The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Epilepsy: Adult issues

Sun, 11/05/2006 - 11:03
Hi, its nice to be abe to speak to you. I have waited a long time to be able to speak to somebody who is in the same position as me and who will understand my position without being negative towards me. Lets start from the beginning. I was given the whooping cough vaccination when I was 18 months old. This, after about three hours caused me to have a grand mal and the I went into a come for some time. After which, I ended up with petit-grand mal. This I have had for the last 48 years. I was not able to claim compensation from the government as they bought inthe Statute of Limitations Act. Is there anyone out there who ha there vaccination and was not able to claim anything after this vaccination.I have all the proof, going back to when I was 18 months old, but cannot claim. I have taken a number of different tablets, mycolen to monyto mention. However, they have not worked. Now I am taking Tegretol, lamotrogine, and iazapen, onya small amount 5mg and I seem to be fine. I do not suffer many side effects, the main one being memory loss. Myfamily saythat I have become agressive but I cannot convince them that it is not the tablets it is normal everyday living, and having to live with the stigma,ie when it comes to jobs,driving,trying to live as normal a life as possible and not be told by people who dont really understand the disease my limits and capabilities. This i am extremely bitter about is there anyone else out ther suffering from the many stigmas that I am if so I would like to hear from you, and would also like to know how your own family,ie brothers and sisters , plus your husband-wife children feel towards you doing different things like driving. I have passed my test but I have had to listen to everybody saying I mustnt do this and shouldnt drive that I have somehow become bitter towards some of them. Any ideas how you thnk I can overcome this. My tablets as a whole are very good, but I am still not satisfied. I dont like the idea of raising my lamotrgagine as I am scared of having any more seizures. Has anyone out ther decreased their tegretal as I believe this is the one that does most of the damage when it is mixed with lamot if you have, have you hd any side effects if so what and how many. Cant wait to hear from you Heather

Comments

Re: Epilepsy: Adult issues

Submitted by kaylac08 on Thu, 2006-11-09 - 11:51
The bitterness that you feel is normal. We all have days like that. I also have have days where I feel very discriminated against. People just don't understand what we go thru. Everyone always has an opinion on what you should or shouldn't do. Sometimes I feel like I'm a child and I'm not allowed to make decisions on my own. Just remember that you are not alone, we all feel the same way you do. Keep your head up. Let me know if you ever need anyone to talk to :) Kayla

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.