Hi there

[Skyebird]

I am new ( rather obviously ). I am actually sitting alone with a letter from my consultant telling me that I have " convincing epileptic changes over the left side of your brain.... consistent with an underlying epilepsy"

I now have to wait for an appointment to "discuss the implications"

I feel sick and scared.

[epileric]

Have you ever had a seizure before or have they only found unusual neurogical behaviour?

If you've never had a seizures then you're very lucky to have found that you might have one & be able to prevent it. I have no doubt having one out of nowhere would be scarier.

When discussing the applications I would be curious if they want you to start taking medications as a preventative measure or wait until you actually do have a seizure.

Personally I'd rather wait until I have a seizure because then you have to deal with the possibility of side-effects which can also be a challenge. Of course if I did have even 1 seizure I"d want to go on the meds right away to prevent more from happening since having seizures can do damage.

Just my personal two cents.

Meanwhile, make yourself at home & check the site out. Feel free to ask if you have any questions or just use the "search" function at the top of the page (3rd from the right).

[Skyebird]

I have had about 5 or 6 "odd" episodes or seizures in the last 2 years and lost consciousness once. I knew what it was straight away if I'm honest but ignored it as long as I could.

I know there is nothing I can do until I see the consultant again but I have to admit I feel pretty sh*t about it just now.

[epileric]

I keep saying I was lucky to be born with epilepsy because I never had to accept it, it's just how I am. There are a lot of people here who have gone through something similar to what you're going through, just read the posts in the foyer.

In the meantime it might be an idea to get a list of possible questions ready for various scenarios like what kind of medication would be best & why, what are the side-effects etc for the consultant.

Doing that might also help you figure out how you feel about certain scenarios.

Also keep us updated on how things do go.

[Nakamova]

Hi Skyebird, welcome to CWE!

It's normal to feel "sick and scared" with a looming epilepsy diagnosis. But the more you learn about epilepsy, the less terrifying it gets. I promise. It's a bit like the "five stages" model of grief -- you might experience denial, anger, bargaining, and depression, but you can definitely make it to acceptance, especially if you skip ahead.

The "implications" just means that you and your doc will have a conversation about treatment options. Most likely he will suggest a medication or two to try. You will discuss doses, side effects, etc. and then decide what you want to do. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions, and feel free to check in here too.

Best,
Nakamova

[nana1]

Hi Skyebird welcome to CWE!!!!!

It is very normal to feel all these feelings, but in time you will understand what your brain and body is doing.

When you talk to you doctor, please do ask him all about the med he wants to have you on. If you not sure of meds, just keep asking about it till you happy with answer.
If you still have questions, go to a computer and go to medline, they have a list of names of drugs and effects of each one.

Nancy

[Skyebird]

Ha ! I recognise the denial bit!!! I just want to ignore the whole thing!! I wish I had never gone to the doctor in the first place. It's not as if my "funny turns" were all that. ( One friend suggested it was "the other side" trying to get in touch ! )

I have no intention of taking any drugs. I was a mental health nurse for 30 years and have seen a thing or two. No. No drugs for me. Having to give up driving is punishment enough.

[Nakamova]

I hear you -- the drugs can certainly have their minuses, and it's your choice whether or not to medicate. It's great if your seizures are the kind that don't interfere with your daily life to any great extent (other than the driving restriction). There are alternatives to medication. One promising one is neurofeedback, but can be tough to find a practitioner, and it's an expensive process not usually covered by insurance. Another approach is to try and identify any seizure triggers, and then do your best to avoid them. If you do find your seizures are getting significantly worse, then that might be the time to revisit the treatment question.