Epilepsy

Sorry, OP.

I always think of Dostoyevsky. Can't answer your question, but I'm curious: did you get the euphoria before the seizure?

Sorry, R1, no euphoria. The first time, I was sitting at the computer, and the next thing I know it's an hour later and I've been taken by ambulance to the hospital. Second time, it was five in the morning, and my partner finds me on the bathroom floor in a seizure. I remember next to nothing about either instance. Both times were more traumatic for my husband than they were for me.

My boyfriend has non-epileptic seizures. Apparently, epilepsy is more easily controlled with meds. Than non-epileptic ones.

That’s all I know. Best of luck to you.

My brother had epilepsy as the result of childhood meningitis . OP, there are many great epilepsy organizations with resources on emerging treatments. Best of luck, sweetie.

Had it starting at 15 but I’ve since outgrown it. Yes, I was able to fully control the seizures with meds.

I have Janet Jackson to thank for causing mine

I was diagnosed with it in my 30's. Been through multiple medications over the years. Currently on Keppra which has been working really well. A rare side effect of it though is it can make you lose your temper and fly off the handle at others randomly, which I experience some times. My family and friends are aware of this though when I do that, so it's kind of funny.

I’m glad to read that you have a hubby, op.

I just started looking up natural remedies for you - I’ll let your doc do the official prescribing - and found this.

More...

I've stopped having seizures since Mary Hart is no longer on television.

OP, my brother developed epilepsy due to AIDS-related brain tumors when he was in his late 40s. Medication controlled his seizures for the most part, but he still had some nasty accidents when he did have seizures (no glass shower doors and no exposed metal bed frame). I have not a clue how it is trained, but he got a dog that recognized when a seizure was coming on and would start whining and walking back and forth next to him. I'd encourage you to consider getting one.

Thanks to all of you for your responses and concern.

R7, I'm on Keppra as well. Haven't had any side effects yet (other than perhaps a little drowsiness), but my doctor told my husband to keep an eye out for the mood swings. I'm not normally a moody person, so it may be an adjustment for him if it happens.

R12, I've only had two seizures in my life, so I'm hoping I don't have to go to the extreme of getting a service animal.

I have a close friend (female) who has epilepsy. She has a form of epilepsy called "complex partial". When she has a seizure she doesn't have any sort of fit, she sort of goes into a trance and starts smacking her lips. It will last from a few seconds to a minute or so and she comes out of it. She takes phenobarbital and one or two other drugs to control it. The seizures have decreased considerably since she retired from her long term high stress job.

Keppra has kept me seizure free for over a decade

OP, I developed epilepsy as an adult (temporal lobe/ partial complex) for no particular reason that doctors could find. After a few tries with unsuccessful medications, I have been seizure-free with Keppra and Lamictal for around 20 years. I’ve heard of Keppra rage, but can’t say I’ve experienced it: it’s a handy excuse if I ever do punch someone’s lights out! So it is possible to live with epilepsy with no symptoms at all. Natural remedies are all well and good but I will keep taking the tablets for life.

Anyone take the generic Keppra ? After 10 years I have to switch, my new health insurance won't cover the name brand

R17, it's actually the generic of Keppra that my doctor has me on. Seems fine so far.

I'm glad to hear that it's possible for the drugs to keep you seizure free indefinitely per your stories. Thanks for the encouraging words.

i almost developed the gin and clonic variety of seizures (withdrawal)

My sister-in-law developed alcholism induced epilepsy. After two seizures, the second of which landed her in the hospital/forced detox for a week, she has stopped drinking.

My mother has been one for 80 years. Things weren't great when I was a kid, but it's been pretty much completely controlled for decades now.

Just bumping this old thread I created 16 months ago. Have been seizure free for 8 months after finding the (apparently as of this moment) right mix of meds. Any other epileptic fellow DLers out there? Would love to hear your stories.