Everyday problems with Epilepsy

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Comment by Carlton Zeigler 6 hours ago

Cami

Whereas you have right temporal lobe epilepsy, you are rather susceptible to fluctuating emotions.  The RTL is the emotional center of the brain. Other variables are, the size of your seizure focus, its precise location, and the path of its discharge.  You will require much testing to determine these things, but the information could be extremely useful in your treatment.

Your depression can also be a result of RTL epilepsy.  There is a type of depression that is particular to people with epilepsy.  This is called "Post Ictal Depression".  It is a rather debilitating form.  Unfortunately most epilepsy medications worsen this depression  In 2010, the FDA required virtually all epilepsy drugs to add "depression" to labels.  at this time, they also required all doctors treating epilepsy patients to inquire about the patients mental health at every visit.

I hope that you are seeing an Epileptologist" rather than a Neurologist.  Keppra can cause permanent liver damage.  This damage accumulates over time.  

How does your "Jamais Vu" manifest itself ?

Comment by Cami 7 hours ago

I was diagnosed with panic disorder in 1998 that would get really bad about every two years. Learned to live/cope with "panic" and yet most symptoms would still peak about every two years. This spell started in Nov. 2010.  I also got vertigo and vestibular issues a year ago and was eventually diagnosed with basilar migraines, which symptoms can mimic partial seizures and sometimes complex partials. Started seeing my neuro beginning of this year. He believes I have basilar migraines but also ordered an EEG which showed abnormal activity in the right temporal lobe. Migraine meds don't seem to be very effective for me but anticonvulsants have worked, so for the neuro that, the abnormal EEG and feelings of jamais vu confirm e. Not so sure myself. I am better now, about two episodes a day and they last less. Before I was out of it the whole day, every day. Not exaggerating. Keppra has helped lift the fog. I can think. Still dealing with the migraines (last about 8-10 days) and with daily episodes but I can recover quicker from them so I have moments where I feel normal every day. There are moments when I get really depressed and discouraged, don't get me wrong, but I am trying to see the positive as much as I can and enjoy the good in life.

Comment by Carlton Zeigler 9 hours ago

Cami

When were you diagnosed?  What kind of epilepsy do you have?  What is your seizure frequency?  It is good that you have a support system in your life.  You seem very charitable in your thoughts, you'll certainly find additional support here.

Comment by Cami 12 hours ago

I'm new to the label of e, but I've been dealing with the same issues for the past 20 years. The past year and several months have been difficult. I've never had a "spell" last this long or be this intense. I've had many dark depressive weeks this time around and very little to give to others during those darkest of times. However I try to never lose sight, even at my worst, that my problems don't only affect me, but those around me as well. And honestly, I try to kiss butt and be understanding of those who have stood by me and supported me during these difficult times. Even if I am the one dealing with e (and basilar migraines), the people who care about me and stand by me  have it hard as well. They are willing to pick up the slack when I can do no more. I have learned to bite my tongue and count to 10, just like Allen said, because no one, absolutely no one, has to put up with my crap. Ultimately, it is my crap and my problems, so I need to learn to live with them as best as I can and cause as little inconvenience as possible to those who do support me (which, when you can't drive at all, and can't sporadically on a daily basis  communicate, control your moods, take care of your small children, be a loving wife and friend, etc., is a big thing indeed). 

Comment by Allen Rossner 13 hours ago

Cassndra...the short temper could be the meds, or just an overall problem related to your E. I have to keep reminding myself to count to ten before I respond to something "I" may not like, cause I too have lost a great freind; can't even remember what was said, but he responded, "That was F*CKING rude!", hung up, and has yet to speak to me.

Comment by Kari Lynne Brauer 23 hours ago

We all have choices to make. how we wake up in the morning, how we go through our days. We can make excuses for all kind of reasons. But if we know the real truth, we can always come back to it and start fresh and new.

Comment by Pat R. Bruce yesterday

Charles, I understand. I have had it. My seizures are better than a ffew years ago,but I still can't drive , E helped end my career think I'm losing my kids cause they've had enough. I can go on and on , but you get the picture. I think God is allowing this to happen , but I do believe it's for some reason. I'm trying to take my meds a little later in the day now...just a couple hrs. Figure I'll give it a shot. I wish I could drive again and be free. Atleat I've found a new doctor. I'm very depressed, but I still have hope. God gave me amiracle a couple yrs. ago when my career was almost over.know he's there for me.

Comment by Cassandra Chartraw yesterday

Thanks everyone. I'm having a very bad week. Today I hung out with my friend mike and I snapped at him about something so stupid I can't even remember what it was and for the rest of the day he wouldn't talk to me. I said sorry and tried to explain but he wouldn't even look at me. I hate this stupid life.

Comment by Carlton Zeigler yesterday

Casi

If you are causing people worry, it is because they love and care about you.  People who don't care, would never worry.

My local chapter, of the foundation, sponsors support groups all over  my state.  They also sponsor groups just for teens, and groups especially for those who have had, or are considering, epilepsy surgery.  They even have an "Art Therapy" group.  Your local chapter may be worth checking out despite your distance.  

Please give it a shot.  Our moods shift with the days, and we remain.  Know that tomorrow brings something new.  These are truisms on which you can rely.

Carlton 

Comment by Tony Murray yesterday

If you try looking through this site and others you may find people in your area that also have epilepsy. I myself have found several that way,including Carlton.

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