The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Newly diagnosed

Wed, 11/13/2013 - 13:32
Hi, I've just been diagnosed with absence seizures at age 28. I've been struggling with the diagnosis. To begin with I thought, hay it's just a name and it will get better with meds so it's a positive thing, but now for some reason I can't accept this. My meds don't seem to be working so far and all I keep thinking is why me, why do I have to have this, I don't want it. I find myself crying and depressed at the idea of having to take medication for the rest of my life and the fear of having seizures in front of people. My husband is very supportive but my family don't seem to understand it and I feel very alone at the moment. I just can't accept that I have this. It's also crossed my mind that if it had been spotted before then maybe it wouldn't have been so bad and easier controlled although I know this isn't the best thing to do. I'm sorry for sounding like I'm just moaning but just needed to vent. Just don't see a way of being able to accept this at the moment. I'm keeping a daily diary on here plus down on paper but my memory is rubbish and often forget if I have had a seizure or not plus half the time I don't even know if I'd had one at all. I am very grateful for this website though and am finding that gaining information is helping. If anyone can relate to what I'm going through then I would really appreciate some tips on how to accept it and how to learn to live with it as I know that's what I have to do. Thank you Andrea.

Comments

Re: Newly diagnosed

Submitted by just_joe on Thu, 2013-11-14 - 09:27

So a month ago you were diagonsed and the doc pt you on lamotrigine. You are probably going to see him again in a few months. He will be asking questions and one of the first will probably be "How many seizures did you have" He will want to know if you have felt any differences. Any side effects? What he is doing with his questioning is looking to see if the dosage he has you on will do the job of controlling your seizures. The more information he recieves the better he will be to find procedures and dosages or medications that can get you seizure free.

As for medications. Drug compannies are creating newer medications which treat typse of seizures rather then drugging the entire nervious ststem down. By all means tell your neuro what plans are especially when wanting a family. He will generally set you up with meds that will not enterfer with development. I think I suggested using the diary because the information in the diary will help the doc

What ever you do stay in touch with your neuro and if you have a good relationship he will help you in several other areas. 

I hope this helps and by all means do post how things are going and let us know what is happening. If you have questions ask them. Many people have been around and we had questions or have been around long enough to know what we have seen or done.

Joe

So a month ago you were diagonsed and the doc pt you on lamotrigine. You are probably going to see him again in a few months. He will be asking questions and one of the first will probably be "How many seizures did you have" He will want to know if you have felt any differences. Any side effects? What he is doing with his questioning is looking to see if the dosage he has you on will do the job of controlling your seizures. The more information he recieves the better he will be to find procedures and dosages or medications that can get you seizure free.

As for medications. Drug compannies are creating newer medications which treat typse of seizures rather then drugging the entire nervious ststem down. By all means tell your neuro what plans are especially when wanting a family. He will generally set you up with meds that will not enterfer with development. I think I suggested using the diary because the information in the diary will help the doc

What ever you do stay in touch with your neuro and if you have a good relationship he will help you in several other areas. 

I hope this helps and by all means do post how things are going and let us know what is happening. If you have questions ask them. Many people have been around and we had questions or have been around long enough to know what we have seen or done.

Joe

Re: Newly diagnosed

Submitted by Sunshine77386 on Wed, 2013-11-13 - 17:37
Been there, done that, and fully understand it. This is a great place to vent, and don't feel like you are alone. Another great place to vent is the community on Google+. You can follow it from the homepage here. We would welcome you into our family!

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.