Community Forum Archive

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.

Struggling and words of encouragement??

Tue, 04/25/2017 - 13:00
I got diagnosed with epilepsy about a year ago, 3 months before I finished my nursing degree. During this time I missed all my exams, had just brought my first car and just accepted my first job. I had my first tonic clonic seizure whilst I was at placement in front of all my class mates and was very embarrassed since then I have been on keppra and slowly my seizures had stopped ( last one in September 2016). So I gave my brother my car to use for the year of no driving license and my completed all my exams in September and still graduated and now work full time in operating theatres. However I've recently had two bad tonic clonic seizure both at work in front of patients, surgeons and colleagues. I've always tried to be really positive and haven't let the driving affect me even though I had to move out at 20 just so I could get to work etc. But this time I've really struggled especially now they've reset my driving year and increased my medication. I can't sleep have really bad migraines and cry all the time? I don't feel sorry for myself because I know it could be 100% worse, so I'm not after sympathy just wanting any advice?

Comments

Tonic- clonic seizures at

Submitted by just_joe on Tue, 2017-04-25 - 13:59
Tonic- clonic seizures at generalized seizures. Some head aches can be parts of seizures and so can some crying. But it is also how one accepts ones illness and how they look at  life. You didn't post when you started having your seizures or how long you have been on medications. That too is a part of the whole kitten caboodle. When you are put on medications they are amounts that most people will take that are your age and size. But some people will need more medication and others less. Each person is different. If you have a good relationship with your neurologist then many things can be done in phone calls with visits to follow. I have gotten dosages and even medications changed with a visit 2-3 months later to find out if the adjustment or new medication had reduced the seizures. At least your car is being used and that is helping your brother.Relax and do always ask your neurologists questions. I did it and got results in many ways. Taking your medications properly. Two times a day means 12 hours apart unless your neurologists states otherwise.  Research the different triggers and research the different seizures you MIGHT have. I wrote might big because you may never have all the different seizures. I haven't had a convulsive seizure since 1970-71. I still have a seizure every 8-14 days but have gone months without one. Today by asking questions my seizures have been reduced and the time in them is a few seconds which most people wouldn't see even if I had one while talking to them.Yes time without a seizure started again. Each state has their time limit without a seizure. With most that I have hared or seen that time is 6 months. For you and being these your first seizures it may be a year bt that is written within regulations within the DMV. Doctors have paperwork to fill out to revoke the license or get it approved again.I hope this helps and you get your seizures under controlJoe

How about empathy  instead of

Submitted by DaganL on Wed, 2017-04-26 - 00:37
How about empathy  instead of sympathy.  The inability to drive was extremely hard on me. As it would be anyone. You forget those privileges until they're gone.  Necessary as it is to remove the driving still doesn't make it easy I know. As best you can start to plan as if you  won't to be driving in the long term. It was disheartening when I started doing that but  I hope in the little things I would be ready if it happened. Having a plan aside the action of preparing for help to me except it is a privilege that I might not have

Any feedback or

Submitted by AnarchyPhoenix on Thu, 2017-04-27 - 05:07
Any feedback or recommendation from your neurologist? 

Sign Up for Emails

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