New To The Group

[Solicitous]

Hello all.
My name is Norm Beam. I am 52, and I am from Niagara Falls Canada.

I have been having seizure episodes since February 210: Drop Seizures.

In the past two months I have been having, Clonic Tonic, Absence, Violent Myoclonic Whole Body Jerks Startle Seizures and so many different Auras.

I am having a really hard time of it. My situation is very complicated to say the least.

Over 10 years ago I was diagnosed with having Bipolar. And was put on 11 psychiatric meds a day, including 6-8 Alprazolam (xanax) which is a killer.

I went to see a well know Neurologist, who is so obnoxiousness, rude and I talked to many of his patients who have fired him. I fired him as well.

My wife and I explained to him what was happening to me and he ordered a sleep derived EEG.

When I went to the hospital having a Clonic Tonic seizure which was verified
by the paramedics, one of the nurses put my chart in my face that said:
Norm Beam does not have seizures.

I confronted this Neurologist and he bullied me and said that he didn't think that I have seizures. Then what does he do...he gave me a prescription of
Dilantin 300mg to be taken at night.
It made me so sick, I was unable to sleep or eat for 6 days and nights.
I went to the ER and told the ER doctor about this and he contacted my neurologist, the neurologist said to keep me on the same meds.

Thank God that I found a new GP and she was disgusted about what the neurologist did to me and could not understand why I was on so many pysch meds.
My GP took over my meds and read all my psychiatry reports and couldn't find any justification for me being on all those meds and could not figure how I was diagnosed with Bipolar. MISDIAGNOSES.

So now I am going to be sent in a inpatient clinic to be medically detoxed of all my meds.
I can't go on any seizure medication, except for 1mg Ativan twice a day, which is helping somewhat.

My GP is also sending me to an impatient epilepsy clinic.

I have been ridiculed and belittled so much from the medical so called professionals. They are finally starting to see and understand what is going on with me. I hate to have to prove myself when something is so obvious.

Write now i see things going in the write direction. I have a great councilor and a wonderful GP and my wife is giving me so much support.

My GP figures that being on so many Pysch meds, were actually masking my epilepsy.
I am so burnt out.
I have an epilepsy diary which tells it all. And for someone who is new to having E I have a good grasp and knowledge of E, but still have so many questions.

I have uncontrolled E and am going through some pretty bad seizures.

So sorry for writing so much.

I really look forward to meeting you all and being a big part of this group.
Thanks for being there for me.

Norm Beam

[occb]

Welcome to the forum fellow Canucky!

My partner knows too well what you're going through -- ever since childhood he's been dismissed by doctors as making up his issues, or just being crazy, and recently was diagnosed with bipolar II and agoraphobia. We've finally pieced together that what he's been experiencing all his life are seizures and are having a hard time finding helpful docs who are willing to listen to us and believe what we're saying.

I'm thrilled you're getting the help you need right now. Uncontrolled seizures are brutal, but it sounds like there's a light at the end of the tunnel for you.

[Zoofemme]

There are many of us on here who have gone through a misdiagnoses and extremely uncontrolled seizure phase Norm. It sounds like you have finally found a doctor who will get you on the right track. So sorry you have to go through detox though, that can be a killer Great folks here on the forum though

[Rae1889]

Welcome fellow Canadian!
I had ignored my E for so long. not wanting to know why it was happening. Partly because I was afraid of what that would mean. Brain tumor? Meds for the rest of my life? never being able to work again? Losing family and friends?

Thankfully I know that none of those happened. although I may be on meds for a very long time, but I still have hope that this will change. I have had E for quite some time, but was only diagnosed in October 2009. october 6th to be exact. I dont think I will ever forget that day. I went status with both complex partials, absences, simple partials and tonic clonics.

I am happy that you are getting the help you need. Health care in canada is great, but sometimes its the waiting that sucks.

If you ever need to vent, feel free to scream in the padded room. we have all been there a time or two. If you want to look up some research or more personal experiances, then you can find that in the Library.

Bernard made this forum out of love for his wife stacy, and to give others out there a home. We think of this as a dinner party, where all guests are invited to the home. Thanks for stopping by and wiping your feet on the carpet. It was nice shaking hands with you.

[Bernard]

Hi Norm, welcome to the forum.

It's really frustrating when doctors seem to work against you rather than with you.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do without a doctor's assistance:

Proactive Prescription for Epilepsy

[Endless]

Norm, Welcome! I'm so happy you found this forum. I'm pretty new here, too. I found lots of supportive and loving people here. You will, too. I'm especially happy you found a doctor that listened to you and has you on the right track now.

[Blondie47]

Norm Beam

Hello!

Sorry to read about your misdiagnosis and uncontrolled epilepsy. Glad to hear that kept pushing forward --that's what it's all about. Shocking what, excuse my french, crap, some doc's dish out. I have been there my friend.
There are some real idiots out there with a license. Funny saying -- you have to kiss alot of frogs before you find your prince/princess...so true with neurologists too.
Keep up with your diary -- as you have already found, it will be your guide to controlling your epilepsy with the new physician.

My DD, takes Ativan to control cluster seizures. It is a blessing during chaos.

Hang in there