Hi from Australia!

[CarpeDiem13]

Hi everyone. I've been visiting this forum for so long that it's about time I join in. It seems like such a nice place to be full of warm, wonderful people who know exactly what I'm going through. I still have so many questions but I'll start by giving you a quick description of my own situation........
I'm a 29 year old female diagnosed officially with temporal lobe epilepsy (right hand side) about 2 years ago. Mainly complex partials that start with an aura of deja vu. Have only had a couple of generalized tonic clinics but the were due to rapidly decreasing meds during video EEG's. It seems as thought these seizures came out of nowhere but I did have febrile seizures but nothing again until about 3 years ago. It's been a long journey of medication trials which I know lots of you are familiar with and nothing so far has worked. Am on lamictal and epilim at the moment but the side effects just aren't worth it. I have been offered surgery by the fantastic neurology team in Melbourne where CQ had her operation, so we'll see what happens there. Am seriously considering it though Well, that wasn't so brief. Anyway, just want to say again that it's so nice to be here, you guys and girls have already helped me so much on this bumpy road we're all traveling on. Cheers

[valeriedl]

Glad to meet you!!!

Your situation sounds similar to mine with the seizures however I've only gone a few weeks without having a seizure and I'm unable to have surgery.

You'll find alot of help on here because you'll find alot of people who are going through the same things that you are and considering or have done the same things that you are thinking about.

Ask lots of questions and you'll get alot of good answers. You'll find too that you are able to answer alot of other people's questions, it's great.

Glad you decided to join!!!

[Endless]

Welcome, Carpediem!

I'm glad you have joined us.

Yes, the people in here are great - supportive, fun, informative. They were a lifesaver to me when I was first diagnosed, and still are.

[Trinity]

Hi, another Australian here. My name is Amanda and i'm 35years old and from Sydney. I had my first seizure (tonic clonic) at 14months of age and had many in early childhood (up til I was in about year 1 or 2). I then went a few years with nothing and came off medication but at about 11 I started having seizures again. I had a seizure at almost 14years of age and then that was it for 15 years. At that time, 2.5weeks after giving birth to my second child I had a seizure and that was almost 8 years ago now and haven't had another tonic clonic since. I've recently been starting to question some of the strange 'events' i've had going on especially numbness and tingling that I have experienced over the last 7 months. I am not sure if they are simple partial seizures but have decided to record everything in order to bring it up with my neurologist again at next visit. Anyway, I ramble when what I really meant to get on and say was G'day and welcome

[CQ:)]

Hi CarpeDiam,

Welcome to the forum.

I am assuming by your comment where you have been offered the surgery by the same hospital I had my surgery that you are also going through the Austin lol.

I have to agree the team of specialists that form their epilepsy program are fanstastic.

Did the specialist give you a possible date of when you could have the surgery or are they waiting until you make your decision?

[sharondemartino]

hi and welcome. I too am from Melbourne Australia and my son is under Prof Ingrid Scheffer at the Austin Hospital. She diagnosed James with epilepsy Spasms which started out as complex partial seizures. I am of the understanding the Epilepsy Centre there is the best available to us in Victoria. Good Luck .

[CarpeDiem13]

Thanks guys. Yep, it's the Austin hospital in Melbourne and Prof Jackson is handling my case. I haven't decided if I'll have surgery yet so no no date. Stay tuned

[CQ:)]

Thanks guys. Yep, it's the Austin hospital in Melbourne and Prof Jackson is handling my case. I haven't decided if I'll have surgery yet so no no date. Stay tuned

Prof Jackson was the epiologist who saw me when I was in for my Video EEG & he is also looking after my case lol.

[CQ:)]

hi and welcome. I too am from Melbourne Australia and my son is under Prof Ingrid Scheffer at the Austin Hospital. She diagnosed James with epilepsy Spasms which started out as complex partial seizures. I am of the understanding the Epilepsy Centre there is the best available to us in Victoria. Good Luck .

Hi Sharon,
Welcome to the forum. I hope Prof Scheffer can help your son with his seizures.

The epilepsy program at the Austin is one of the best in Australia & people from all over Australia (alot from QLD) go to Melbourne to see Prof Berkovic or to have the surgery.