First seizure in the store :(

[Crystal11]

Hello everyone.
I was going shopping in a local grocery store the other day. I was with my twin sis, my friend and my guide dog Umbro. While walking down one isle, I noticed a strange feeling, my aura- and I just kept walking thinking it was just me feeling weird. I walked up to where the crackers are, which I wanted and then everything was slowed down- kinda off, strange and I could no longer really understand much. After a short time, I "came out of it" and realized I was reaching for the crackers but was too weak on my right side to really get a hold of it.
I asked "What happened, what was I doing?" My friend said I was stopped in front of the crackers, no responding to them, picking at the metal part of the shelf and standing there with my eyes to the right all the way, stuck and just seizing away. My complex partials can be 45 sec to 3min and I'm guessing this one was short 45sec. I was a little out of it even after we got the crackers and left to continue shopping. My doggie had slowed down and realized Mommy wasn't herself. He usually stops in front of me, turning to his right stopping me from walking- which is good since I wander sometimes.

I was embarrassed but was calmed by knowing that most people would never even know something was up unless they tried to interact with me. Its always good to travel with my friend and twin as they also have Epilepsy. we all watch out for each other and help when needed.
I think I had missed out on meds or didn't sleep well or something.
I used to have 10 complex partials a day- usually smaller ones. So I am used to having them a lot- not reduced a lot with meds.

Anyways- I think its kinda strange to have a seizure in public. Have an advantage though since Complex partials aren't easily noticeable, but bad at the same time- because something could happen and no one would really understand, if I were alone for example..
I wear my medical id everyday and carry my medic-alert card and have my file in my dog's harness bag- just in case.

Does anyone have an ideas about dealing with something like this? I've had seizures in public before but no in the store- kinda odd for me I guess.
I've had seizures while on Special Transit buses- but my friend was with me and helped out. I can't imagine being totally on my own.
It scares me- I'm glad that I have my guide dog- so at least I'm never totally alone.


Take care, everyone
Crystal and her guide dog Umbro

[valeriedl]

I had one in a local flea market one time. I fell on the ground and had a gradn mal (which I don't normaly have). My husband started screaming for help and trying to make sure I didn't hurt myself on anything. Everyone just kept walking by me, I don't know if they just thought that it was something normal that goes on there or what?

Finally the patrol car came around and called an ambulance for me.

I think I may have had little auras in the grocery store or other places before.

I figure I can have them at any time, not just at the house.

[Bernard]

Stacy has only had one tonic clonic in public in the decade+ that I've known her. She was with friends at the time - I wasn't there. One her friends called me and was freaking out. She knew that Stacy had epilepsy/seizures, but had never seen her have one.

Had she had the seizure at home, I would have observed her through the recovery, but since it happened at a restaurant, they called 911 for an ambulance (SOP) and off the ER we went. She was ready to leave (fully recovered) by the time the ambulance pulled into the hospital.

People just want to do the right thing (or the safe thing) when something like this happens.