be better than your neurologist. I just found all this info yesterday, so waiting to hear back from the nurse practitioner's office to make an appointment. Still started the cream from the health food store any way. Keep you posted!
Deborah
Re: Hysterectomy reduce seizures??
Submitted by Kathy781 on Tue, 2012-03-20 - 07:34
Diana73, that is great news!!!!! I wish I had taken that route years ago instead of waiting for it to happen "natually". But, at least the natural way has helped. Maybe in time, yours will improve more! I know this makes you so happy and I'm happy for you!!!!! Take care!!!