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xtortu...
xtortu...

I'm New and have questions

Hey everyone,

My name is Shannon and My Dad had 3 Grand Mal Seizures Monday it was the first time he'd ever had them me and my mom thought he was dying when he had his first one he started screaming, and his arms and legs siiffened out, and his eyes rolled back in his head, and he got cold and clammy, and blowing bubbles like out of his mouth and he passed out (that was just the first one) my Mom called 911 and our friends Benny and Mike helped us take him to the living room and the emts came. Dad is still in the hospital he wants to come home soon, don't get me wrong I want him to be here more than anything, But me and mom are so scared that he'll have more he stopped breathing once already. My Dad has had a eeg done and other test done yesterday. What I'd like to know is do you all think my Dad will be able to live a normal life? Will he need help doing daily things? What kind of medacine are you all on and does it help? I am so worried I'm sick with worry and I don't know what to do? I have been praying that he'll be alright any help would be wonderful.

God Bless,

Shan & Tracy

By xtortu... at Tue, 02/26/2008 - 10:48pm | 413 views | 15 comments

Recent Comments on this Discussion

  I've had seizures every since I returned from Saudi Arabia.  Now I'm on medicine and have changed them several times in order to better control them.  Anyway, let me assure you that your dad's life will change.  First of all he cannot drive or operate heavy equipment for six months without seizures.  It is illegal and he can be placed in prison if he kills someone while driving a car.  Your father should become familiar with FEMA to know his rights so if he has a seizure and cannot go to work.  Just for your imformation a lot of people on FEMA have been given a lot of harassment because of President Bush signing a law to make changes to the FEMA.  However, there is a bill in the congress which is attempting to change the damages done so your father will better utilize it.  At work they may be wanting reports from your father about any equipment he may operate or if he can safely work there now.  Anyway, don't let people tell you that it is going to be peaches and cream.

JIM SILL

Shannon,

It is possible for your dad to live a normal lifestyle and to do daily activities. My dad has epilepsy and he hasn't a gran mal seizure in 27 years! You wouldn't even know that he has epilepsy if he didn't tell you. He drives and does everything like everybody else does. If you don't mind me asking, how did your dad's EEG go? It's normal to be worried and I am very sorry that you had to witness your dad's seizure. I can imagine that was very traumatizing for you and your family. I hope that I was able to help you out somewhat.

I really wish you, your dad and the rest of your family the best of luck!

sardarbur

hi im 12 i have epilepsy my mom says seziures seem likee forever but i wish you best of luck. i think your dad will learn to live with it i have and im only 12 :). he might need help sometimes it depends. im on lamictal and it does help. just think postiive bout everything :) i know it seems impossible but you and your family memebers will learn to live with this like me and my family did best of luck god bless

                                     -brittany :D

britta...

Ok I am totally searching for answers....my soon to be 7 year old son had an 'episode' on Saturday where his right side of his face became numb and he couldn't talk.  Took him to our pediatrician she said not too worry, probably a fluke, he's healthy, we'll just order an MRI and do it in a few days.  I was comforted by this.  Then today I got a call from my son's school....they said not only did the right side of his face become numb and he was drooling but his arm and hand were also paralyzed.  I rushed him to the ER and did an MRI which came back completely normal except for a minor sinus infection.  I am waiting for our pediatritian to call with a referral for a nueurologist.  Does this sound like epilepsy to you?  I can't believe our seeminly 100% normal boy is having these issues all of a sudden.  Thanks for your experience and knowledge in this area.  I am in prayer for each of you to find health for you and your loved ones. Many thanks--Nicholas's mom

amandal

You may already have answers since you posted in November.  My son had pretty much the same symptoms and he was bdiagnosed with benign rolandic epilepsy.  Did you get that same diagnoses and how is your son doing?

Wiggie

Hi Shannon,

I am Carolynn and I can relate to you as my dad is an epileptic as well.  I just lost my brother to SUDEP also.  It has been very hard.  My dad lives a pretty normal lifestyle, he has been taking phenobarb and delantin and they seem to work for him.  He knows when he is going to have a seizure, so he knows to go lay down.  Although, he doesn't have them very often, I am always afraid that he will have one.  I have witnessed my brother having them several times and they are absolutely terrifying.  My brother could never get them under control.  Don't be alarmed though, SUDEP is very rare is seems to affect high risk patients.  If you want to talk I am available.  My prayers are with you. 

Carolynn

caroly...

david59       Hi Shannon,   I am 49 and had my first TC (grand mal) a year and half ago while in bed early in the morn. Scared my wife terribly. I of course dont remember a thing. You have witnessed probably the worst, so stay calm and dont be afraid. All three of you will have different perspectives of what will come. You should read as much as you can stand about this subject, but do NOT be alarmed at what you may see. Give the doctors time. Medications will be the most important way to get control right away I would guess. There are many types and they all have restrictions and side effects. They are very important to follow and keep track of. This is where you can help most maybe. Remind him when to take his pills, start a notebook for information, be patient while you all adjust. Most of all, he would love to see you keep smiling. His, and your, lives will be different, but then our lives change every day, dont they?  This is a great place to talk to many caring, informed people. I am new here also, so you will never be alone. Ask many questions, even though there may seem to be no answers. After a while , get your dad on here too. It is very easy to get overwhelmed wiyh information and emotions, so take some time to settle down. Then, let us know how you all are doing. Oh, and give your mother hugs too. We are here for you all.

david 59

Hi David, Nice to meet you. After my Dad had his TC he didn't remember anything either. I bet your wife was scared when you got sick, it is scarey to see someone you love sick and you can't do anything to help them. I've been reading a lot on this message board. My Dad is home now he came home last week, and yesterday he went back to the doctors the doctor put him on Keppra Dad is still taking the Dilantin so far he hasn't had anymore seizures, I'm worried he may have another if he stops taking the Dilantin and starts taking Keppra? Keep us in your prayers. hugs to you and your wife.

xtortu...

