New to the site & new to epilepsy

[vanillalissa]

Hi everyone... just wanted to say hi. I've always been diagnosed with depression, but I also always got what my doctor describes as "spells." I'd black out, life would feel unreal to me, my vision would get hazy and tunneled, and I felt detached with the world. I never mentioned it to anyone, because I was always afraid of what the doctors would say. However, now at age 24 it had gotten more frequent. It happens every day, a couple times at least. It started to seriously interfere with my life, so I ended up getting referred to a neurologist. Lo and behold after a scheduled EEG they discovered abnormal activity that describes a partial seizure.

I haven't officially been diagnosed with epilepsy, but he's referred me to an epilepsy specialist for next week. And I will be getting an MRI done. This is all very new to me still so I am a little scared. But I wonder how much of this triggered my depression!

I guess I am rambling! Anyway, hi again and I hope to get to know all of you. They put me on Keppra 500mg (250mg 2x) to start off so I'm hoping my body responds okay to it!!

[BuckeyeFan]

Welcome to our CWE family. There is always room for more.

First, I am very glad to hear that you are getting to the right type of doctors right from the start. That is so important. Even the neurologist is sending you on to the epilepsy expert. That is great news.

Keppra is a pretty good drug, but it does have some side effects. You can search Keppra here or even go to KEPPRA.COM and DRUGS.COM to get good info. I was on Keppra for 5 years with good results.

[dfwtexas]

Hi, welcome to our group. I got diagnosed about 2 years with simple and complex partials. I started on Keppra, same level as you, but now I take 1250 mg twice a day.
The description you used about hazy vision, sounds like my simple partials. Although simple partials on their own are considered a seizure in themselves, it is common that these are aura and often are the warning sign that a complex seizure is on it's way. I would tell people I would get a vision where what I saw was simliar to TV dream sequence. But once I started talking on here, I realized that I was having an aura. Before I started the Keppra, I would get multiple seizures in a day, but I could also go weeks in between my bad days. Some people have problems with Keppra, but when I researched the seizure meds, I found Keppra has best results with fewer side effects. When I first started, I had problems with being sleepy, but that went away after a week or two. Then I went thru "I want to kick your butt" stage. That lasted a few weeks too, I was angry at everyone....they call it Kepprage on here. But it was short term affect for me too. I have gone as long as 6 months with no seizures on Keppra. But I still get a seizure out of the blue every 4-6 months, so my neurologist is trying to get me to a level where I can be truly seizure free.
This place has been a Godsend for me. I have learned some much about E...I have a great neurologist, but I have to say I have learned so much more here. But that knowledge has helped me with using my neruo appointments to the best use of time. At the same time, there are so many emotions to deal with and no one really understands what you are dealing with like others in your shoes.
I have suffered with depression for many years, but I have to say it has gotten better for me with my understanding about my E. There are so many factors that could be involved with your brain, but I don't know that E brings it all together. E can really hit anyone at any time, regardless of other conditions. In the beginning I wanted to know why, now I just want to know how to go forward
welcome, jenn

[Cint]

HI Vanillalissa and welcome,

I was 1st diagnosed with complex partial seizures at 23, so I sort of know what you're feeling, and that was many moons ago. I also suffer from depression that sometime accompanies seizures, so make sure you mention this to your dr.
Currently I am also taking 3000 mgs. of Keppra a day, along with other meds, so initially the Keppra may make you feel somewhat sleepy, moody, lethargic.
Keep your chin up.

[vanillalissa]

Thanks everyone for your insight. I'm very lucky to be living by the Mayo Clinic--that is where I am currently getting treatment. I will be sure to utilize all of the sections of this community :-) Thanks again for the warm welcome.

Cint: My doctor knows about my depression thankfully, I think that was a main reason of his to direct me to a specialist in the first place. I'll keep you all updated on what the doctors say if that is something you guys are interested in.

[RobinN]

Welcome to CWE
Sounds like you are in good hands with Mayo.
I hope they also might suggest ways that you can improve your nutritional intake to raise your seizure threshold. It had helped my daughter and others here at CWE. It can improve many of the symptoms that you are having.

[Nakamova]

Hi VanillaLissa, and welcome!

Good luck at your MRI, and in your meeting with the epilepsy specialist. I recommend that you write down any questions you have for the specialist beforehand, and keep a record of how the appointment goes and what is said.

There is a very real connection between epilepsy and depression -- it's not clear whether one causes the other, or they are both facets of a neurochemical balance -- either way, it's great that you are finally getting treatment that can help with your overall health.

Best,
Nakamova

[sayyadina]

Hello. Nice to meet you

[CleptaK]

Hi VanillaLissa, welcome! I'm almost 24 and I was diagnosed with epilepsy just after my 21st birthday. Sounds like we have similar experiences with misdiagnosis: I have depression, and my fits were misdiagnosed as part of the depression for 4 years before I was finally diagnosed with epilepsy. I went on a number of anti-depressants during that time and I believe these brought out the seizures.

I hope all goes well with the epilepsy specialist and the medication. Good luck!

[PhylisFeinerJohnson]

Welcome! And please don't feel alone. Research has shown that 80% of people with epilepsy were also diagnosed as having a depressive disorder. Upwards of 60% of these people had a history of significant episodes of depression. And 10-32% experienced symptoms of anxiety.

Here are some suggestions that might help your depression:

* Consider counseling…
* Support groups…
* Tracking your seizures and their triggers daily in a diary…
* Try some time-out when you’re feeling overwhelmed…
* Learn relaxation exercises, deep breathing or yoga…

In the meantime, I'm sure you're in good hands at Mayo. The best of luck to you!

[Meetz1064]

and how do you do, Vanillalissa! I love the screenname, it is quite interesting!

I think you'll find that fitting in here is fun and easy. Lots of people to make friends with, and information to find in the Library and Kitchen. Check out the Padded Room for venting when you need to.

I'm glad that you're getting in with the right people to begin with--it will make all the difference in the world. So many of us go undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed for years.

DO take the time to take care of yourself, watch your diet, get your rest, and keep a journal, as the journal can help you and your doctor track any potential triggers--TOM, sleep, food, lighting, and more.

I'm glad to see Buckeye brought some coffee. His is always great. I keep burning mine. Don't know if it's the coffee maker, or the operator *coughing*

So feel free to kick up your feet, and check out all of the nook and crannies. Mr B, our host, has built us an AWESOME HOME here.

Take care!

Meetz

[Elaine H]

Hi There

Welcome to CWE, I'm sure that you will find it a great help and comfort throughout your dealings with epilepsy and depression. I certainly have, and have made many friends here over the last few years, if you have a bad day, you can always find someone to cheer you up on here!
I can't really help with the depression side of your problems, but there are several people on here who do have problems with both, and I'm sure they will come forward and introduce themselves soon.

I have had Temporal Lobe Epilepsy since 1986, and I am on Keppra, I've two lots of brain surgery, and I've tried most of the anti convulsants out there, so please feel free to ask me anything you want to, I've studied epilepsy with Leeds Metro University, and have written a book about my experiences, so please don't hesitate to ask me ok?

Enjoy your time on CWE, and welcome again, come in, and take a seat.

Love and Best Wishes

Lainey xx

[roo]

Hi and welcome vanillalissa, I'm sure you will find lots of advice and help here.

As Meetz has said, many of us go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. It's good you will be seeing an epilepsy specialist soon, and I hope that it won't be too long before you can get some answers and appropriate treatment.

take care,
roo