Hello from So Cal

[Katie]

Just thought I'd finally introduce myself. I've been lurking the forum for a while.

I'm Katie, 22 years old and have had simple partial seizures when I was 10. I had one likely grand mal (I was alone, so we can't be sure) in 2003. It's the only one I've ever had. I saw a neurologist for my symptoms, but as my parent's were going through a nasty divorce, I was told they were pyschological. My migraines had always been diagnosed as sinus headaches.

Then one day, 11 years later, I found this forum. Then I went to a neurologist. He told me I definitely had migraines, and gave me Maxalt which has worked wonders. I had an EEG that was very abnormal. I was initial put on Keppra XR, but I have GAD and it made my anxiety a million times worse. Now I'm on 100mg of Lamictal XR. I am not seizure free, but am 80% better. I am going to see my neurologist in a few weeks to possibly increase the dose.

Anyway, I'm going to school to be a vet tech, but will also finish my bachelor's in operations management in December. I love animals and dog training, I'm a nutrition junkie for both humans and animals, and I love learning. I am hoping to eventually go into veterinary critical care/trauma and/or neurology.

So now I can lurk, and you can know who I am

[daisy.girl]

Welcome Katie!!

[Nakamova]

Hi Katie, welcome!

Now that you're official, we can show you the secret CWE handshake...

Since you're a nutrition junky you have probably read here about the benefits some members have experienced by modifying their diets. I hope you feel free to chime in with feedback, as well as any questions you may have.

Best,
Nakamova

[Katie]

Thanks to you both for the welcome

I'm actually hoping to learn more than I can add. I have always tried to eat healthy, but I have never given thought to epilepsy and nutrition. Since I just recently found out I am epileptic, I'm very interested in learning about how eating the right foods (and avoiding the wrong) can help!

I've learned a lot from here already. The most unhealthy thing in my diet is diet soda (about one or two a week). I've been trying to stop, because of the Aspartame, so I can use all your help here, haha.

[huskymom]

Hi Katie and welcome!

Working with animals sounds so wonderful! Keep up the great work, sounds like you are going to be a great vet!!

[skillefer]

LOL...Hi Katie! I'm also in soCal! Hope you enjoy the site! I have found it to be a fount of knowledge, and the people here, so supportive....Anyway, Hello!

[RobinN]

Hi Katie - Welcome. We are also in SoCA. My daughter has the seizure disorder (and I had 30 yrs of migraine, so I know Maxalt well). Rebecca is med free at this time, and we work with nutrition to keep her seizure threshold up. Seems to be working much better than the meds did.

My daughter is 18 and just started Community College close to home. She takes public transportation around town.

I welcome you to the forum. I hope you find the support you are looking for here.

[Katie]

Thanks to you all. It's great to have others from SoCal! Who are your doctors? Or your daughter's doctor? I feel so lucky to have found Dr. Patel at Southland Neurological Associates the first time around. I forget who I had seen when I was younger after my alleged grand mal. My primary doctor at the time ordered an MRI that was normal, and the neurologist didn't even do an EEG. He's the one who said it was a psych problem.

I'm glad to find so many people on this board. It's so great to know that not only am I not alone to have epilepsy in general, but to have the same seizures I have!

Thanks for the encouragement Huskymom. That's a beautiful pup in your avatar picture!

[huskymom]

Katie,

I am sure that my little girl would love to play with your adorable pooch. To bad Indiana isn't closer to California for a number of reasons!!

[Katie]

I know! Conan loves to chase and be chased! Huskies always make great playmates for him And he makes good ones for the huskies!