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Personal considerations for surgery

Sat, 08/11/2018 - 20:04
Hi! I am trying to understand the pros and cons that people have considered while trying to decide whether to go through with epilepsy surgery or not. Not the pros and cons your doctor would state but your personal ones. I would appreciate if you could share your experience! Thanks!

Comments

I am getting ready for

Submitted by Terri Pajares on Fri, 2018-10-19 - 10:56
I am getting ready for surgery at this time.  My first surgery is scheduled for November 5th to pinpoint the focal point and then about 4 to 5 days later, I am having the surgery to actually take the area in the brain responsible for seizures out.  I am having surgery for the possibility of being seizure free.  I have intractable left temporal lobe epilepsy.  I have tried so many medications. I have not been able to drive in about 13 years.  Not being able to go to sporting events for your kids, not being able to drive, not being able to go get something at a store on your lunch break, and mostly losing your independence.  I was told by my doctor that I will lose some bilateral vision.  At this time, I do not have any short term memory, I think one word and a different word comes out of my mouth.  I cannot pronounce words anymore.  To me the surgery is worth it.  My seizures have gotten worse as I have gotten older.  I want my quality of life to improve, not go downhill.  I know that my seizures start from around the language and short term memory region but for me the surgery is worth the try.  In the end, you have to make the decision. But I do believe having seizures gets worse over time so if surgery is an option, I would say go for it.  

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