right temporal lobectomy

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Has anyone in this group had or knows someone who has had a right temporal lobectomy?John

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Re: right temporal lobectomy

Submitted by Gandalf on Thu, 2013-11-28 - 12:52

I have had a temporal lobectomy which I believe was on the right, but am not sure since I have had other surgical procedures on both sides, such as the insertion of electrodes, Thus, I cannot be sure of the side of the lobectomy.

My seizures seemed controlled until, I was starting my freshman year college (1980-'81) my seizures resumed, without any change in treatment. They have continued ever since, currently several times per week, from as little as moments of unconsciousnes followed by disorientation to much more serious, and frequent "drop attacks."

I have had life-long epilepsy, ever since my premature birth, 52 years ago. After frequent admissions to hospitals as a young child, it was determined that my seizures were caused by hypoglycemia. As a result, I was told that hypoglycemia was my ailment, and that a steady diet, and taking an anonymous "pill" (Dilantin) the purpose of which I never learned, was the effective treatment which seemed to successfully prevent my seizures from adolescence through high school.

Having always been a very good student, I was able to finish a double major (in International relations and in Economics) as an undergraduate (1980 - '84). In '84,I went on to start working for a graduate degree in Political Science, in hope of making a career as a diplomat. After a multitude of ineffective medications, I was sent for the temporal lobectomy in April 1985. When I was seizure free for nearly 12 months, the seizures resumed once again, apparently as result of a tiny, but irreperable mistake during the surgery.

Nevertheless, I was able to return to school. When getting close to completing enough credits the MA, I had to stop taking classes. Nevertheless, I was able to earn the credits by writing a thesis, "The Effects of Defense Spending on the Present United States Economy," (during the Reagan Administration) of 99 pages. This enabled me to receive my degree in September 1987.

Despite my academic success, my continued seizure prevent me from working, driving or travelling any other way on my own, and leaving my parent's care. This care includes a wide variety of restrictions in response to the possibility of my having unexpected seizures. These range from not going anywhere outside their property alone, as well as not going into stores or our basement. Gandalf

I have had a temporal lobectomy which I believe was on the right, but am not sure since I have had other surgical procedures on both sides, such as the insertion of electrodes,  Thus, I cannot be sure of the side of the lobectomy. My seizures seemed controlled until, I was starting my freshman year college (1980-'81) my seizures resumed, without any change in treatment.  They have continued ever since, currently several times per week, from as little as moments of unconsciousnes followed by disorientation to much more serious, and frequent "drop attacks."    I have had life-long epilepsy, ever since my premature birth, 52 years ago.  After frequent admissions to hospitals as a young child, it was determined that my seizures were caused by hypoglycemia.  As a result, I was told that hypoglycemia was my ailment, and that a steady diet, and taking an anonymous "pill" (Dilantin) the purpose of which I never learned, was the effective treatment which seemed to successfully prevent my seizures from adolescence through high school. Having always been a very good student, I was able to finish a double major (in International relations and in Economics) as an undergraduate (1980 - '84).  In '84,I went on to start working for a graduate degree in Political Science, in hope of making a career as a diplomat.  After a multitude of ineffective medications, I was sent for the temporal lobectomy in April 1985.  When I was seizure free for nearly 12 months, the seizures resumed once again, apparently as result of a tiny, but irreperable mistake during the surgery. Nevertheless, I was able to return to school.  When getting close to completing enough credits the MA, I had to stop taking classes.  Nevertheless, I was able to earn the credits by writing a thesis, "The Effects of Defense Spending on the Present United States Economy," (during the Reagan Administration) of 99 pages.  This enabled me to receive my degree in September 1987. Despite my academic success, my continued seizure prevent me from working, driving or travelling any other way on my own, and leaving my parent's care.  This care includes a wide variety of restrictions in response to the possibility of my having unexpected seizures.  These range from not going anywhere outside their property alone, as well as not going into stores or our basement.  Gandalf       

I have had a temporal lobectomy which I believe was on the right, but am not sure since I have had other surgical procedures on both sides, such as the insertion of electrodes, Thus, I cannot be sure of the side of the lobectomy.

My seizures seemed controlled until, I was starting my freshman year college (1980-'81) my seizures resumed, without any change in treatment. They have continued ever since, currently several times per week, from as little as moments of unconsciousnes followed by disorientation to much more serious, and frequent "drop attacks."

I have had life-long epilepsy, ever since my premature birth, 52 years ago. After frequent admissions to hospitals as a young child, it was determined that my seizures were caused by hypoglycemia. As a result, I was told that hypoglycemia was my ailment, and that a steady diet, and taking an anonymous "pill" (Dilantin) the purpose of which I never learned, was the effective treatment which seemed to successfully prevent my seizures from adolescence through high school.

Having always been a very good student, I was able to finish a double major (in International relations and in Economics) as an undergraduate (1980 - '84). In '84,I went on to start working for a graduate degree in Political Science, in hope of making a career as a diplomat. After a multitude of ineffective medications, I was sent for the temporal lobectomy in April 1985. When I was seizure free for nearly 12 months, the seizures resumed once again, apparently as result of a tiny, but irreperable mistake during the surgery.

Nevertheless, I was able to return to school. When getting close to completing enough credits the MA, I had to stop taking classes. Nevertheless, I was able to earn the credits by writing a thesis, "The Effects of Defense Spending on the Present United States Economy," (during the Reagan Administration) of 99 pages. This enabled me to receive my degree in September 1987.

Despite my academic success, my continued seizure prevent me from working, driving or travelling any other way on my own, and leaving my parent's care. This care includes a wide variety of restrictions in response to the possibility of my having unexpected seizures. These range from not going anywhere outside their property alone, as well as not going into stores or our basement. Gandalf

Hi Libby,I'm glad to hear

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2014-11-24 - 01:28

Hi Libby,I'm glad to hear that surgery went well for you and you were able to put your seizure behind you. I have a quick question I was hoping you could answer for me. I just recently had a right temporal lobectomy on October 28th. It's been almost a month and thank god it's been a success so far. I'm dying to get back to work and start exercising again though. Did you ever feel like that at all? If so, how long after your surgery were you able to return to work and start exercising again? Thank you so much, Conner

I had this procedure done

Submitted by cgent on Mon, 2018-04-09 - 15:56

I had this procedure done back in 2005. It saved my life in more than one way. I had had only 2 grand mal seizures but was having mini seizures. These would come on with no warning, and I would have them every couple of months. I had the surgery at Johns Hopkins and have had no signs of any form of seizures. As far as the depression goes, I am much happier since the surgery. The only side affect I had was I would get massive headaches. Now I don't even get the headaches.