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.
Information
Fri, 12/29/2006 - 13:19Topic: New to Epilepsy.com
I've read a lot of stuff but this site has been the most informative for me but I have so many questions and concerns not addressed anywhere else.
My husband is 29 and had seizures from the time he was 12 until about 23. He was taking meds for a long while but when his insurance ran out, he stopped. And remarkably the seizures started to ebb in intensity and frequency. The last year he had them he went from very severe grand mal's to light seizures in his sleep. In March of 2000 he had his last one.
Then inexplicably about six months ago he had another grand mal. It was very violent but more so it was very disturbing to both of us. We thought they had gone away. Now again, just yesterday he had another. It wasn't as bad as the first but the stress and worry is just about to drive us both crazy.
I'm not sure how to help him, I'm not at all sure what to do. We don't have insurance right now but I got him an appointment at a local low cost clinic.
Is this kind of thing common? The seizures going away then coming back after so long of a time? I can tell he's scared but of course he's a man and wont admit it. I'm scared too. Does anyone know of any places I can get more information or does anyone have that kind of experience??
Comments
Re: Information
Submitted by josieb on Thu, 2007-01-04 - 08:23
Hi:
In response to your post, I wanted to let you know that although I never had grand mals (only complex & simple partials), mine did stop completely for a while and then returned. I have had epilepsy since about age 13 and they were finally pretty much controlled by only Dilantin around the age of 25 or so. For a period of just over two years (around age 35), I was only down to a very low level of Dilantin, but I went without having any seizures at all. Then, out of the blue, I just started having the seizures again - even more frequently. The doctors tried everything, first raising my Dilantin level and then adding on many other medications. Nothing worked. Another MRI then revealed a small tumor on my left temporal lobe. I had surgery in February 2006. The doctor really wasn't certain why I went so long without any - possibly because of the tumor growing. I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. There should be some type of assistance available so that he can see a physician, have the needed testing done and receive prescriptions. I wish you both good luck in trying to deal with this and getting it taken care of. Sincerely, Josie
Re: Information
Submitted by txrhb1 on Wed, 2007-01-03 - 21:58
Hi, I don't have any experience with seizures going away and then returning, but I do know it happens. There may be some folks on here that can give you some info on that. Prior to seeing the doctor, try to put together information such as exactly what happened during the seizure, any triggers that could have precipitated them (lack of sleep, extreme stress, etc.), any medications your husband is taking, etc. Anything at all that you can provide the doctors with can help with treatment and diagnosis. I know how stressful this must be for both of you. He is very lucky to have you as an advocate. Good luck in your quest for answers. ((( hugs ))), Barbie *************************************** "We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can fly only by embracing each other." -lucian de crescenzo