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Months of no driving, no working

Tue, 04/15/2014 - 11:50
Hi, I'm new to the website and hoping everyone here has been seizure free! I was diagnosed with epilepsy back in 2005 at age 16. I have been on countless amounts of medications that either don't work or have side effects I can't live with. I was actually rediagnosed this year from focal to generalized epilepsy.(my second EEG in 7 years) so being on the wrong medications had something to do with it. Right now I am on Vimpat 200mg a day and still no success. I feel sick and loopy all day and still having seizures. I go back in to see my neuro in about a week for yet another medicine change. I have had to move back in with my parents along with my boyfriend because I can't work or drive. I am becoming depressed as I am an independent person and like providing for myself and my household. Where we are doesn't have public transportation so I can't even rely on that even if I felt good enough to work. I just need some wisdom or help with coping. Thank you!!!

Comments

I am sorry that you are going

Submitted by mereloaded on Tue, 2014-04-15 - 12:38
I am sorry that you are going through this. It really stinks. The good news is that you have a support system in place, an understanding family and a SO surrounding you, that is such a blessing. I understand that not being able to be independent can be frustrating, do you have a hobby or an interest? Also, each state has a bus for people with disabilities, they will pick you up at your house. The service us free, contact the health department for details.

Usually vimpat is used for

Submitted by Masterjen on Tue, 2014-04-15 - 14:27
Usually vimpat is used for partial seizures, not usually primarily generalized. Having said that, some neurologists have a reason for trying a medication just to see if it helps especially if it has a good side effect profile and other medications have proven unsuccessful. Have you asked your neurologist if you are a candidate for VNS or RNS, or other surgical options? If you have not been to an epileptologist, you owe it to yourself to do so. An epileptologist specializes in epilepsy, as opposed to a general neurologist who handles head injury, MS, stroke, neuropathy, pain syndrome, Parkinson's, dizziness, etc. You get the picture.

I haven't asked about the VNS

Submitted by Biff35 on Tue, 2014-04-15 - 14:40
I haven't asked about the VNS or RNS, I don't know much about them honestly. I'll look into that! I just went in for a 7 day EEG and he was an epileptologist but that's it. Is this someone I can visit like I do my neuro? Thank you so much for you help!

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