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Can someone tell me what is going on

Wed, 11/29/2006 - 11:15
I went to see my doctor as I believed I had symptoms of adult adhd, lack of concentration, being spaced out forgetting things bad working memory, anyway read a load about it and was convinced this was the case. My GP seemed to think my DIY diagnoses unlikely and thought what I was describing was more akin to absence seizures which she explained were a form of epilepsy. Despite the fact this is something my uncle and his father suffered from and thought this unlikely but thought worth checking out so went to neurology appointment to have an EEG. I heard nothing for about 5 months when I had a letter saying my consultant wanted to see me. I assumed that this was a closing meeting as firstly it was months later and surely if I had a condition the NHS would let me know?! And secondly on my first visit the consultant seemed to think that my absence mindedness was more likely to be personality based rather than epilepsy, as I do not lose consciousness I was inclined to agree (for what that’s worth). Anyway I went to the appointment yesterday and he told me that my EEG came back showing epileptic tendencies or something and that I could no longer drive. I really wasn’t expecting this so probably didn’t ask all the questions I should have, as I have left knowing only that he said I have to inform the DVLA and that I will receive an appointment for a sleep deprived EEG. I don’t even now what type of epilepsy he thinks I have or whether he has formally diagnosed me. To some extent this is my fault as I should have asked more questions. I am booking an appointment with my GP but I can’t get one for nearly three weeks, I don’t blackout, so I’m guessing from what I’ve read he thinks I may have simple partial seizures, which some of the feelings that are described on the web for this I guess do fit, feelings of fear dejavu etc, when I was younger I used to get a weird feeling which I find hard to describe other than my it was like a buzzing in my brain and I felt like I was separate from myself, very weird. I also on occasion especially when tired have periods where it’s like I’m conscious but I can’t wake my body, don’t know if that is connected. But I digress; if I do have this mild form where I don’t lose consciousness will they really take my driving license? Timing stinks as I have just left a business partnership within a telemarketing company to take up a job offer form a client, which is a field based sales role, traveling all over the country, I really can’t do my job without a car and sales is all I can do, I left school at 17 and have no qualifications other than my experience and success as what I do. Is it possible this guy has misdiagnosed me? I read that an EEG alone does not confirm epilepsy so would I be a fool to tell the DVLA that I have it right now? I am really mad with the NHS, the time it has taken for them to give me my results is disgusting and then the lack of explanation about what is happening to me, if I new of a factor that would prevent him from ever practicing medicine again I think he would expect and deserve a full explanation. anyones thoughts would be appreciated Justin

Comments

Re: Can someone tell me what is going on

Submitted by tallanc on Sat, 2009-12-05 - 15:50
Justin, Hi, I'm a bit new to the whole epilepsy thing myself (Diagnosed* 30/11/09)and I was diagnosed with adult ADHD a year ago too. My Neurologist said that anyone with epilepsy, of any sort, MUST stop driving instantly. then go 6 months seizure free before reapplying for their license. (Apparently new UK rules). He also said that an EEG cannot always confirm epilepsy and they diagnose based on symptomatic history. the scans only show if there's any physical cause apparent. If the experts reckon you've got it, then you probably have :-( Also I'm a Field Service Engineer (Currently off sick). My manager, who's a friend and a diabetic (so familiar with the DVLA and their rules) said to get my license sent off to them ASAP. They look more favorably on those who voluntarily give it up when looking to return it. Also if your contract is signed for the new sales job, you are protected by the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act), they can't sack you and have to find you responsibilities you can manage without driving. So I guess we've got a bit more than just a diagnosis in common. I'm waiting to hear what my company will offer for me as alternatives to a driving job. Tallan *with Complex Partial Seizures (Temporal Lope). Pre EEG and MRI, Medicated Straight away

Re: Can someone tell me what is going on

Submitted by pgd on Sun, 2010-01-17 - 12:05
Tallan - You describe yourself as both adult ADHD as well as adult Complex Partial Seizures (Temporal Lobe).  Can you describe the difference between the two?  Did you take a medicine for adult ADHD for one year prior to the Complex Partial diagnosis?  If you did, what was the med and how well did the med for adult ADHD work for you?  What meds do you take today?  What med do you take for Complex Partial and how well does it work for you?  Thanks.  - pgd

Re: Can someone tell me what is going on

Submitted by tallanc on Thu, 2010-01-21 - 13:12
Hi pgd, Yeah I currently have both diagnosis' I'm on Concerta XL for the ADHD, which my Psychiatrist gave me, and Tegretol Retard from my Neurologist. and currently still off work :-(. The ADHD was the prior diagnosis and I',m waiting for my Psych and Neuro (Both at the same hospital) to get around to sharing notes. I've been catching up on my reading and its apparently very common for teens to be ADHD with Comorbid seizures, although all the ADHD treatments do lower seizure thresholds. Sorry, off topic a bit. there's an adhd symptom in itself. I can't concentrate. Anyways, I find the Concerta helps with my concentration but I think it adversely affects the pshychosis I get along with the seizures. I found the ADHD symptoms were much improved on the concerta to start with, but its effects didn't last. I'm now finding the tegretol is doing its job and I'm trying not to rely on the concerta to keep me organised. Tallan

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