I hate E! I'm embarrassed!

[brain]

Had a (insert your favorite cuss word here)
last night! And to add insult, I am not a bit
happy considering I now have 3 cracked
teeth and what's so weird is, I feel like I've
just gotten tackled by 8 linebackers! I am
bruised, and my hands are swollen from the
fall, but I didn't get all banged up because
my son was quick to drag me away from it
and threw a blanket over me to keep me
from getting hurt and pillows to act as a
cushion.

I wanted to post this earlier, but I'm pretty
gun shy about posting things so soon for
I'm so embarrassed about it.

However this was the first time ever, right
before I started to do dishes, just about a
half hour after dinner, no warning, no nothing,
just wham - pow - right into the full garbage
can and into the kitchen wall and cabinets.
I was lucky that my son and his friends were
there to see it (and I didn't even know they
were even there).

My son told me it was very short, however
the confusion lasted for a long time and was
staggering (couldn't walk straight), and they
helped me to the chair, then my son looked
at the clock and even though it was nearly
2 hours early he went ahead and told me to
take my meds (one at a time), even though
I made no absolute sense at all; I'm so
embarrassed that I threw the pill box across
the room (still in post-ictal) and my son was
"feeding" me my meds one by one and told
me I was having difficulties swallowing it.
They stayed there watching me, while my
son and his other friend went to clean up the
mess, and several times I tried to get out of
the chair and my son had to get me back down
and talk to me like a 2 year old "NO! SIT!"
and the worst thing is - I have no memory of
any of this at all.

Then my son realized - we had a very sudden
cold front that barged in here (went from upper
70s' to upper 30s' by the time it was all done)
and he believes this triggered it. He flipped the
Weather Channel and saw the barometric drop
and he knew it meant trouble for me, and all
of his friends were watching it in the other room
and not me, and by the time they went to check
on me, I was already on the floor - sound asleep
and snoring. My son just got the flat pillow and
a blanket. I was in snooze cruise.

My new glasses did get damaged slightly and I've
been working on it, but I don't think I've ever
crashed into a trash bin before. While I have
into walls, cabinets, shower stalls, toilets, etc,
but trash bins?

I do not THINK or BELIEVE I will call my Doctor
to report this one... especially when it was full.
WOULD YOU REPORT THAT?



My son did remark that this was the shortest
Grand Mal (Tonic Clonic) he had seen in a long
time, but he's not sure if it's all because he and
his friends were there to act quickly, and he also
thinks part of it was that the meds I'm on had a
lot to do with keeping it short.

[TeeTees]

Awwww Brain......that sucks. Real sorry to hear you having to go through that crap - you off all people just don't deserve it.

And here I am, selfish TeeTees, thinking I'M having a rough time. At least my seizures start with my aura's to let me know when something's gonna happen.

That's one helluva son you have there Brain....including his mates who seem 'mature' enough to help you out. I think a round of applause go out to them all for helping you

But Please, Please, Please, don't feel embarrased or ashamed off what has happened....especially on here. If all off us felt ashamed, this site just wouldn't get any posts at all.

So share your pain, and we'll share our love

[speber]

((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))

That bites. I'm so sorry you had to endure that BS.
I think you should tell the doctor though (don't hit me!)....they need to know all they can to help properly otherwise they're flying blind!

It sounds like sort of good news (maybe?) that the seizing was short? Maybe the doctor can use this.

I'm SO glad your son and friends were there to help out!

I hate E!

[jkj1995]

I'm so sorry that you had to go thru this also, Brain.

I, too have been having problems with seizures this week, and like you said, the weather has been wacky here in Georgia also. All last week it was record breaking high temps, then Friday (my first of 3 seizures over the weekend) the temps were down below freezing and raining. I figured it was from all the holiday shopping/stress and to top it off my time of the month, but I guess it was a combo.

Man, I've got a killer headache. I thought Topamax is for migraines, but lately I've had the most horrendous headaches that last for hours and even wake me up.

[CQ:)]

Sorry to hear about the seizure Brain.

I don't think you have anything to be embarresed or shamed about.

It is so good that you had your son & his friends there to help you.

[wonderdogs]

(((hugs to you)))

How lucky you are that your son was there and knew what to do.

