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Living Alone With Epilepsy

Wed, 09/13/2006 - 15:38
Hi everyone, I live a busy professional life as a consultant and live alone. I've been having grand-mal seizures for 2 years now (about 5-6 episodes). Living alone introduces some complications which I would like to bring up. 1. Sometimes it is extremely difficult for me to figure out whether or not I've had a seizure. This especially happens if I have been unwell, if I had more than 4 beers the night before, or if I am very tired with work. Often, some scattered stuff and a pounding headache is the only sign. At other times, some weird bruises are the only clues. 2. I also find it difficult to judge whether or not I suffer from absence seizures (staring episodes). If there was someone to see me, I could find out. Any alternative suggestions to investigate? 3. I have come to recognize the aura I tend to have. It starts with a feeling that "everything i've done is useless... pointless...". I usually lie down in bed, but have learnt the hard way that too much sleep is a sure trigger for a seizure in my case. Does it work for other like this? What do you all find useful in preventing a seizure if an aura is experienced? 4. Does anyone experience an increase in fidgety behavior for a few days following a serizure? I find myself shaking my legs, jerking my arms.... or a flickering feeling in eyelashes. I am keen to corroborate my theory that this is linked to a seizure because if so, I can use it as a sign to take it easy till these symptoms reduce (implying return to normal state of affairs in my head) Whew! thats a lots of questions. Please feel free to contact me for more information. I like to lve life to the fullest and am not going to let a disease like this stop me. Others interested in the same goal should connect! G

Comments

HiHaving the read the

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2014-07-21 - 18:25
HiHaving the read the comments that were put forth by other people, i think that is sound advice on what you can do to control your seizures.However, i thought i should share with you the story of Mary Ellen Ciganovich, who's a famous inspirational speaker, educator and author of  “Healing Words, Life Lessons to Inspire” who was diagnosed with Epilepsy and later, with Multiple Scelerosis herself.I read her interview on how she stepped back to study her body and approach her condition with love instead of fear. Here you can read her full interview:http://workouttrends.com/mary-ellen-multiple-sclerosisI think if you give it a read about how she approached her condition to transform her life by becoming her own doctor. She's a health counselor now and helping people with her approach. You can find her here:http://maryellenciganovich.com/Take CareAnant

Hey there! Hope you don't

Submitted by Bloodyrose on Wed, 2006-09-13 - 16:46
Hey there! Hope you don't mind me answering some of this, despite this being in the 'men with epilepsy' section - I'm not sure of the protocol on this. That being said, your desire to live a full life despite this is inspiring - you should be proud of yourself. 1)This has happened to me before, and the bruises as well as a sore tongue are usual signs for me after a tonic-clonic. The main other noteable is the feeling of 'being born anew' if this makes any sense to you. It's almost as if something has been reset in my head and I'm calm again. Have you spoken to your doctor about any of this? 2) The only thing I can think of is maybe a webcam or some other sort of video equipment, and film yourself for a period of time. I'm not sure if you would want that though - I imagine it could be strange watching yourself seize. 3)In regards to trying to prevent further seizures (auras are usually defined as Simple Partial Seizures) I find that if I try really hard to take care of my basic needs, sometimes it keeps them away. It's not foolproof, but it helps. For me, my triggers are things like stress, lack of sleep, bad eating habits, amongst other things. If a few happen at once then I start having more auras/SPS. So I will then take extra care, get the proper amount of rest I need, exercise well, eat properly, and do things like meditate to reduce stress. Make sure you take time out for you! 4) Absolutely! My eyes flicker, my limbs feel rather weak. I liken it to a baby animal trying to find its feet again. Strange perhaps, but it does seem like my body is trying to find things out again. Basically, listen to your body. You can't prevent all seizures, but I really do believe that you can keep them to a minimum by trying to look out for yourself the best way you can. This includes making time for yourself, doing the things you like to do, and having the ability to say no to certain demands that infringe upon your time. Take care, and hope this has helped! Rachael

Re: Living Alone With Epilepsy

Submitted by angel_lts on Wed, 2006-09-13 - 17:43
That is good you notice the signs. Auras are just simple partials. Your bruising could be from your falls or just low on vit c at least that is what mine were from. I do breathing techniques when an aura occurs and that has stopped my seizures. Having the fidgeting and things like that you should get plenty of sleep and on a good diet for a seizure may be coming. Also I thought a good thing would be to have a camera in the room that you are mostly in and set it up all the time. Possible maybe you will catch a seizure. WHat meds are you on? take care Lisa http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/epilepsyapproach/

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