Just Diagnosed

I too suffer from complex partial seizures due to a car accident in 1982 where I injured my brain. Possible expectations based on my experience have been migraines, short-term memory loss, mini-seizures (absence--unable to control verbal communication for about 15 secs. to a minute or two) sometimes frequent as twice a week.....it all depends on how physically or mentally stressed out I am....and the occasional grand mal (once every two years) brought on by extreme metabolic stress (dehydration from working out in the sun too long, lack of sleep, lack of correct nutrition). The trick is to be able to recognize what your symptoms are (you'll come to learn they're very personal and there are so many variations that even the docs don't have them all down). Learn the precursory signs of an oncoming seizure and let someone you trust that's with you a lot know what to expect. There are times when I think I'm fine, but my wife says I'm about to have a seizure.Journal seizures (if you can).....their frequency, the precursory symptoms and actual activity (clawing of right hand for example). This helps if you want to seek formal medication or legal financial assistance (American Disabilities Act, Social Security, etc.).I live in a state where medical marijuana is legal and I am under a doctor's recommendation and considered a licensed patient. I never thought I'd ever do drugs, but have had to see this as a viable option due to the fact that my seizure medications along with my other prescribed conventional medications have drastic side effects that I've found are intolerable. The use of an oral tincture at the onset of precursory symptoms eleviates intensity of a seizure and shortens its duration. Plus my body is no longer subjected to the unpleasant side effects of conventional prescriptions. Please understand that this a statement of my life experience and in no one implies, suggests or recommends that anyone else do anything that is illegal or unethical in their circumstances. All I am suggesting is that you become an active advocate in your own healthcare: question everything, ask for every test there is available to you, be informed of everything out there that can help your situation. I learned a new discipline for myself: sleeping between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. (as a healing hormone is generated at that time.....see Dr. Lorraine Day, M.D., internet); hydrate yourself (stay away from caffeine--coffee, tanic acid--black tea wherever possible) drink good filtered water....not the stuff out of plastic bottles (that's a whole different story regarding plastic leaching that is conducive to cancer....check out the MLM distributors like Amway on the internet); stay away from red meat and prepackaged food: boost consumption of organically-grown foods (buy the best juicer on the market....Jack LaLane has one), take nutritional supplements (don't buy the stuff on the shelves...learn about Kinesiology and how to test yourself and your personal needs, go to www.testyourself.info online); look at alternate ways to control migraines, pain and boost physical health through magnetics (see The Weintraub Report 5/5/2003 issue - Archives of Physical Medicine re: relief from diabetic peripheral neuropathy using magnet insoles; visit Nikken site online). Since I've taken control of my healthcare, I feel in control now and I'm working to keep it that way. I have had one major seizure in two years (brought on by my own stupidity..... worked 8 hours in a hot attic without taking breaks to eat or drink). Thank providence that you're alive! You were so very lucky to have survived. My advice to you is: Get on with life, be the best you can, love and enjoy those in your world and don't be afraid to relish everything that comes your way....including the scary bits. That's what it's all about....right! Good luck and I hope that my sharing helps in some small way.

Keep your chin up, Sweetie!I have "complex partial seizure temporal-lobe epilepsy" as the result of a head injury. I have medications to control my seizures, EXCEPT just before I menstruate!I would like to tell you .. . . document your seizures in a "Daily Journal." There are mood disorders that CAN be part of an "Epilepsy" diagnosis. The better your records are, the better the medical community will be able to help you.The reason that I'm telling you this is because: As women age their Epilepsy can be provoked by a change in the hormones associated with "Menstruation" (getting your "period.")BELIEVE ME, KNOWING THIS INFORMATION B E F O R E YOU HAVE YOUR (?) MID-LIFE CRISIS IS PARAMOUNT.Note - From a "mental health" standpoint - "Daily Journals are a healthy and productive tool in the practice of maintaining a positive aspect towards life."Note - Ask your health care representative, or use "the Web," for information regarding the relationship between "Epilepsy" and "Memory.""Woman" to "Woman", trust me on this one! Christine - Don't you love sunny days :) :) Smile, "Life" is GREAT ! ! Have fun, enjoy yourself !