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myoclonic seizures, how to cope
Tue, 10/21/2014 - 17:53Topic: New to Epilepsy.com
Hello, my name is Sarah. I'm a combat veteran. I suffered a horrible assault. As a result, upon returning home, I began to use meth. I'm clean and sober today, 3 months. Unfortunately, I've suffered a rare complication. I now have myoclonic seizures. They are increasing in severity. The longer I'm sober, the worse they get. I have them almost constantly. Some are so severe, that I look like I belong in an exorcist movie. My doctor has me on 1800mg of gabapebtin along with 10mg of propranolol. I also take 20mg of citralopan. I have an appointment with neurology tomorrow, for further testing. My question is how does one go out in public without humiliating oneself? Today, I was at the VA and had a man come up to me and ask what happened to me. I asked why. He said because you twitch and jerk. I'm just curious why. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
P.S. please don't harass me about my drug use. I know that I did this to myself. I'm being myself up constantly, so I don't need anyone else to do it for me. I made a horrible mistake and I'm paying for it. I just want to know how to cope with it. Thank you.
Thank you for your service.
Submitted by just_joe on Fri, 2014-10-24 - 10:02
Thank you for your service. We have all made mistakes and are paying for them so we try not to judge people. The stigma does enough and we are trying to get rid of the stigma. As Mereloaded posted the meds oyu posted are not seizure medication. Please for your own safty tell the neurologist all the medications you are taking includin the over the counter meds. I say that because a medication for one thing can counter a medication for another. If you are given a RX for meds then be sure to take them correctly. @ times a day is the dosages are generally 12 hours apart. There are triggers which need to be checked and they need to be checked. Oh and not all triggers are listed. Also know that a trigger for one person may not be a trigger for all. In your visit do ask questions. Are these seizures? Are they the only type of seizure I can have? Which medications will control them? any question you have needs to be asked. That way the neurologist knows you want this under control. If meds are prescribed you will probably have another visit in a month or two. That way he can check on how the meds are working. At that time the dosage may be increased or decreased which will help with controlling your seizures. I do hope this helps and you do get the assistance you need