[Meetz1064]

Aw, Brain, I'm soooo sorry. That just SUCKS!@@##W@

On the upside, at least it was a short one?!?!

All our love,

Meetz

[Nancy]

What a MAN your son is ! That is just incredible.
You are an incredible woman to have raised a son like that.
You deserve better than e.

[Bernard]

{{{Sharon}}}

[brain]

OH Bernard - don't tell me Stacy got
smacked with a T/C too! I just noticed
the blog!



(((((((((( Stacy ))))))))))))))

----------------------------

Thanks everyone!

My ex-husband who came by yesterday
to take us down for my son's appointment
and my son told him and it wasn't a surprise
to him, considering the winter blast that
came thrashing down here. It was all old
news. Even worse my son told me that after
the appointment, I guess being in the hot
and cold, hot and cold (I can't tolerate the
extreme temperature differences) and once
we were in the car both of them noticed
I was going into Absence and then my
eyes were rocking and then going into
Complex Partial, and they had to take me
home for a moment while he had to take
my son to get something done but I can't
remember what it was. Actually I can't
even remember the morning very well,
it's all like a blur or a fog. All I can
remember was my ex saying something
about getting something for us, but then
again, it could just be me and my head
playing games with me.

With a headache, I just had to sleep, but
the day was a little strange, because I
can't remember what all I did.

However, my son's friends took him out for
dinner last night, so I looked around for
something to eat but kind of tough to eat
with 3 teeth broken in a weird way. I thought
they were cracked, but no, they're broken.

Then later on, started to walk around, and
my tenant had to stop me because I was
walking around with like a blank expression
on my face, like a zombie; so he told me to
go to sleep. I was really confused so he says.
But as soon as he put the blanket over me,
I was sound asleep. He woke me up about
2 hours later to check up on me and I began
to panic! I saw the clock, it was late, and
I hadn't made dinner, and thought my son
was going to be LIVID and I hadn't turned
in all my coins and I was freaking out!

He had to get a hold of me; and reminded me
that my son went out to eat with his friend
and his mom. And that I had already ate.
I was really confused. But I was hungry.
He told me all I had was oodles of noodles,
so he went to the store and bought chicken
already cooked and made dinner. So he
warmed it up, and I ate a little bit of it and
was full, and brushed my teeth and was
going to take a shower but he wanted me
to wait until my son got home. So I went
back to the chair and fell asleep. No one
had woke me up since. Until finally my son
woke me up around 5:20 AM I think, to see
how I was doing.

I told him I feel fine, I think, he wanted me
to go and take my shower so he can sleep,
as he has a job interview in the morning.
I was confused if it was 5:20 PM or AM?
My son told me it was morning, he had fallen
asleep over at their home while watching a
movie and woke up and realized what time
it was, 5:15 AM and headed home.

I'm like - where did yesterday go?

[TeeTees]

Brain - there is unfair, and there is UNFAIR !!!

How on earth did you manage to type all that out after having such a crappy day ? I would be completely 'zonked' if that ever happend to me.

I really don't know how you manage to pick yourself up after all that which had happened....you are certainly twice the person I am, that's all I can say.

I hope that's it now, and whoever is sitting up there <pointing to the clouds> gives you a break, cuz you deserve it.

Chin up girl, and keep soldiering on

Love

TeeTees

xxx

[alivenwell]

OH Bernard - don't tell me Stacy got
smacked with a T/C too! I just noticed
the blog!



(((((((((( Stacy ))))))))))))))

----------------------------

Thanks everyone!

My ex-husband who came by yesterday
to take us down for my son's appointment
and my son told him and it wasn't a surprise
to him, considering the winter blast that
came thrashing down here. It was all old
news. Even worse my son told me that after
the appointment, I guess being in the hot
and cold, hot and cold (I can't tolerate the
extreme temperature differences) and once
we were in the car both of them noticed
I was going into Absence and then my
eyes were rocking and then going into
Complex Partial, and they had to take me
home for a moment while he had to take
my son to get something done but I can't
remember what it was. Actually I can't
even remember the morning very well,
it's all like a blur or a fog. All I can
remember was my ex saying something
about getting something for us, but then
again, it could just be me and my head
playing games with me.

With a headache, I just had to sleep, but
the day was a little strange, because I
can't remember what all I did.

