I want to play sport

[recall92]

Hi everyone. I usually have complex partials. 4-7 a week and also simple partials. About 1-3 simple partials in the last month. Only 1 tonic clonic and it happened about 2 months ago after waking up during the night. Didn't even know it happened. Just finished it and my mum and dad were beside me. I am taking 1000mg Epilim morning and night. Seizures have gotten better in terms of duration (2mins now but use to be about 5mins plus) and frequency. I really want to play sports (Rugby) and lift heavy weights (290pounds on bench press x8 2 sets etc). Neurologist said take it easy coz the neurons used for controlling epilepsy will go to muscles building and will affect the meds helping me have control. I called him 3 months later and now he said talk with your GP. Really want to train hard/ play hard but worried its going to affect my seizures being controlled. Anyway been in this situation. Just worried im gona be going hard training/playing and it will cost me being seizure free coz apparently i only have 1 shot on these meds

[Nakamova]

I think it's impossible for your neurologist to know that the neurons used for controlling seizures "will go to muscle building". There aren't any neurons used for controlling seizures. Meds (or alternatives) control seizures.

It can be beneficial to engage in new activities (like rugby and weightlifting) because they will build up new healthy pathways in the brain. (Seizures travel along old unhealthy pathways). The only thing to be concerned with is if your seizures put you at risk for injury when you are playing the sports (because of a loss of attention or focus), or if the sports put you at risk for seizures (through dehydration or fatigue). If you feel that you can control for those factors then it should be okay to proceed (cautiously) with your training/playing regimen.

[epileric]

I used to work out 4 times a week & found that it lessened both the frequency & intensity of my seizures. The thing is I would only push myself so far & always catch my breath before doing the next set so as to lessen the possibility of a seizures.

[Endless]

I agree with Nakamova. Exercise is good. Please be sure, though, that you have a good spotter for weightlifting in case you have a seizure. Also be careful of hitting your head when you play sports -- a head injury is about the last thing you need.

[RobinN]

My daughter continues her passion for figure skating. She is competitive and trains every day. She falls often. It is my opinion that everyone deserves to continue doing what they enjoy. Many things are risky in life. Be careful.

[recall92]

Thats awsome your daughter is still skating. What type of seizures does she have and how often do they occur?

[RobinN]

Rebecca has only had tonic clonic seizures. She did have some odd neurological episodes that were thought to be seizures while on medication, but once we eliminated the meds she has not had anything similar.

When on medication (which was begun after her first two seizures, that occurred on the same day), she was experiencing 6 seizures a month. Now by making nutritional changes, controlling blood sugar levels, eliminating neurotoxins and food sensitivities she has not had any episodes in 5 months. She is not on medication at this time.

We are in the process of creating a current video, but here is one of her skating a year (or so) ago.
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/...805/#post23686

[recall92]

Wow! Your daughter is really talented! That's amazing she doesn't allow epilepsy to interfere with her passion. And I'm also happy that she has been seizure free for 5 months and off medication. My neurologist (public) referred me back to my doctor and my doctor really doesn't know what to do because he isn't a neurologist but I have booked an appointment with a private neurologist who will see me in August. The appointment is an hour so really looking forward to asking some good questions. I really want to be like your daughter who trains hard and is competitive but I'm just waiting for the doctor to give the go ahead.

[Loopy Lou]

Can i ask where you're from? I'm guessing the UK.

My doctor doesn't have a problem with me working out and using weights and stuff, although i use the weight machines rather than the other kind. I've had a few incidents at the gym but nothing really serious.

Bet it costs a fortune for a private neurologist. Mine is very good, i just wish i could have more time for each appointment.

Best of luck to you, and welcome to the site!

[JimNavy]

I had a time where my Dr said I should avoid working out for a while. After I was given the all clear I got back to running, a lot. I ran 2 or 3 times a day. It was a great way to relieve stress. So I continue to run ( had a bit of a break due to a psycological stigma / Marine Drill instructors use exercise as punishment ) I say work out. I am carefull when I Mountian bike, good helmet, take my cell phone and tell people where I am going. I have realized that one sport I should avoid is Motocross LOL. I do race a truck at the drag strip once every two months though.

[recall92]

Yeah my last seizure (I have complex partials) was about 6 days ago. I have been to the gym once and ran once since then and have been fine. I'm just worried because my neurologist said take it easy because working out could affect the medication helping control the seizures. He said if you miss the chance to get them controlled you have to wait like 10 years before you can try again. I called him up to ask if I can lift heaver and play rugby but he referred me to my GP who told me he doesn't have a clue on what to do

[droolmonster]

You should go for it. I let my epilepsy stop my passion for basketball, and I still regret it.

It could be dangerous if you have a grand mal while weight lifting or playing sports, but the actual excercise can only be good for the brain. Studies have shown that excercise activates stuff in the brain that makes you feel good, and it's probably also good for your neurons.

Working out is good for body and brain. It could even lessen your seizures. Don't let the man get you down!