I'm just at a complete loss

[BoudicaWV]

I am not new but have posted a few, this morning @ 4 am I had 3 gran-mal seizures, usually my husband is here to help me but we are in the process of moving back home to Delaware. I knocked my nightstand over, well more like lauched it across the room. Not having my husband here is really stressful. And on top of this I have all the children, I have a 13 yr old who suffered her second seizure yesterday. I was praying and praying pleading with god not to let her suffer like I have. I believe when I had the seizures this morning that it was around my 13,000 seizure (Not a exact number, but me or my husband log each seizure). My meds were working but now because of my heart and high blood pressure I am taking alot more meds which I believe is making my seizure medicine less effective, and of course the stress of moving. And now I have to take my daughter Caitlynn to a neurologist. Even as a person who has suffered from seizures since I was four hours old, when she was talking to me she just hit the floor I thought oh no, not her. I comforted her the best I could, calling my husband in Delaware telling him it happened again. We both started crying I feel so guilty like I have caused this in her. God doesn't give you no more than you can handle right? Well I just needed to get some opinions on my blog. I appreciate and I would be lost without this forum. Thanks to every1 yes Bernard that means you. If anyone has any advice I would gladly accept it. Thanks to you all,
Kimberly

[PhylisFeinerJohnson]

First of all Kimberly, do NOT feel guilty. Just because you have epilepsy, doesn't mean you passed it on to your daughter. In fact, your having epilepsy only increased the chances of her having it by only about 2-8%.

The risk in the general population is about 1-2%. On the other hand, there is a 92-98% chance for the close relative of someone with epilepsy to NOT have the same condition!

So, even though the risk in families with epilepsy is higher than in the general population, most people with epilepsy do not have any relatives with seizures, and the great majority of parents with epilepsy do not have children with epilepsy.

My guess is that Caitlan's seizures are hormonally induced. For some women, certain hormones seem to trigger seizures at particular times in their menstrual cycle. It can be during ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy or menopause. This is known as “catamenial epilepsy.” And it's usually estrogen related.

As for your meds, some prescription medications can prevent your medication from working. It could be caused by the interaction or reaction to a drug, a combination of drugs, reaction or withdrawal. Make sure all your doctors know everything you take.

And even certain over-the-counter medications (Advil and Tylenol are fine but never take aspirin!) can make you more likely to have a seizure, if you have epilepsy or a history of seizures. For example, anti-depressants and antihistamines can be possible seizure triggers.

As for the stress, I don't have to tell you how easily it can trigger seizures. But here are a few factoids: stress can increase cortisol, known as “the stress hormone” because it’s also secreted in higher levels during the body’s “fight or flight” response to stress, and it’s responsible for several stress-related changes in the body which also may influence seizure activity.

If I was in your position, I'd be absolutely catatonic. Not that telling you this helps. But you are not alone. We are all here for you.

[Nakamova]

Hi Kimberly --

It's possible that your daughter's seizures are related to hormones, given her age; make sure to ask her neurologist about this possibility, as it might indicate certain treatments (like progesterone cream).

Aside from that, please go easy on yourself. It sounds like you have an awful lot to carry on your shoulders right now. Make sure you are taking care of yourself too. You need to see your doctor, so that your meds can be evaluated in light of your other health issues. And do you best to make sure you're getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep can trigger so many other things, and it make stress so much harder to deal with.

Best,
Nakamova

[Meetz1064]

(((((HUGS)))).

I think you need those right now.

While it sucks a hill o'beans that Caitlyn is going through seizures as well, you CANNOT blame yourself for it. As Phyllis said, the likelihood of her getting them from you is fairly slim.

The added stress of moving certainly doesn't help--and please make sure that you're eating right.........or as close to it as possible.

We'll be thinking of you here.

Much luck.

Meetz

[BoudicaWV]

I will be telling the neurologist in Delaware about Caitlynn, but she started her menstral cycle when she was 9 years old. But I fully understand about the hormone issue I know when its my time I seize for the whole week. And thank you all so much for telling me its not my fault I just assumed and yes I know what assuming does. I am going to watch the video, my husband is not here to help so NO sleep, and I have been skipping meals due to I get so busy I just forget. I WILL BE GLAD WHEN THIS MOVE IS DONE. Well back to packing,
Thank you all so much for your support I would be lost without this site.
Sincerely,
Kimberly

[PhylisFeinerJohnson]

Don't forget to EAT and SLEEP! Please?