However, my son's friends took him out for
dinner last night, so I looked around for
something to eat but kind of tough to eat
with 3 teeth broken in a weird way. I thought
they were cracked, but no, they're broken.

Then later on, started to walk around, and
my tenant had to stop me because I was
walking around with like a blank expression
on my face, like a zombie; so he told me to
go to sleep. I was really confused so he says.
But as soon as he put the blanket over me,
I was sound asleep. He woke me up about
2 hours later to check up on me and I began
to panic! I saw the clock, it was late, and
I hadn't made dinner, and thought my son
was going to be LIVID and I hadn't turned
in all my coins and I was freaking out!

He had to get a hold of me; and reminded me
that my son went out to eat with his friend
and his mom. And that I had already ate.
I was really confused. But I was hungry.
He told me all I had was oodles of noodles,
so he went to the store and bought chicken
already cooked and made dinner. So he
warmed it up, and I ate a little bit of it and
was full, and brushed my teeth and was
going to take a shower but he wanted me
to wait until my son got home. So I went
back to the chair and fell asleep. No one
had woke me up since. Until finally my son
woke me up around 5:20 AM I think, to see
how I was doing.

I told him I feel fine, I think, he wanted me
to go and take my shower so he can sleep,
as he has a job interview in the morning.
I was confused if it was 5:20 PM or AM?
My son told me it was morning, he had fallen
asleep over at their home while watching a
movie and woke up and realized what time
it was, 5:15 AM and headed home.

I'm like - where did yesterday go?

I know of dental procedures called 'bonding' where they bond a really strong enamel on your teeth and can reconstruct and reshape teeth. My E was caused by a drug that discolored my teeth and I had it done a few years ago. It was a great investment. It requires extreme dental hygiene all the time. This might be a good option for your broken teeth.
As for the seizure, I wonder if stress was a factor. If you have a good relationship with you ex, that's probably ruled out. It sounds like he came on the scene and the E acted up.
Your son is incredibly mature and his friends are probably well aware of the seizure disorder. My kid told friends about my E in one of those chat rooms, very much like this. They probably know more about your E then you know about any medical disorder they have.
Is it possible you were near anybody sick? Or, with extreme temps, maybe the meds were exposed to extreme hot/cold temps and need to be replaced? Just a few guesses...
I think I would also have a few choice words as well. I think I know most of them! They just can't be posted here.

[Birdbomb]

Hmmmmmm......

Brain standing at the sink washing dishes has a seizure
Stacy standing at the sink washing dishes has a seziure

Standing at the sink washing dishes causes seizures!

Attention ALL MEN. You will now stand at the sink and wash the dishes!




To Brain and Stacy

[Bernard]

Stacy was at the bathroom sink, not washing dishes. She is fine right now except for a few bruises and scrapes. Cognitively, she is excellent - you'd never guess she had a tonic clonic recently.

Sharon, Steve sent me long email. I'm wishing you both all the best.

[speber]

...hope the Holidays get better soon!

Best Wishes
Spencer

[Birdbomb]

Hey! A kitchen sink, bathroom sink....Humph! Men should still do the dishes anyway! (sulks)

[alivenwell]

We can always domesticate dogs!!!! (in response to that little saying 'most men help with the dishes' under that cunning picture). This one wasn't doing dishes, but I bet this dog could lick 'em clean!

[J.L.S.]

Dear Brain, I am really sorry about the grand mal and your teeth and bruises. I truly, deeply sympathize with your feelings about memory loss. For me, that is a simply horrifying experience. I have absolutely no clue as to what went on during a period of my life. I can't imagine that anyone who enjoys using their brain ever has that happen without a profound sense of loss. And I can't imagine "getting used to it." I've gone through earthquakes and tornados, but I never got used to them. And from my perspective those natural phenomenon are on a par with my unconsciousness during and following a seizure. I'm sure it's hard to explain to other people who don't have epilepsy. My husband doesn't understand (but I'll keep talking about it), and even my physician son doesn't get it--he thinks it's worse to get bruised, but I'll go right on talking. And sympathizing with anyone else who has that problem.
I am also glad you have such a smart, competent son. But why are you embarrassed about having a seizure. It's surely not something you would have done if you could have avoided it. I wonder if your son is embarrassed. I'll bet he's not. Epilepsy is an illness, a disease--not different from cancer, or AIDS or any other chronic medical condition. You get remissions and recurrences. You have therapies that work for awhile or a long time, and others that just flat out fail. I embarrassed about wetting my pants if I, an old lady, get on a laughing jag, but never worry about anything I do when I have a seizure. Wetting your pants as a conscious 70 year old (who could have gone to the toilet more often) is an embarrassment--and may be part the explanation as to why old ladies wear black.) But my feeling about epilepsy (as a beginning student) is that nothing that occurs during a seizure is embarrassing. It just is. Illness is illness. There's nothing volitional about it, whereas I have the choice of leaving the party and going to the bathroom. Hope looking at E from that point may help you feel more comfortable socially. People unfamiliar with disease may make gaffes because of their ignorance, but if they are not stupid, they learn and act appropriately the next time. I haven't any ideas about how to feel better about memory gaps though. Do you?

