HOW DO YOU GET YOUR TRIGERES AND HOW TO STOP THEM

Find the top epileptologist in your area and make an appointment with her.  Write down all questions; bring them to each appointment.  Show the questions.  This saves time and confusion.  (My epileptoligist reads my questions and writes the answers so I don't forget.)  Make sure to keep an honest, open relationship....no lying about seizures, accidentally missing a dose, etc.  Keep your doctor aware of any side effects (good or bad) from all AEDs.  Your doctor can't help you if she doesn't know all the facts. Take all AEDs, exactly as prescribed...the exact dose and time.  Bring a list of all your current AEDs, other Rx and over-the-counter pills, vitamins and suppliments with you.  Make sure to list the dose level, quantity and whether or not you are taking generics.  Bring the name(s), addresses, phone #'s of all other doctors treating you.  Ask if there should be any changes made.  Find out if there are any foods or suppliments you should/shouldn't take with your AEDs.  (This can change with each Rx.  Make sure to keep that updated with each visit and Rx changes.)  After each visit, update your Rx list with the appointment date on it.   Find a pharmacy you trust and stay with it.  Keep all Rxs, for all medical conditions filled at the same location.  Your pharmacist will be able to alert you to possible interactions, etc. (Once I brought a handwritten prescription to my pharmacy.  My pharmacist told me that he couldn't fill it for me because I was allergic to that drug!)  Ask if you can take an extra "xxxx" when you are feeling ill, tired, etc.  Stay in bed when you're sick.   Work on stress reduction.  It really helps!  My seizures aren't completely controlled, but they're a lot better than they were.   I have drop attacks.  The seizures are the same, but I don't sense auras any more.  I'll feel perfectly fine, then wake up on the floor.   If I'm sitting down, the seizure is the same as any other seizure.  When I'm standing, I fall like a 'hot potato'.  I fought it, but finally gave in to wearing a helmet.  I found a patriotic and "cool" one.   Now I get compliments from strangers all the time!  I also work-out a lot, to keep myself atheletic, so I look like I should need a helmet.  Exercise helps reduce stress and seizure control.  Print this out and ask your epileptologist if any changes need to be made to it.  Good luck and have a Merry Christmas!