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Booked an Appointment

Mon, 07/01/2019 - 21:20
Hello, I must start by saying I have not been diagnosed with epilepsy, because I’m be never told anyone about my experiences. I first remember experiencing extreme fear and confusion at around age 11 (what I have since experienced again and have the ability to calmly evaluate and ponder) It started to happen regularly at around the age of 21. First of all I would have an immense feeling of euphoria (not in a good way) followed by a scarily vivid deja vu (always as someone is talking) still euphoric but fully aware, the person or recorded words will reach a end/peak and I know exactly what they will say, this will coincide with the euphoria wearing off and being replaced by a feeling of pure doom and lethargy. I am very foggy and of course anxious. This will happen several times in a day, but only for be day, it usually takes a couple of days for my mind to quiet and get back in to the full swing of things. This would happen for the duration on one day, once every few months or weeks (it varied) Between the ages of 32 and 38 (a month or 2 ago) it went away completely, but I have since have 2 occurrences, (which is devastating). A little more background. I have been to the Dr twice about this, but both times was sent away, the first Dr screwed up his face and asked if I’d been “searching the internet” The second said “sounds like epilepsy, but do you really want to go down that road?” Anyway, I’ve booked an appointment to see another Dr, for 2 reasons, 1: it’s come back and I’m worried, 2: I’m now married with 2 young kids... before I could just go to bed for 2 days and forget it’s happening, call in sick to work, watch a film, now I have responsibilities. So my questions are, do you think this sounds like partial seizures? Do you think they would try to take my drivers license away? And is it even worth trying to convince the dr to refer me to a neurologist ? Thanks for your time, Adam

Comments

I apologise for the spelling

Submitted by Adam1980 on Mon, 2019-07-01 - 21:29
I apologise for the spelling and incorrectly placed words, this phone LOVES autocorrect 

Adam,First I would say that

Submitted by birdman on Tue, 2019-07-02 - 09:21
Adam,First I would say that for one who has never been diagnosed you have a good vocabulary and knowledge about seizures.  I could see where the first doctor would ask if you had been searching the internet.But your good knowledge is no excuse for a good doctor to dismiss what you are experiencing or saying.  Your descriptions sound like partial seizures (today they refer to them as focal seizures without impaired awareness).  Maybe when you talk to your next doctor speak in simpler terms and don't diagnose yourself.  Just describe the symptoms that concern you and ask if these may be seizures.  Doctors will be less offended by this.If they do diagnose them as seizures I think it would depend upon which state you live in as to what reaction they would have on your driver's license.  Look it it up https://www.epilepsy.com/driving-lawsThe sensations you describe are hard to talk about.  I always felt foolish telling my doctors about them as a child.  Those two statements by the doctors who dismissed your experiences were awful.  I think it would be wise to talk to a neurologist just to get answers of what is going on.  The treatment they provide may help relieve it all with little or no side effects.  But it may not be a fast journey. 

Hi Adam1980,  Thanks so much

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2019-07-02 - 09:46
Hi Adam1980,  Thanks so much for sharing your story. We cannot determine if you’ve had partial seizures,or not so it’s very important that you continue to follow-up with your healthcare team to describes these episodes you’ve experienced and to determine what individual treatment plan is best for you. To help prepare for your upcoming appointment, visit:  https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/medical-historyhttps://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/pg2L_HealthCareVisits_09-2018.pdf For information regarding finding a specialist or a second opinion, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/find-epilepsy-specialist https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/you-and-your-healthcare-team/second-opinionshttps://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/you-and-your-healthcare-team Learn more about seizures & epilepsy here:https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/about-epilepsy-basics/what-happens-during-seizurehttps://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-seizureshttps://www.epilepsy.com/learn/about-epilepsy-basics/facts-about-seizures-and-epilepsy Additionally, you may also 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

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