New Here, My Intro

[Carrie]

Hello Everyone..

I was lurking earlier and found there to be many supportive people. I'm 31 and the mom to two beautiful girls ages 5 years and 8 months. I had my first seizure at age 6 and second at 30. I've had a total of 3 in the past year. I have a strong family history mainly first cousins with Epilepsy. I have a history of depression and post-partum depression and was on Keppra after the second seizure. Keppra didn't work well for me because it made me more depressed. We weaned off of Keppra until my 4th seizure a few weeks ago. I'm now ramping up on Lamictal. So far so good on the Lamictal. I live in the DFW area and Texas has a policy of being seizure free for 6 months in order to drive. So it's a little rough being home with two kiddos alone most of the time but I try to stay upbeat.

I look forward to getting to know everyone and finding people who can relate to me in knowing how it feels to have your freedom taken away from you suddenly.

[RobinN]

Welcome Carrie - I think you will find many here that can relate to your situation.
Even though it is my daughter that is dealing with the seizure episodes, I have done quite a bit of research into alternative therapies.

My daughter is not on medication and is doing rather well after making nutritional changes. There can be family histories to food sensitivities, especially if your family comes from an area where that particular food was no available. Cow dairy is one such source. You might consider doing some research on this subject., It is rather easy to see if this might help.

[moonchild1970]

Welcome this is a wonderful and very understanding place full of great people who will listen, whether you, rant, cry or moan over E. We are here for you..

[RobinN]

... and learn

[Cint]

Hi Carrie,

Welcome and feel free to vent your frustrations..... we understand.
I've had seizures for 30 years and tried numerous meds, had brain surgery and still had seizures while my two kids were growing up, so I know how frustrating it can be, not being able to drive while trying to raise kids. And the depression is also a tough thing to deal with. Make sure your neurologist knows about it.

[Nakamova]

Hi Carrie, welcome to the forum!

I'm on Lamictal myself, so if you have any questions about it let me know. I know it takes a while to taper on to. I hope it works for you and that those 6-month of no driving fly by...

Best,
Nakamova

[Baileyjane]

Hi Moonchild, me too. One neurologist thought it was all migrainal, and still thinks this way! Oh yeah, have been done that with it's all in your head too! Ps love your icons!

[RobinN]

Hi Moonchild, me too. One neurologist thought it was all migrainal, and still thinks this way! Oh yeah, have been done that with it's all in your head too! Ps love your icons!

Your neurologist is actually right. Migraines are actually now placed in the seizure family. Very different from the run of the mill headache.

Has magnesium ever been recommended?

[Baileyjane]

Hi RobinN yes I am aware that migraines are in the seizure family. I have complex partials and this is confirmed by own neurologist and GP. Yes have started taking magnesium ( through reading and learning from this site ) and has helped with some tension headaches.

[RobinN]

Hopefully the magnesium will have a anti convulsant effect for you as well. What dose are you finding to work for you?

Have you also considered Omega 3?

I have had dx for Rebecca that turned out to be wrong. It has only been through my education that I have been able to understand enough to challenge their thinking. Then all they offer is the latest drug. Asking WHY is very prowerful. I have found more and more they do not know the answer... they are just taking and educated guess.

[Kansas Educator]

Welcome Bailey. I second everything the others have said about this being a very informative site. I hope they can get your seizures under control so you'll be less restricted.

[morgan86]

hi! im on lamictal too and have been on keppra b4 also. along with an anti depressant the lamictal seems to be working for me. i hope it works for u too!!! i constantly find myself waiting 6months to drive. it took me forever to get my license cuz i couldnt make it 6 months so i know how u feel being stuck at home i just dont have kids yet.

[skillefer]

Hi Carrie! Welcome to CWE. Feel free to chime in, ask questions, or just vent in the padded room...

[Jackie Watson]

I am 51 female. I did post my story. Not sure if I have to post it again.

J Watson

[Rae1889]

hi jackie!

You posted your story in your seizure background area of your profile, so if people dont click on your name to view your profile, it will not get read.

I would go to the Foyer and start a new thread to introduce yourself. This way it will be visible to anyone.

[Ruth]

Hi Carrie,

Welcome to the forum, This forum was made out of love by Bernard for his wife Stacy. This love has permeated throughout the whole forum.

[Jackie Watson]

Hey Carrie, You are so special to be able to stay at home with your children. Get in touch with other stay at home moms so if there is an emergency they can help you out.. I will pray you will remain seizure free for more than 6 months.
Thinking of you.

Jackie

[Loudmouth]

Hi. I am a mum with 3 kids age 11 (girl), 7 (boy) and 5 (boy). I was diagnosed with epilepsy 6 yrs ago now. My daughter was diagnosed nearly 2 yrs ago. In the UK you have to be seizure free for a year to be able to drive. I haven't been able to get my licence back since my diagnosis. My advice is, if you can, move somewhere with very good public transport, I did and it was the best thing I ever did. I am glad you've found us here, it's a wonderful place to find people to talk to who understand what it's like.