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My mother has epilepsy

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 22:52

hi everyone, my name is sam and my mother was diagnosed with epilepsy about 5 years ago.  she has absent seizures mostly.  her seizures also effect her short term memory to where she'll ask the same question multiple times in a day.  she seems to be constantly confused then gets mad at my family when we try to correct her.  her common sense factor is also fastly declining.  yesterday she tried to wash dead flowers in the sink.  when we try to correct her she gets extremely upset and says things like we're trying to trick her. 

since she can't drive she pretty much stays in the house while my family is working.  she doesn't do much except organize the same closet over and over as well as read the paper multiple times.  i don't know what type of activities she could do at the house that will keep keep her mentally busy but still safe.  i feel she is turning into a recluse and her depression is taking over at times.   

 if anyone has any advice, either another caregiver (who'd i'd love to talk with) or someone who has epilepsy to offer some suggestions i'd really appreciate it. 

my email is socopearl@aol.com

 thanks, sam

Comments

Re: My mother has epilepsy

Submitted by Nerak95 on Fri, 2009-09-25 - 00:14

Medications can cause memory problems.

Not knowing how old your mother is, could it be possible that some of this behavior could be related to dementia and not the seizures and/or medication(s)?

~Karen

Medications can cause memory problems.

Not knowing how old your mother is, could it be possible that some of this behavior could be related to dementia and not the seizures and/or medication(s)?

~Karen

Re: My mother has epilepsy

Submitted by imlovinu06 on Fri, 2009-09-25 - 13:05

That is my thought.... depending on her age I would question dementia or perhaps like someone else alluded to, it could be her medication. Otherwise I'm not sure for advice, does she like gardening or something of that nature??? It's probably good if she can be outdoors in the sunshine and the fresh air... maybe something like that if she is interested.

That is my thought.... depending on her age I would question dementia or perhaps like someone else alluded to, it could be her medication. Otherwise I'm not sure for advice, does she like gardening or something of that nature??? It's probably good if she can be outdoors in the sunshine and the fresh air... maybe something like that if she is interested.

Re: My mother has epilepsy

Submitted by ola111 on Fri, 2009-09-25 - 01:38

Hi,

I agree with the other comment- it might not be epilepsy but other neurological problem and- maybe- there is another treatment for this one that would help your mom. I live with epilepsy for 15 years (I'm 29), I've heard different kind of life stories, problems, side effects of medicines but nothing that strong...

Concerning the activities in the house, I would advise:

1. some kind of online course. I did one and it's not difficult to manage even if your mom would have to learn the computer. Then, by using Skype or normal phone she would connect to teleclasses, meet people with same interests, etc. I know from personal experience how important is to actually have a life, not only a disease. I am sure you can find something interesting and affordable.

2. if your mom likes activities like reading, knitting, etc maybe in the neighbourhood people meet in private book clubs or something similar (also check on the net, only ZIP code required)

3. for memory loss there are now lots of "games" that she can do and that are extremely helpful- personally, I like sudoku. She might like crosswords, etc. There are lots of these that you can buy on paper, so it's cheap, or maybe one of these nintendo things with lots of brain stimulating stuff? It's fun even for adults, believe me. And it really helps.

I hope things will get better for your family. If you are interested, I am a personal coach and am about to start coaching (on the phone or Skype) people with chronic diseases or family members who live with someone with a chronic disease. Talking, getting support, motivation, creating an action plan so the person doesn't loose her life... encouragement, overcoming fear and frustration, etc.

Best wishes,

Ola

www.coachingyounow.com

Hi,

I agree with the other comment- it might not be epilepsy but other neurological problem and- maybe- there is another treatment for this one that would help your mom. I live with epilepsy for 15 years (I'm 29), I've heard different kind of life stories, problems, side effects of medicines but nothing that strong...

Concerning the activities in the house, I would advise:

1. some kind of online course. I did one and it's not difficult to manage even if your mom would have to learn the computer. Then, by using Skype or normal phone she would connect to teleclasses, meet people with same interests, etc. I know from personal experience how important is to actually have a life, not only a disease. I am sure you can find something interesting and affordable.

2. if your mom likes activities like reading, knitting, etc maybe in the neighbourhood people meet in private book clubs or something similar (also check on the net, only ZIP code required)

3. for memory loss there are now lots of "games" that she can do and that are extremely helpful- personally, I like sudoku. She might like crosswords, etc. There are lots of these that you can buy on paper, so it's cheap, or maybe one of these nintendo things with lots of brain stimulating stuff? It's fun even for adults, believe me. And it really helps.

I hope things will get better for your family. If you are interested, I am a personal coach and am about to start coaching (on the phone or Skype) people with chronic diseases or family members who live with someone with a chronic disease. Talking, getting support, motivation, creating an action plan so the person doesn't loose her life... encouragement, overcoming fear and frustration, etc.

Best wishes,

Ola

www.coachingyounow.com

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