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Newbe here T.L.E. and the Vagus Nerve Stim
Wed, 10/11/2006 - 01:59Topic: New to Epilepsy.com
Hi Folks my name is Wes Im 31 and have lived with E sence 1994.I have the Grand-mal type of Sezures.I don't have them often thank God but there BAD when I do REAL Bad.I am awful with my grammer so please overlook it.I had one sezure in 1994 then I was sezure free until Nov of 1998.I was leaving work and hopped on I-75 going to school well the Next thing I know I am hurting crying for my Moma and in a Ambulance.I was informed that I hit a telephone pole doing about 120 M.p.h. it caused a chain reaction of a wreck but thank god Nobody died.I Broke my Back,All my ribs,and lost my leg above the knee the left leg.I guess God was lookin out for me that day because I should be dead thats what they told me.I Take Depakote 500 Mg and I have a Vagus Nerve thing in my chest.The Docs tried to take me off the Depakote and well Big Sezure.I can live E and having one leg is a pain but I do have a cool leg so it could be worse.The thing is the Depression is sucking the life out of me.It just seems ever sence I got on Depakote my depression has gotten worse.Is this Normal feeling this way.My Dad is so orgainized and he is head of this board and Director for that and goes all over the world on trips and works out everyday and I cant even get out of bed in the Afternoon and keep my room clean.Is there any meds out there that work?That dont Suck your life away.............
Comments
Re: Newbe here T.L.E. and the Vagus Nerve Stim
Submitted by marycafe on Wed, 2006-10-11 - 08:33
I had a seizure while driving the day before my driving exam. Thank god it didn't end up a big wreck. My passenger used the emergancy break and I was really lucky. It's really good that you look at it in a more positive/what can I learn from this all way. I don't know what the V.N.S. feels like but it sounds kinda funny. I have taken all the meds though. Keppra made me feel like I couldn't get up, and depakote was helpful but changed my seizures to a scarier type and made me gain wieght sort of abnormally. I have found a good mix in Dilantin and a little Topamax, (topamax- is what seems to have diminished the grand mals), I just have to brush and floss because dilantin will cause Gum overgrowth and disease. I got siezures when I was 6 and no one ever found out why. They have ranged from tiny to hyperventilating and screaming ones. Not being legally able to drive is a real drag, (depending on people sucks). I think that when I help people I feel better despite my lack of independace and poor self esteem. I like to help disabled people or keep elderly company and especially take time to goof around with children with busy parents. These things make me feel normal and of importance in a world where if you don't have or look a certain way you don't fit in. It's nice to read about everyone here and know I'm not the only one with a life greatly altered by epilepsy. Good Luck, "Siezure Free", Mary
Re: Newbe here T.L.E. and the Vagus Nerve Stim
Submitted by Lights Out on Wed, 2006-10-11 - 06:06
Hi wes, I can't comment on new meds, but I might be able to offer a suggestion on what you can do about the depression. When I get bummed out about my condition, I think about my passion. And I lose myself in college football for a few hours. Whether it's breaking down game film or handicaping next weeks games, or putting together a 1st round mock draft for the 2007 NFL draft or looking at the 2 deep roster for the OSU Buckeyes. That is what I do because I love college football. What is your passion? You said your dad works out. Why don't you put together a sweet workout plan for him and give him a workout and nutrition journal so he can record what he does. Then he can share his progress with you. If that's not your bag, find something that is, and get it done. It will take up time and take your mind off of things. And at the end, you will have something tangeble you can show for your time spent. Good luck!