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.

PLEASE HELP What's the next step?

Fri, 11/24/2006 - 13:37
Hello everyone! This is all new to me so please understand that I have alot of questions. I went to my neuro this week and he told me that my jerks that I've had all of my life are Myoclonic sz's. I use to jerk about once every 2 weeks but now I do it up to 16 to 20 times a day. What is causing this? Will I someday have the big GM? I had an EEG this week with no results yet. My sister is a nurse and she told me yesterday that I better be careful of what I tell my Dr., he could take away my (GA)DL. She said that if I'm just exploring the fact that I have these jerks they could really cause me trouble. If I could live with them (jerks) and they don't interfere with my everyday life just reduce the triggers and deal with them. I'm really scared, here is what I do: It affects my upper body. My head will usually move from side to side (ear to shoulder) and I'll have like a shiver go down my spine. My hands usually move too and I make a sound (now) like I'm being steped on. It's kind of like a dog shaking water off, I'll start at my head and everything will move head, soulders, arms, and stop at my waist. Does anyone else have this? I also have times when I want to stare while I'm driving, but I'm in full control. Should I still go to the Dr. and follow up or just forget the whole thing? I haven't read of anyone yet that has had my symptoms. I broke a glass the other day at work, and that is what made me go to the DR. PLEASE HELP ME!!!!

Comments

Re: PLEASE HELP What's the next step?

Submitted by maryh7 on Sun, 2006-11-26 - 18:28
please go to the Dr. and be upfront. you do risk losing your license depending on the state you're in (I think it's all), but you don't want to hurt yourself or others. I've had seizures since I was 17 (I'm 48) but I'm able to get around on public transit. I don't know if you live in an urban area or not, but if you do, it is an option. I agree that you shouldn't tell any insurance people that you don't have to. I've been lucky that I can be out about it at work with no problems, but if I hadn't been in a group policy at work 15 yrs ago, and continued paying privately for the plan ($450/mo) I would be uninsurable. It is certainly a challenge to live with epilepsy, but give yourself a chance. don't ignore it and hope it goes away. good luck.

Hi Mary. I'm really sorry to

Submitted by happycat2 on Sun, 2006-11-26 - 22:07
Hi Mary. I'm really sorry to hear what happened to you at work. As one who has been dealing with seizures for more years than I care to remember, I feel you really as in really need to give some thought to this. Put some time aside to do. This kind of thing takes some getting used to and it helps if people understand. Your sister needs to understand, and realize how you feel about driving and this increase in seizures. How in the world have you coped up to now, or are supposed to do? She needs to understand you can't ignore the driving issue and not being upfront about what to say. Think balance here. I'd be upfront and honest about it even when thinking of exploring, never mind doing it! I realize driving is a big issue, so is having control when you do drive. I know your sister is a nurse, and what she has told you. Your sister sounds as if she is taking control by telling you what to do, without thinking of how you feel when she is. That never works out, as I think you know. I'm sorry your sister does not, she should, and be part of the solution, not adding to the problem. If it was me? I would think about what the replies already have said about your lack of honesty by taking advice given and following it, and I would follow up with the doctor. I would talk to my doctor, and maybe another family member who understood. Cat. "Many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1

Re: Hi Mary. I'm really sorry to

Submitted by Mary G. on Mon, 2006-11-27 - 22:01
I want to thank everyone who has helped me in this post. I have decided to cut down on all possible triggers and take one day at a time. The big picture for me is just too overwhelming. I still have no results from the EEG yet. May be it won't be too much longer. I'll continue to check my post for any comments and different views on this issue. Thank you so much for all of your help. It's nice to know there is someone out there like me.

Sign Up for Emails

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