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Had First Seizure The End OF October 06
Wed, 12/06/2006 - 08:25Topic: New to Epilepsy.com
Hi All!
I am a 51 yr. old woman and had my first seizure here at my home the 3rd week of October. My husband took me to the ER and they did an EEG...nothing showed up at first, but they did observe my first seizures. I just blanked out for a about a minute or so and could not communicate, nor did I hear if anyone was trying to communicate with me. They admitted me and their protocal is to get you on video for a day or so, along with EEG's. Mine progressed into grand mal seizures. After 5 days, I was sent home on Dilantin, 200 mg. twice a day. I still feel very frightened. I called the doctor and told him that I still always felt like one was right on the cusp of coming....his answer..."call me if you have another one". I was not happy with that remark at all. My GP gave me some Xanax and thank God, even though I know its dangerous to take, it does get rid of that constant feeling that one is one the way. My doctor said that seizures in midlife can be brought on my anxiety and stress. I do have plenty of anxiety and stres in my life. All I know is that I never want to have another seizure as long as I live. They are the most frightening things that I have ever been through.
Pam:)
Comments
Re: Re: Had First Seizure The End OF October 06
Submitted by brgnshpr1 on Wed, 2006-12-06 - 14:51
I had my first seizure when I was 4, all I remembered of that one was waking up in the ambulance. I didn't have one for 21 years, and had another one just this past June. I was at work, in the middle of speaking at a meeting and when I came to I was on the floor. I couldn't remember what happened, but luckily in the meeting was a retired RN, so she knew exactly what to do. I felt the same way, didn't want to take the meds, so weaned off the Keppra they had put me on. Then about a month ago, the headache in the back of my head came back and by day 4, I went back to the neuro. He said yes, probably another seizure coming on, so put me back on the Keppra, and added Lamictal. Both of my seizures were grand mal. I hate the meds, too. I feel tired and somewhat doped up, but it is better than the alternative. I am lucky that I have a great support group in my family and my co-workers. You will be fine, there are a lot worse things out there. Just keep the hope.
Re: Re: Re: Had First Seizure The End OF October 06
Submitted by MsPam313 on Thu, 2006-12-07 - 11:56
Thank you, brgnshpr1! That must have been a frightening experience. Thankfully, that RN was there and recognized what was going on with you. See, I wish my doc would add a back up epilepsy med. Just for that added security! I think I scared my husband and 24 yr. old son half to death. My husband was asleep when I woke him and said that something was wrong and that I suspected seizures (I am a Paramedic)...he wasn't real receptive when I woke him up, then its like the light went on and they kept coming more frequently and harder ones and we took off to the ER. Then like you and Strat, you find yourself in a CT scanner or an MRI machine and totally confused. Half knowing why you are there and half not. Even as recent as my stay was, I am confused about much of it. Don't remember visitors...or who the docs were and there were a bunch.....had a great male nurse.....what an experience. You are right, there are worse things. Guess we all need to just keep the hope!
Pam:)
Re: Had First Seizure The End OF October 06
Submitted by Stratovarius65 on Wed, 2006-12-06 - 10:51
Hey Pam, there aint nothing like the first one baby .. mine started at 34 in the middle fo a club, one minute I am partying with my friends and the next minute I am in the cscan machine in the hospital. For me each seizure is different and in all honesty I hated taking meds that deal with my noodle, so I tossed the dilantin in the trash and just told them that I was taking it, I have had a few over the years, but just mainly when I let my body get run down, no sleep for days, out all night, not eating properly, not staying hydrated, etc.... I have had two while driving and now I take the meds, but I hate it. Don't let it freak you out too badly, for one if you die during a seizure you will never know it and secondly always remember it is very hard on the people who care for you to see it happen. I would use the meds though and if you have insurance definately be a routine visitor at a doctors office so they can monitor you. In any case, best of luck to you, hopefully it is just a one time thing related to stress or some other freaky thing.