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Baby on the Way
Tue, 01/14/2020 - 00:25Hey everyone. First post. I’ll spare you the backstory, but to clarify I have juvenile myoclonic epilepsy...my wife does not. She is carrying our unborn child though. I have many concerns, but the biggest one is SLEEP. Or lack thereof. The number one thing I keep hearing about all things pregnancy related is that we won’t be sleeping for roughly the next year at a minimum. This is a MAJOR concern because my last several grand mal seizures have been triggered by lack of sleep. It’s a major trigger for me. NyQuil gave me a horrible grand mal before I realized I couldn’t take it. Does anyone have any tips that might help me survive? Tks.
Hi, Thank you for posting and
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2020-01-14 - 09:38
Hi, Thank you for posting and congratulations on expecting your first child! We know this is a very exciting time, but we do understand your concerns. It’s important to remember that you are not alone, and we are here to help support you. It’s also important that you’re following- up with your healthcare team to address your concerns further and if you experience any changes in seizure types, frequency, behaviors, side effects and symptoms, to determine what individual treatment plan is best for you. A key part of managing epilepsy is knowing how it can affect a person's independence and day-to-day needs. Visit our independent living pages here: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/independent-living to learn more about resources that are available & when help is needed. Parents who have just had a baby will have disturbed sleep (interrupted or not enough sleep), extra work and stress -- and for some people with epilepsy these factors can increase the risk of seizures. Review our safety tips to consider & the importance of having a support system in place: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/women/epilepsy-and-pregnancy/after-baby-born https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/special-populations/men-and-epilepsy For additional tips for managing triggers visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/managing-your-epilepsy/managing-seizure-triggersYou may want to consider keeping a journal or diary. My Seizure Diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryis a great tool for identifying & tracking seizures, setting reminders, managing medications & side effects, setting reminders, recording medical history, moods, behaviors, triggers, and other personal experiences, that may affect seizures and wellness, which can be shared with your healthcare team.Review our seizure alert device factsheet with your doctor, to see if a seizure alert device is an option for you: https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/DAS100_Seizure_Alert_Devices_09-2018_FINAL2.pdfAdditionally, you may always contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000 contactus@efa.org, where a trained information specialist can connect you to resources, provide referrals and additional support.epilepsy.com/helpline Or contact your local Epilepsy Foundation at: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates to find support groups, events, and programs in your community.