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What's wrong with me, please help

Wed, 01/10/2007 - 18:12
I'm a guy, and I'm 23 years old. I'm one of those guys that isn't scared of much, and I do alot to prove it all the time. Mostly stupid things like skydiving and driving too fast. Well, that was until my stepbrother started having seizures. At first I just heard about them, but in the last month I've witnessed two of them and have assisted him during his tonic-clonic seizures. First of all, it kills me to watch him going through that and I feel really bad for him. Powerless to help. I've tried doing as much research as possible and I'm not really getting anywhere. I know my stepbrother has done drugs, and may still do them. I say this because I'm just trying to be honest. I'm afraid that that's what may have caused him to start having the seizures. And it scares me. Why, you ask? I lived in Myrtle Beach, SC for three months, and worked in a stripclub as a barback. I had alot of fun while I was there, which was just this year, but I also got irresponsible. I did cocaine and ecstasy, and drank alot. I never thought before that I did enough to hurt myself, but that was before I watched my stepbrother go through his seizures. Now I'm truely scared. I dont touch drugs, or have anything to do with them. After my DUI last week I dont drink. I can't sleep since I stopped drinking, and when I lay awake at night I wonder when I'm gonna start seizing, and if I can stop it. I get this feeling over my whole body that I cant really explain. It's like a rush of adrenaline, but different. Like my body is preparing for something. I lie awake afraid to sleep because dont want to drift into the seizures like my stepbrother does. I had a dream one night that I was having a seizure, and I couldn't breath, and I couldn't move, and I couldn't scream. It scares me to death. Now, today I got the same feeling as I was laying on the couch watching tv. It's like a rush of terror and anxiety that I can only stop by getting up, thinking of something else, breathing, and drinking a glass of water. It feels like it's going to overwhelm me. The only time I feel like this is when I'm relaxed and sleepy and thinking about it. Like right before I go to sleep. I know this is kind of selfish to ask for help when it's really my stepbrother that needs help...but do you think this might be the beginning of seizures, or do you think it's a psychiatric problem? Any help would be greatly appreciated, I am losing alot of sleep....and it's affecting me during the day.

Comments

Re: What's wrong with me, please help

Submitted by Maggie on Mon, 2007-01-15 - 21:27
Jason,sorry to hear about your stepbrother and I hope he is getting the help that he needs for his seizures.For you,I am not a doctor,but it sounds like withdrawl from the drugs and drinking.You really should see a doctor and tell the truth of what drugs you did.I have never done drugs but know people that have and have had similar symptoms as you described.The anxiousness and fear are very common.Don't loose anymore sleep....get some professional help,you'll feel so much better knowing why your having these symptoms.Good luck and God bless you

HI Jason, These people have

Submitted by solis on Tue, 2007-01-16 - 00:00
HI Jason, These people have given you some great advice so I'm not about to comment there; but, perhaps, if you learned about tonic clonic seizures you wouldn't be so upset at seeing your friend. For example: Most people with tonic clonic are completely unaware of the outer 'show' you see (and are freaking at). They likely will get an idea a seizure occurred.. but NOT until after the fact when they find themselves in a strange position with sore limbs and perhaps a sore tongue. http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/seizure_tonicclonic.html Education is the best way to understand, and understanding is the best way to eliminate fear. best wishes, ~sol

Re: What's wrong with me, please help

Submitted by wldhrt13 on Tue, 2007-01-16 - 13:20
Hi Jason, I agree with Joan, it sounds like you are having symptoms related to alcohol withdrawal. In addition, you have what sounds like normal healthy anxiety in response to seeing your good friend have seizures. And normal fear response that it could happen to you. It is possible for anyone to develop seizures after alcohol withdrawal depending on many factors such as how much you consumed daily and how long a period you drank. There are a few websites out there that explain alcohol withdrawal and the respective symptoms and risks of the process: http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0689/is_7_53/ai_n6130752 http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/alerts/l/blnaa05.htm http://www.aafp.org/afp/20050201/495.pdf I would go directly to your internist and be just as honest as you were here, just tell them that you are experiencing symptoms, and that you recently used alcohol and recreational drugs. He can tell you if you are at risk for DT's (Delirium Trenens) or not. And he can also write you a prescription if necessary. My friend went through detox. Most of the other patients admitted there for medical detox like my friend, in addition to drugs to prevent seizures, were also given IV administered Vitamin C, Zinc, and a B complex Vitamin and IV fluids. But you can take these supplements orally and get the same benefit. These specific vitamins are standard for any detox process as they help your body cleanse out toxins. If your symptoms continue after the withdrawal period, go back to your internist and ask for an evaluation with a neurologist. good luck, pamela

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