[alivenwell]

Dear Brain, I am really sorry about the grand mal and your teeth and bruises. I truly, deeply sympathize with your feelings about memory loss. For me, that is a simply horrifying experience. I have absolutely no clue as to what went on during a period of my life. I can't imagine that anyone who enjoys using their brain ever has that happen without a profound sense of loss. And I can't imagine "getting used to it." I've gone through earthquakes and tornados, but I never got used to them. And from my perspective those natural phenomenon are on a par with my unconsciousness during and following a seizure. I'm sure it's hard to explain to other people who don't have epilepsy. My husband doesn't understand (but I'll keep talking about it), and even my physician son doesn't get it--he thinks it's worse to get bruised, but I'll go right on talking. And sympathizing with anyone else who has that problem.
I am also glad you have such a smart, competent son. But why are you embarrassed about having a seizure. It's surely not something you would have done if you could have avoided it. I wonder if your son is embarrassed. I'll bet he's not. Epilepsy is an illness, a disease--not different from cancer, or AIDS or any other chronic medical condition. You get remissions and recurrences. You have therapies that work for awhile or a long time, and others that just flat out fail. I embarrassed about wetting my pants if I, an old lady, get on a laughing jag, but never worry about anything I do when I have a seizure. Wetting your pants as a conscious 70 year old (who could have gone to the toilet more often) is an embarrassment--and may be part the explanation as to why old ladies wear black.) But my feeling about epilepsy (as a beginning student) is that nothing that occurs during a seizure is embarrassing. It just is. Illness is illness. There's nothing volitional about it, whereas I have the choice of leaving the party and going to the bathroom. Hope looking at E from that point may help you feel more comfortable socially. People unfamiliar with disease may make gaffes because of their ignorance, but if they are not stupid, they learn and act appropriately the next time. I haven't any ideas about how to feel better about memory gaps though. Do you?

I totall agree with JLS on that one. A lot of people do not understand. There are so many variations of this disorder that it's overwhelming for any 'normal' person to comprehend it.
I see people 'cashing' in on the E. They want to step on an easy target. I used to get really upset about people like that, but I realize they're not worth my time.
Here's another perspective: For those of us with E, we really hold on to whatever precious time we have while we are aware of our surroundings and not in a seizure. For some people without E, they are fully aware of their surroundings, but they wonder aimlessly through life unaware of some of the most precious priceless things they could receive like love, sincere friendship, and less materialism. They are missing out because they cannot remember what they do not value.

[brain]

Thanks everyone! After a wild ride with "E".
Battling with absence, complex partial, simple partial, and T/C. It was
crazy! Then with my stupid irregular (can
I be unleaded for a change?) menses cycle,
I actually went 53 days before it finally started.

My son checked my calendar and realized I had
not had anything since way back in October and
had his friend count those days and I found out
he actually called my Doctor because I called my
Doctor's Office today about it and he had already
alerted them! They were concerned because my
son knew it meant trouble and so did my Doctor.
They were expecting the worse to come. For I
once went all the way up to 62 days.



When I look at my 2007 year, it's been a weird
year!

It is starting to make sense, my seizures are
controlled except that part there. And I posted
in this forum somewhere about Diamox and it
was like a joke and I was instructed to take it
15 days before my cycle starts.

NOW .....

YOU TELL ME WHEN that 15 days is going to
start?

(I think I'm going to have to steal, I mean
borrow Birdy's Homer Simpson's D'oh!)