Complex Partials

[KelVarQ]

O.K. now that I know I'm definitely having Complex Partial Seizures (thought they were simple partials) I have a question. I've been having 4-5 a week (only in my sleep) since June. I can sometimes go 3 nights in a row without them, but that's about it and once in a blue moon I'll take 2 in one night.

I'm contemplating taking the med (Tegretol XR) but I would really like to hold off since we're trying to get pregnant. My husband is starting to have a change of heart in regards to this med free stuff and thinks maybe it's time for meds and I figured I would throw it out here to see what you all think. I was hoping to be pregnant now and at least for the 1st trimester be free of meds, but I'm sort of torn at this point since 4-5 a week seems excessive?

Although I've been dealing with it and don't even know that I'm having them until the am when my husband tells me and during the day I'm fine, so it's hard for me to accept taking the Teg since the seizures are really not interferring with my daily life. Perhaps having the tonic clonic's prior to surgery has made these complex partial's insignificant, so I'm a bit biased in my decision making in regards to the severity of having 4-5 complex partial's a week? So, I figured I would ask you all. Thanks. Oh, keep in mind I'm trying to get pregnant ; ) I say that because when I talk to my husband about it I can tell them what you all think too.

[epileric]

I'm on tegretol XR (CR in Canada) but I've never worried about getting pregnant while on it lol.

Something you should consider though is that many womens seizures get worse while pregnant (probably due to hormones) & some people even develop seizures when pregnant.

For that reason, if you decide not to take any meds before getting pregnant you should have a B plan in case there is a change in your seizures.

[dfwtexas]

Skillefer, on here, just recently had a baby so she would be a good one to answer this. Being an old lady and newly diagnosed...I am a bad person to ask.
I do have both simple and complex partials. When I started having them, I didn't have them on a daily basis. I went several weeks before going to the doctor. I started out having one, maybe two in same day. And prior to starting my meds, it was could happen any where from 1 to 8 or 9 in a day. I get very tired from them and they were emotionally upsetting as I have no memory of my complex. I was also concerned as later on after starting meds, I had bad short term memory problems. Doc felt it was from having all the seizures before starting my meds....but he did say some docs think the meds may be the cause. Please be sure to talk to you doctor about this soon and take care of yourself.
jenn

[KelVarQ]

Epileric: Plan B would to go on meds during pregnancy. The baby doc already asked me if I would be stubborn if my seizures got worse and I told him, "absolutely not and I would take the meds if my seizures got worse while pregnant" and he responded, "Very well then, go for it."

jgbmartin, yes Skillefer already talked to me about this when I asked about Teg XR and pregnancy. I guess I was just more or less wondering if having 4-5 complex partial a week was too much and if it's better to take the meds in this case even though I'm trying to get pregnant. Ideally, I would be already pregnant and on meds (passed the 1st trimester) but no such luck. This trying to get pregnant is taking longer than I wanted and I was hoping I wouldn't have had to be off meds for this long aleady or that diet and supplements would have it under control. I also do realize that we've only tried for like 2 months which I know is not long, but due to the E I feel rushed since I would like to get back on meds.

[Rae1889]

I would try to talk to your doctor about overhauling your diet and exercise regime first, before trying to take or not take meds. look into neurofeedback etc. There are alternative things you could try first.

A seizure can be just as devastating to a baby as the meds can. So ask if there is another type of med that you can be on, that lowers the risk to the child. In case you need to make the change.

As far as trying to get pregnant. There is a device that can calculate the most fertile times for you. *oddly enough I have heard full moons are the best time if you cant get your hands on these things* you can find it in the pregnancy test strip area. The are called ovulation tests.

[Nakamova]

I would keep close track of the seizures -- if they are escalating in intensity or getting more frequent, then that might be a sign that medication is worth a try. My bias is towards staying off meds as long as possible, as long as your seizures aren't causing you to fall or stop breathing. When you become pregnant, you could re-evaluate. The great majority of pregnancies while on anti-epileptic drugs turn out absolutely fine, so if the seizures start taking a physical or emotional toll, then the meds are a reasonable option to consider.

[Cint]

I was taking Dilantin years ago during both pregnancies and both of my children were fine and healthy. I didn't have any seizures during either pregnancies. It was after my 2nd child was born that the seizures increased in intensity and number.