Hi Shannon,

I know how scary it can be to not have any control over your body and feel helpless. I was diagnosed when I was 14 years old and I am 22 now and I still struggle with it. However, I can proudly say that I am leading a normal life - attend university, full  social life and everything, and the only real alteration I found is remembering to take the medication. As long as you support your father and your mother, things will work out. I found the more my family understood my condition, the better everything was. Do your best to become informed, but if your father asks to have some space, let him have it as everythinig is new and scary to him as well. Don't overcrowd him or watch him like a hawk- from personal experience that is the most aggravating thing ever.

sparkplug

Its very encouraging to see you are doing and feeling well.  My son had his first grand mal at 15 where we found out he was born an epileptic and it kicked in by puberty.  Hes 19 now, on lamictal, in college but not really accepting of it.  He's not in a happy, accepting place yet, but we are working on it.  Its nice to hear you've done well and are happy.  Only the best to you. Thank you for sharing*

joan*

Live, Laugh, Love

dainty

Hey Sparkplug, Nice to meet you. I hope the doctors can get your seizures under better control. Me and my mom remind Dad to take his meds every morning. When Dad first come home we watched him like a hawk But I understand he needs space and I realize it will take sometime for life to get back to normal again But I'm sure in due time it will hugs.

xtortu...

Shannon and Tracy,

Your father's doctor's need to diagnose him, then decide on a course of action for him...as in why did he have those seizures-what the test results are, before they can determine if he needs medication or some other form of treatment.

Many people with seizures live normal lives, my husband has had epilepsy for over 35 years, we have been together for over 25 years, have 2 great kids, and are expecting our first grandchild here soon...in April. There are things that we have learned to avoid that are triggers for his seizures, but his seizures are largely controlled by his medications, and we are just careful to make sure he gets enough rest, as little stress as possible, takes his meds. I would say we have a fairly normal life....

It sounds like your dad had a gran mal seizure (they are called Tonic Clonic seizures now or t/c's). That is the same type my husband has, and yes they are very scary to see, especially for the first time, second time.... you learn to help him not hurt his head, never hold him down during the seizure, keep him safe when the seizure is over because there is a period of time just after when he seems awake, but he's kinda not there yet. There are things you can learn to help him. But first let the doctors help him.

Right now, the best thing you could probably do for your dad is to love him, reassure him, support him emotionally. Your mom is going to need that love and support too.

I know it's a lot to deal with. There is no way to answer all your questions until his doctors find out what is what... and you will get a lot of answers from the doctors. Write your questions down, it's hard to remember when you are talking to the doctor...

This is a great community of caring people, who are more than willing to lend you support and share their experiences, but the best answers are with the doctors.

I hope you dad comes home soon, please let us know how he is and what the doctors determined. You don't say how old you are, so I will offer some mother type advice....don't be afraid of your dad... love him, help him, but don't make him an invalid if he isn't one.

All kinds of people live with seizures every day, it is possible. You will find a whole lot of them here... with a lot of different stories to tell. There are many types of seizures, many reasons for them, many medications and other treatments, no one person has the same seizure experience as the other, medications react differently in each person, but in the end, they are still people-who just happen to have seizures.

Good luck and best wishes to your family, I hope he is able to come home soon.

Kathy

kathyc

Hey Kathy, Nice to meet you. Dad came home last week, and yesterday he went back to the doctors for a check-up the doctors said he had a Tonic Clonic seizure and they put him on some new meds called Keppra. I'm worried that the doctor is switching the meds too soon because he just started taking Dilantin last week But doctors know better than I do I guess... I just hope he doesn't have another I'll keep you updated on how me and my family are doing. I bet you are excited for your grandchild to be born do you know if it will be a boy or a girl? Keep me updated ok? hugs and God Bless you and your family.

xtortu...

hi shannon,

sorry i didn't get back to you since your last post...it took me awhile to figure out how to keep in touch with people who i had responded to their blogs.  first off.. how is your dad?  how are his meds working out?  how are you doing? and your mom?

our grandson was born in april, just 1/2 an hour before his grandpa's birthday!!  he weighed 9 lbs and is just a cutie!  he is 6 1/2 months old now, with a tooth just about to pop!  our daughter has returned to college and our son is in university, english literature major.  my husband is doing well, as i hope your father is.

please forgive me for the length of time it took to talk to you again.  please let me know how you all are doing.

kathy

kathyc

Hi Shannon!  I just wanted to let you know I was diagnosed with epilepsy 3 1/2 years ago.  I had my first seizure when I turned 23 and had been married for 3 months.  I also have Tonic Clonic seizures.  I have been on several different medications, and I have been taking Keppra for a year and half.  I love it!  Don't be concerned with the doctors changing his medicine.  There are a few they have to ween you on and off, but for the most part they can change them at a moments notice if one isn't working.  I know it is scary for my husband to see me have a seizure, and I remember very little about anything that happened before or after so believe me when I say it is difficult to be a family member of someone with epilepsy. I agree with what everyone else has said on here.  The more you know what to do when one comes on the better off you will be, and it will help your dad to acclimate too.  This is something that you can live a normal life with and there is no reason to be concerned.  I will keep you and your family in my prayers through this time as it is an adjustment.

 

 

~Cynthia

Cynthi...

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