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Epilepsy and Swimming

Sun, 05/16/2010 - 11:30

Hey,

I've recently been diagnosed with TLE, but have not been prescribed meds for it yet (the process is taking rather long). I've always enjoyed swimming and had planned to pick it up again. I'm okay with this, but my boyfriend is angry about my decision to go swimming. He says I should wait, and that it's too dangerous. I say that, as long as I'm with a friend who knows I have seizures (I've only had ONE since being diagnosed 4 months ago), and as long as there are lifeguards, I honestly believe I will be okay.

What do you think? Is it okay for me to go swimming? I can't just stop my life because I have epilepsy. Swimming is something that helps relax me and makes me happy, so I do not agree with my boyfriend and think he is being a bit ridiculous. I understand he worries about me, but it's my life, my decision...not his.

Thanks. 

Comments

Re: Epilepsy and Swimming

Submitted by emva01 on Sun, 2010-05-16 - 16:49
I agree,  you should NOT let Epilespy ruin your life!!! But, If your seizures are not under control, I would say skip the pool until they are :) OR,  like you said, make sure someone is with you if you decide to go!  I go all the time and agree, It is a great way to relax.

Re: Epilepsy and Swimming

Submitted by amy1021 on Sun, 2010-05-16 - 19:18
Thanks, I'm so glad you agree with me. I do agree that I should probably wait until I'm on meds and it's under control, but it could be months until it gets all straightened out (as I've said, the process is taking a very long time). Also, I've heard TLE is very hard to control, so it could be that it's never fully under control. I am itching to go swimming and cannot wait any longer! Thanks again for the reply.

Re: Epilepsy and Swimming

Submitted by juperee on Mon, 2010-05-17 - 01:14

Yeah, definitely be careful until you have adjusted to any new meds. It's a give and take.I too was diagnosed TLE as an adult.

When I was first diagnosed, I had to put off driving for a while until I'd been on Keppra for several weeks. Now, years later, it's odd to think I ever considered that my options were limited. I go and go. I'm not stupid; I have to make sure I sleep enough and keep caffeine reasonable. But epilepsy has remained a tiny footnote on my life.

Good luck!

(fellow TLE lady) Juperee

Yeah, definitely be careful until you have adjusted to any new meds. It's a give and take.I too was diagnosed TLE as an adult.

When I was first diagnosed, I had to put off driving for a while until I'd been on Keppra for several weeks. Now, years later, it's odd to think I ever considered that my options were limited. I go and go. I'm not stupid; I have to make sure I sleep enough and keep caffeine reasonable. But epilepsy has remained a tiny footnote on my life.

Good luck!

(fellow TLE lady) Juperee

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