Community Forum Archive

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.

Living Alone With Epilepsy

Wed, 09/13/2006 - 15:38
Hi everyone, I live a busy professional life as a consultant and live alone. I've been having grand-mal seizures for 2 years now (about 5-6 episodes). Living alone introduces some complications which I would like to bring up. 1. Sometimes it is extremely difficult for me to figure out whether or not I've had a seizure. This especially happens if I have been unwell, if I had more than 4 beers the night before, or if I am very tired with work. Often, some scattered stuff and a pounding headache is the only sign. At other times, some weird bruises are the only clues. 2. I also find it difficult to judge whether or not I suffer from absence seizures (staring episodes). If there was someone to see me, I could find out. Any alternative suggestions to investigate? 3. I have come to recognize the aura I tend to have. It starts with a feeling that "everything i've done is useless... pointless...". I usually lie down in bed, but have learnt the hard way that too much sleep is a sure trigger for a seizure in my case. Does it work for other like this? What do you all find useful in preventing a seizure if an aura is experienced? 4. Does anyone experience an increase in fidgety behavior for a few days following a serizure? I find myself shaking my legs, jerking my arms.... or a flickering feeling in eyelashes. I am keen to corroborate my theory that this is linked to a seizure because if so, I can use it as a sign to take it easy till these symptoms reduce (implying return to normal state of affairs in my head) Whew! thats a lots of questions. Please feel free to contact me for more information. I like to lve life to the fullest and am not going to let a disease like this stop me. Others interested in the same goal should connect! G

Comments

Re: Re: Re: Re: Living Alone With Epilepsy

Submitted by epl_controller on Thu, 2006-09-21 - 14:12
Your approach is slightly similar to mine Andy. I dont have the strength to get back to work immediately, 24 hours seems a minimum i need to recover. But the thought of being considered less able or 'disabled' is not one I intend to entertain. Will just have to build some control mechanisms and carry on with life. Everyone has something or the other wrong with them, even if it isnt something as visibly disturbing as a seizure. Regarding sleep, i find it increases my chances of having a seizure (too much of it). To illustrate, assuming I have a late night out with heavy drinking. On waking up, my seizure threshold is LOW. I can feel it. To avoid a seizure, I find it better to take it easy, watch TV... listen to music, talk to someone. Anything but excessive sleeping. I think Lisa's approach makes sense... being personally determined. So the question that emerges is- Will such behavior (getting back to work immediately after seizures) go on to reduce my seizure threshold even more as time passes? What was your experience Andy?

Re: Re: Re: Living Alone With Epilepsy

Submitted by angel_lts on Thu, 2006-09-21 - 08:07
It really depends on the person, the length of time of the seizure, and some are more tired than others. Like for myself, I dont have them much, but I dont sleep afterwards I just lay down and rest for a while. But I am still pretty beat for the rest of the day. Even the next day, I feel that my body is still drained. Resting or sleeping is the best thing for you not walking around and doing work. take care Lisa http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/epilepsyapproach/

Re: Re: Re: Living Alone With Epilepsy

Submitted by George R on Thu, 2006-09-21 - 16:36
George - NYC DEPENDS ON THE PERSON. We all have different levels of strength, epilepsy or not. And how much time we take after a seizure depends upon several factors, including (1) the length and intensity of the seizure, (2) what shape we were in when the seizure struck us, (3) if we injured ourselves during that seizure, and (4) our basic belief in ourself. The last I have found is quite important, and corny as it may sound, after I've given myself a few moments' rest after a seizure, I'll count to myself silently from 1-to-10. And by "10" I've got to have those feet of mine on the floor. Something along the lines of "The show must go on!" And that it must. Try it.

Sign Up for Emails

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