Seizure free for 10 years - what about alcohol and coffee?

[George Earl]

Drinking, like so many of those other "Ok for some, but not for others" type things is always a topic of conversation among we folks dealing with epilepsy. I do not drink, largely because I knew of a grandfather on my mom's side who died quite young in a matter having todo with alcoholism. But then, too much caffeine can get me first banging away at the head, then dizzy, then down on the floor from a seizure. Over the years I've tried to give it up, and am doing well. But then, do I miss the taste of a well-brewed cup of fresh coffee, especially here in New York.

[valeriedl]

Thanks george, I always try to drink decaf everything. I do drink coffee, decaff at home, and when I was at my grandparents they try to force everthing on me, food, something to drink and the sorts. I'll usually have one cup of coffee with them which doesn't bother me at all. However I was with them that night longer than I usually am so I had 2. I don't know if she made a strong pot or what, but I know now to only have one.

[Endless]

I can't drink any more. Not even one tiny glass of wine or it will cause a seizure about 5-10 hours later.

I used to have an extensive wine cellar, with truly wonderful wines. Wine tasting and collecting was my hobby. Also had a fully stocked bar and loved inventing fabulous drinks for my friends that made them laugh with surprise. Yesterday I gave it all away to one of my friends, including my 120+ bottle temp controlled storage unit that held the best of my wines. I'm so sad. Not particularly because I watched my booze hauled away. More because it was symbolic of huge parts of my life that have been hauled away because of the darn E.

My friend gently reminded me of third world countries where they've never even seen a bottle of wine, or a car, or a swimming pool or the ocean, or an ATV, or a job outside of rice fields or herding goats, or any of the other things my life doesn't have any more. As she put it, "You have a high-class problem."

So I guess my job today is to make a list of all the things I'm grateful for. Like good medical care (here we don't die from a cut on the leg), good friends, at least a couple of good family members, the ability to care for a pet, the prospect of employment again someday, a roof over my head and food to eat, clean and safe water to drink, clean air to breathe.... All the things that we have as citizens of developed countries.

I think people don't miss what they've never had. Maybe being here is not such a big advantage? Except for the clean drinking water, food, and good health care, I guess. Smiling.... those are big ones.

[George Earl]

Congratulations on saying "Goodbye!" to that wine cellar of yours. You didn't really need it, did you? And it's no "old wives tale" that drinking can bring on seizures in a majority of us. Just as caffeine does in me. And unfortunately many neurologists do not tell us this. Unless, of course, you consider "Aw, it depends on the person" a sufficient answer. I've stayed off alcohol drinking (and collecting) all of my adult life. I'm still thin, though at middle age in the USA, don't spend as much unnecessarily, and have learned to make social contacts far away from bars. Be proud of yourself. It sounds like you recognize what's going to help you tremendously. We're with you!

[sandi]

Moms would tell you it's not worth either the caffeine shakes or the alcohol problems.It really is no fun hugging the porcelain God or trying to remember what you did the night before.
Realistically you'll have to probably figure out your own limits, But I'd prefer you didn't

[Endless]

Were you talking to angelstars? She said she hadn't tried much alcohol at all. And I was never a big drinker - in moderation but high quality what I did drink. I don't think either of those things drives you to worship the great porcelain god or black out. But it can provoke a seizure or make you feel really tipsy because of the meds.

I think the question for people with epilepsy is mostly can they drink at ALL? Some say they can drink in moderation and not provoke a seizure, but when on these incredbly powerful meds it does other stuff as well. Is there such a thing as moderation when on anti-epileptic drug's???

[Ruth]

I started having seizures when I was 6 years old. I am 67 years old now. When I was a teenager, I did not drink coffee or alcohol. A lot of supposed friends made fun of me. I did not care. I felt that if they were my friends they would respect my health and my decision. I also decided on my own not to drive when I turned 16. I thought what if I killed myself or someone else.

When I was dating, I refused to drink at college. Would friends respect my wishes? True friends would respect my wishes. I got married and my husband was drinking until my mother came and stayed with us a few days. She was an alcolocic. My husband had to go to the store and buy liquor for my mother constantly. Then my husband quit drinking.

You will make many friends here. This forum was made by Bernard out of love for his wife Stacy. That love permeates throughout the whole forum.

[droolmonster]

I drink both alcohol and coffee. I've drunk coffee since I was five, that's just how I was raised, was with coffee. By the way, you drink coffee in the morning, not at midnight. Definitely not an americano, that's strong stuff.

As for the alcohol, I wouldn't get drunk. Puking isn't fun, and it's bad for your seizures. One beer, a glass of wine, that's fine. So, you can get tipsy, but you can't get drunk. No one really should get drunk, it is so bad for you. But that's culture for you.

I would recommend at least having a beer if people are drinking around you, because people get drunk together. Doing it alone is lonely and probably means you have a problem. Watching people get drunk is lonely because everyone is getting stupid and having fun, and you still have full capacity. Getting drunk with friends though, is really fun. Just face your fear. If you know your'e safe and with people who will take care of you, there's no problem with enjoying a beer or two. Three may be too much. You can't be a designated driver anyway, so pack 'em away.

I only drink socially. Sometimes I think that doctors tell us that we can't have any fun because we have seizures. No drinking, no flashing lights. I mean, what's life without inebriation and flashing lights? My seizures aren't triggered by flashing lights, so I don't worry about it. I love flashing lights.

[Ruth]

If you know your'e safe and with people who will take care of you, there's no problem with enjoying a beer or two. Three may be too much. You can't be a designated driver anyway, so pack 'em away.

Do you drive without a designated driver? What do you think about driving and seizures?

I decided at the age of 16 not to drive. The reason why: I do not want to kill myself or other people. I am 67 years old now and I have never regretted that deciscion. I take public transportation or I walk.

Not to long ago, on the news, a person with epilepsy had a seizure at the wheel. She killed 3 people and now she has to live with it. She woke up at the hospital, they stopped her seizures.