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Treating seizures today

Fri, 08/02/2013 - 09:10
It has been 20-30 years or more since a doctor has treated me for my seizures. The reason for this is I was dismissed because the side effects were worse than my seizures. I am very sensitive to medications. Not just seizure medications but all kinds. I don't mean to bore everyone explaining this each time I post but even my family doesn't seem to understand just how sensitive I am and they make me feel as if I need to remind them each time they bring the subject of my seizures up. Ok, now to the purpose of this thread. My husband has passed  away recently and I'm here alone without no transportation. My family is trying to encourage me to go back to the doctor and try today's medications. They say that medications have improved so much now that they might be able to help me and maybe I could get my liscence back and drive again. I haven't driven in 41 years. I realize that I will have to go at least 6 months without a seizure and it is according to my state as to just how many long it is. I am in my 60's and I was wondering if I did this, what should I expect? Back when I was going, it was tests, blood work every visit, going very frequently and terrible side effects to the point that it didn't really seem worth it. Plus, if I should get my liscense again, I figure the insurance would be unafforadable because I have epilepsy. At my age, I just feel like it wouldn't be worth it especially if I'm going around in a zombie state most of the time.  Also, stress is one of my triggers. If I started driving again, I'm afraid I would be so nervous and this would cause a seizure. Then, I would be right back where I started. I probably sound as if I don't want to try to help myself but after all the side effects I have been through all these years, I can't help but think of this and be a little afraid of starting over. If I should decide to do this, what should I expect today pros and cons?

Comments

Re: Treating seizures today

Submitted by Kathy781 on Fri, 2013-08-02 - 18:04
My problem then was, I got all the side effects but as for helping my seizures, it was like drinking water. They never improved at all on every medication I tried regardless of the dosage. It was all for nothing.

Re: Treating seizures today

Submitted by just_joe on Sat, 2013-08-03 - 14:30

You may be like I have always been. I have taken more medicine than the average person. Drug manufacturers set limits to their maxium amount. Which is why my neuros have all shook their heads when they look at the amount of meds I take. Right now I take 3-750mg of keppra BID which comes to 4500 mg a day. I also started taking an additional 200 mg of vimpat.

I try not to take anything other than meds I need for my seizures. Oh and I have A-fib too so I take a med to control the BPM so it isn't beating to fast.

Other than that I can block out pain and have gotten my blood presure down just using my mind. If you look it up we only use a small portion of our brain.

You may be like I have always been. I have taken more medicine than the average person. Drug manufacturers set limits to their maxium amount. Which is why my neuros have all shook their heads when they look at the amount of meds I take. Right now I take 3-750mg of keppra BID which comes to 4500 mg a day. I also started taking an additional 200 mg of vimpat.

I try not to take anything other than meds I need for my seizures. Oh and I have A-fib too so I take a med to control the BPM so it isn't beating to fast.

Other than that I can block out pain and have gotten my blood presure down just using my mind. If you look it up we only use a small portion of our brain.

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