Hello I think I may be epileptic

[Rita68]

I have another question. I have an excess of saliva. Does this happen with epilepsy? I just have a really watery mouth and it's bugging me along with the million other complaints. It's only started since the seizure that I had a week ago.

[epileric]

I have another question. I have an excess of saliva. Does this happen with epilepsy? I just have a really watery mouth and it's bugging me along with the million other complaints. It's only started since the seizure that I had a week ago.

I've never had excessive saliva from seizures nor do I know it to be associated with seizures. Drooling during a seizures is a different issue though.

Is it possible that it's a side effect of medication?

[Rita68]

Hi there,
Thanks for all your information a few weeks ago. The past couple of weeks I've been getting tests - MRI and EEG. I just saw the neurologist today for the results.

In Australia it usually takes 2-3 months to get in to see one! Which is ridiculous!

I managed to get in on a cancelation to see someone today.

He said I have sclerosis of the hippocampus and that I have temporal lobe epilepsy. I have not wanted to take the tegretol that he prescribed me because I'm breast-feeding and also the potential side-affects sound awful. BUT I am a single mother living alone with her two year old and I can't risk having another seizure.

These dejavu things I have been having for the past 20 years are connected obviously. I guess I'm lucky I didn't have seizures earlier. I feel in my heart of hearts its the stress and lack of sleep that have brought the seizures on. The doc believes that even if I look after my health I could still have seizures in the future.

So I took my first pill tonight. Sigh!

He said that sclerosis of the hippocampus affects your memory. I have been so worried about my memory the past few years. I thought maybe breastfeeing was the problem but I think maybe it's this. If I get introduced to someone, within 5 minutes I have forgotten their name.

So if you could tell me how you all manage on the drugs and if any of you have memory issues and how you cope with that it would be great.

Sorry about the long entry!

[neilB]

Hi Rita,

I was on tegretol for many years without any real issues. Memory is another topic all together! Long term memory is good, short term memory, not so good. I can relate to the trouble with names! It's kind of awkward when someone walks up and says "HI {add your name here} and you don't even know who they are, argh. All I can say is relax and enjoy the time with your 2 year old and don't worry about tegretol.

[scouser79]

Hi Rita
so sorry to hear about you are going through, I myself was only diagnosed 5 years ago at 26 which at first I found really hard to take in and I wanted to keep it to myself but fortunately I didn't and now my family and friends are amazing with me whenever I don't feel myself or I have a turn. my seizures are once again a little out of control at the moment but I suppose in a way you get used to it Inow know when most of my seizures are coming on and just get myself ready unfortunately the after effects are pretty rough the feeling sick and sore toungue but the way I look at it now is that there are far worse things out there that other people have to live with so my advice is tell your friends and family and stay positive!
I have 2 children aged 5 and 1 and when I have a turn now my 5 yr old actually helps out with me. Ihope you feel better really soon and get all the answers and help you need

[Nakamova]

Hi Rita --

Since you're just starting the meds, I recommend that you keep a journal to track any side effects or seizures or unusual sensations. The journal can also help you look for seizure triggers (like fatigue and stress) if you keep track of your sleep habits, diet/digestion, hormones, activities, etc. An added benefit is that it can help with your memory as well.

Since the hippocampus plays a role in memory encoding, you may well be vulnerable to memory-related problems. (As my mother says, her memory is fine, it's her "forgettery" that's problematic). There are a lot of strategies you can use to supplement your memory. Writing things down is one of them. Also having visual reminders -- post-it notes, large calendars -- and daily routines, brightly colored folders to store information, etc. Having friends call regularly can help. Listening to music while memorizing info can help. The more cues you have, the better.

[p59]

I know exactly how you feel. I had my first Grand Mal at work and did not know what was going on. Drove home and then went to the Hospital and the next day I was told the next day that my EEG was abnormal. Saw a neurologist and he confirmed that I had epilepsy. As stated earlier it is funny how it rears its ugly head. There is no history of E in my family but I was told that I could be a genetic carrier and when the circumstances were right then it could start which it has. One thing you can do is try to cut back on the stress in your life I have found that when I was stressed at my job I would have roughly 5-10 seizures a week now since in am in a different area I am down to maybe 2 a week if that.

[travel bug]

Hey Rita

It's so good to hear from you again, I've been wondering about what you found out at the neurologist's. I'm so glad it's not what you were worried about, but sclerosis of the hippocampus and temporal lobe epilepsy sounds challenging enough. I hope you are able to slow down a little and take care of yourself.

I thought I was super woman I think. I guess our bodies can only take this treatment for so long.

Like many single working moms, you ARE superwoman!, but even superwoman needs a little rest! I really admire all that you have been doing in your career and for your son, but you have to take care of your health.