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Pain and epilepsy
Sat, 09/22/2007 - 03:40Last month I had multiple fits after going 3 years free. A consequence of the severe convulsions was bad lumbar pain. Freaking out factor no 1 was the possibility of a brain tumour. A neuro last week ruled that out - hooray!!!!! But before the appointment I was terrified; after the appointment I was elated. So emotionally it was a bit of a roller coaster week.
Then two days ago I got a couple of warnings of an impending fit. This was freaking out factor 2. I immediately had visions of more multiple fits and more time in hospital. However, I got a grip of the situation, stopped panicking, stayed very quiet for an hour, and quietly crept off home to bed and slept it off. No fits and I'm now fine.
What I'd like your opinions on is whether there is a link between chronic pain and fits. I understand that there's a direct link between exhaustion (caused by stress?) and fits. But do you think it's one step too far to say chronic back pain causes chronic tiredness, which causes chronic stress and then fits?
Also, when I have a single TC fit, I'm back at work within 24 hours. With multiple TC fits I have to take 3 days off work and my wife tells me I'm still not right weeks later. What's it like for you?
Thanks.
Comments
Re: Pain and epilepsy
Submitted by banffgirl on Sat, 2007-09-22 - 15:00
i have a few discs i messed up in my lower back 12 yrs ago, but when i have multiple t/cs it always iritates them and leaves me in pain across my lower back into my left hip. not fun. in fact it still hurts from night before last from 2 t/c back to back. it takes a good couple of weeks to heal at least. unless i do it again.
hugs,
banffgirl
Re: Re: Pain and epilepsy
Submitted by suebear on Sat, 2007-09-22 - 20:47
Hi banffgirl,
I have a back injury myself and can relate. FWIW, my back injury was caused from something not E related. :) I haven't really noticed a difference with seizures and back pain but I can say that the trigger points in my lower back do act up really bad. I think it's more the fact I end up putting pressure on them than anything. Luckily, when I've had an aura, I have been able to stretch out and relax on our memory mattress before it takes place. I suppose this would be a question to bring up to the neurologist for thoughts?
Sue
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Do the impossible today. For yesterday is gone and the opportunity of tomorrow may not be what you expect.
Re: Pain and epilepsy
Submitted by karolina on Sat, 2007-09-22 - 13:33
I've had two big ones in the same night and those definetely wipe me out for much longer than the single ones. The last time that happened the muscles in my back were sore for about a week. I thought I actually pulled a muscle. Every muscle in my body tightens and stiffens during a spell. Even my jaw muscle is sore afterwards. So yeah, those double whammies are killers! Also I'll drop things the next day or so and my coordination is way off.