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I'm newly diagnosed and have a couple questions
Sun, 02/11/2007 - 22:00Topic: New to Epilepsy.com
Hi Everyone, I am 41 and just recently been diagnosed with complex partial seizures. Needless to say I'm a little overwhelmed with it all. This site was recommended by my Neurologist and I have found it very helpful so far. I do have a couple of questions for anyone who could help.
1. My doctor perscribed Lamictol starting out low but increasing to 150-200mg. Everything I read says this drug is given in addition to another anti-seizure med. Is anyone else taking Lamictol all by itself?
2. What are some of the side effects that occur with Lamictol?
3. In California , they take away your license for a minimum of 3 months, do you have to have a negative EEG or be without noticeable seizures to get your license back, since I have some I don't even realize are happening.
This is all so new, I think I have been having seizures for about 6 months , but my doctor thinks I have probably had them a lot longer.
Thanks
Jamie
Comments
Re: Re: Re: Hi Jamie, i am a 47 year old
Submitted by toni2 on Sun, 2007-02-18 - 00:08
I get really down about the no driving. I'm in Texas, and I've got another 5 months to go. We have no public transportation where I live and nothing within walking distance. It's a pain to have to ask my friends and husband to drive me everywhere. I can't even drive to the grocery store. Yesterday I was particularly down because my husband is out of town so it's even more difficult to get a ride. Thank goodness I only live like 3 miles from my office or I don't know how I'd get to work. Even in 6 mos though, I'm not sure how I'll feel about driving. I'm a nervous about it now. I've only had 2 seizures that I know of and one of them was within 10 min of being in my car. I don't get warnings either. All of it is very depressing.
Re: Re: Hi Jamie, i am a 47 year old
Submitted by jamie H on Tue, 2007-02-20 - 22:37
Thanks everyone, you have all been so helpful. I know that my Neurologist reported it to the DMV because I got a letter today telling me I was being reexamined. I guess I will fill out the paper work and see what happens next. My doctor also reported it as a loss of Consciousness so maybe that will make a difference.
As far as the medication goes, that explains the insomnia. I am up between 3:30 and 4:00am every night for the last week or so and I'm only on 50mg a day so far. I can't wait to increase in a couple of days. They say lack of sleep makes the seizures worse so this should be fun.
I do have a lot to be thankful for though, God has perfect timing because my Son got his drivers permit about 2 months ago. We are calling it bonding time. My office is only 1 mile from my home so work has not been a problem .
Thanks again for all the advice, I don't feel so alone anymore.
God Bless you all,
Jamie
Re: Re: Hi Jamie, i am a 47 year old
Submitted by Feeling Silly on Thu, 2007-02-15 - 00:26
Wow! All of this freaks me out. I told my husband that it might be a year before I can drive again. First they have to figure out my dosage, then I get to start the 6 month countdown. Does anyone get down because of this? I have good and bad days. I HATE all of this! I just want to be normal again.