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Finally saw a Neuro, do any women relate to this??

Wed, 01/27/2016 - 15:29

Hello all, I posted before (at this link: http://www.epilepsy.com/connect/forums/new-epilepsycom/am-i-having-seizures-no-idea) and after Dr. Recommendations, personal research, and kind people on this site, I went to an Epilepsy center this morning for a consultation (Neuro specifically deals with epilepsy). My friends and family don't know I'm pursuing this, besides my live in boyfriend and my sister. Therefore, I'm just really itching to talk things out. I'm just so nervous! And people here have been very kind.. They took my symptoms seriously, and said I need a 3 days video EEG at home. I agreed although I know it will be difficult. If anyone has advice on this, it would be greatly appreciated. I'm doing it in two weeks or so. They told me not to drive right now at all, under any circumstances. This was difficult to hear, but it won't be too much of a shock to my daily life because I stopped driving months ago when I decided it was the responsible thing to do. I sold my car to make sure I didn't go back on my own word (it was old anyway, so timing worked out.. Why not save money while getting this sorted out?) They told me they didn't have a sure answer for me and won't until after the results. Totally understandable. However I'm so worried I didn't tell them enough, but it also seems the few things I did mention were enough concern to prescribe the tests. They were super kind and understood me when I emphasized, REPEATEDLY, that I am not depressed or anxious and I no longer can accept that as a diagnosis anymore. In my experience, I truly believe Drs used it as a blanket diagnosis because, as one doctor actually said, "You're young attractive and you have a good job - you'll be fine". Direct quote from a wel known behavioral psych who did my Neuro evaluation. I guess some kind words might help, I'm so nervous because I've lost faith in so many doctors. I got diagnosed with ADD and took Adderall for THREE YEARS well knowing it was only a band aid on a much larger problem. However, no one would hear me out. I kept being told I must be depressed, must be anxious, and it's making these symptoms happen to me. Why does every women get called depressed when they get teary at a doctors appointment??? this is the most embarrassing, difficult to discuss/explain thing in my life, I cry instantly when I have to discuss it in detail. It's been something I've hidden for years and years, why is it such a shock I would get emotional?? One doctor literally asked me if "my boyfriend and I were fighting" as if that's why I was there! WHY would a 27 year old Female pay $700 for an evaluation if I was just "sad"? This is why I'm so incredibly worried and discouraged. I just want to believe they will open mindedly consider everything I provided to them. It's obvious it's not for RX or attention, since I was on a very helpful RX and made the personal choice to discontinue and I also made the choice not to tell friends or family. Why else do doctors dismiss young females? Hate to play the woman card, but sometimes, I feel that's what it is. Part of me is hoping that these experiences are seizures, because I will have answers. I know that sounds wrong, but if that isn't the answer, what is? I've had no emotional or physical trauma, my life love and job gets better every day. Is there anything else that could explain it? I refuse to take antidepressants when I'm not depressed. And I'd be the first to admit if I was, because before my 20s I seeked out professional help on my own to overcome some lingering family issues and anxiety, I worked hard to overcome and I did. I won't let someone talk me into believing otherwise. A lot of rambling (sorry) but really all I have the urge to do is share with others and hear other stories. I'm just so disheartened by the medical system it's difficult for me to trust. I wish I could help all of you out there suffering but I don't know enough about this to give any feedback :( thanks for letting me ramble!

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