Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Medication Issues

Wed, 09/18/2019 - 05:33
Hi all, Im a 26 year old male that has had Epilepsy since February 2016. I had my first seizure in work while a manager of burger king so as you can imagine this was in a kitchen with extremely dangerous equipment. From there I had to leave my job as well as hand in my drivers licence, causing additional stress, disappointment and loneliness for me. I can imagine it hasn't been easy for anybody in my house as I live with my parent, sisters and nieces. My seizures have varied from dropping in the kitchen at home, dropping in work, seizures in passenger seat of friends cars, in bathrooms and quite a lot while im asleep. All of which have no warnings, signals or potential auras Im aware of. I have had quite a few bad injuries from these unwarned seizures causing scars, stitches, glue, broken teeth and damaged jaw cartiladge. The latest seizure (1st September 2019) left me with 4 broken teeth that I have to get taken out or a root canal on and damaged jaw cartilidge leaving me on Penicillin antibiotics to reduce swelling and pain. Medication wise I was on 1500mg of Keppra twice a day aswell as 100mg Vimpat, I am being weaned off the Keppra by 500mg a day every 2 weeks but since the switch the seizure on 1st of September is the most extreme Ive had, turning blue in the face, bleeding from my nose and leaving extreme pain in my ribcage when taking deep breathes. Has anybody experienced any issues like this with medication reduction or would anybody be able to give me any information on what I can do to try and track seizures without warning. Any information at all is greatly appreciated as I feel like Epilepsy is starting to take over my life, limiting what I can do and also leaving my unable to drive and unstable employment due to employers not risking the chance. Thanks again, Wayne

Comments

Hi Wayne Oh my god pal you’ve

Submitted by Nic-87 on Tue, 2019-10-15 - 12:57
Hi Wayne Oh my god pal you’ve really been through the mill haven’t you?! I thought I’d had it bad :-) well...injury wise I burnt my leg with a cup of tea during a seizure which resulted in me having a skin graft which led to extra meditation which led to more seizures which I’m sure you have guessed led to further injuries! ;) Black eyes, egg heads, bruises here there and everywhere! Oh and failing down the stairs so many times I just do it now for quickness :-) I’ve bitten my tongue during seizures more times than I care to remember! I know how you feel mate it’s just awful. It feels like it takes over your life and its as if those around you just don’t understand. I also experienced what you mentioned with the Keppra medication which is why I’m no longer on it. I take Oxcarbazepine and another beginning with Z- sorry I can’t spell it! Lol.....I still experience strong double vision, dizzy spells, sickness, you name it due to the side effects. I’ve been absent from work so much I’m worried I will lose my job when my contract is reviewed in March but let’s see! I had 3 seizures at the bus stop last Monday which resulted in severe bruising on my knee and elbow and so far my boss has been understanding but some people really don’t understand. They can be quite ignorant about conditions like epilepsy. Unless you’ve been going through it it’s one of those things that you’ll never truly know how it can take over your life and cause massive changes. Thank god for websites like this where we can all offload and feel better knowing there are others going through the same thing....Just stay strong mate :-)

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.