More symtom questions......

[what2do2010]

Hello everyone. My husband is in the "process" of being diagnosed with epilepsy. e are still awaiting a few more opinions and tests - but so far they are all saying basically the same thing. We are very new to this "new normal" in our lives and have so many questions!

My husbands last seizure was about 2 weeks ago which left him very exhauted - and he is still not feeling well. About 4 days ago he had an "episode" that started as the usual aura that has come before his other seizures. However, he never lost consciousness. The aura lasted about a minute or so then instead of the usual seizure,activity was limited to his legs shaking uncontrollabley. This lasted about 30 minutes. We did go to the ER simply because nothing like this has ever happened before. We also requested a prolactin be drawn - it was about 2 hours AFTER the episode and it was a 28. We have been told that is "high" - is it?

We are having an ambulatory EEG this weekend - then an MRI next week. He is still so fatigued and has no energy - not to mention that fear of when it will happen again!

Any advice??? thanks

[mel239]

Is he on any meds? My meds seem to stop my seizure before it goes all the way.Of course,these are just my opinions.With this still being new there could be a lot of side effects to meds.These are serious drugs and we all have experienced somewhat horrific side effects.I only just joined this forum,but you will be made to feel at home here.after 2 yrs,my seizures have changed also,there are many reasons,my epileptologist said mine were there all along with the other complex partials,but the meds took care of them.Welcome and Im sure somebody will try to answer your many questions.By the way,severe exhaustion goes hand in hand with E and the meds.

[what2do2010]

Thank you for the reply....we are still trying to wrap our heads around it all!! So many questions - so many gray answers!

[Nakamova]

In this case, the prolactin levels are a pretty good indicator that your husband had an epileptic seizure. Unless your husband is a pregnant female (in which case his prolactin levels could be as high as 200), the normal levels are from 2 to 18, with the lower number being optimal. So 28, measured at 2 hours post-seizure is high. Usually the number is highest about a half hour to an hour after the seizure has ended, and then gradually goes back down after that over the next 6 hours.

The seizures take a toll on the system -- it's definitely normal to feel exhausted -- as do the meds. The best thing is to let the body recover at it's own pace, but while making sure to get enough to drink and eat. It's important to avoid dehydration.

I hope the EEG and MRI are helpful. You should be sure to ask the doctor for a prompt assessment of the results.

[what2do2010]

thank you for the information....this forum has been very helpful. We have much to learn!!

[dfwtexas]

I got diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago at age 47. This forum has been a Godsend! It is overwhelming to learn about it,plus there are so many variables to E. Plus when you are feeling abnormal, it is great just to come here and learn you are so abnormal!
After I have a seizure, I am anxious for days....it brings it back to it really can happen anytime.
Kudos to you for taking time to learn....you would be surprised how many people on here don't have supportive family or friends...and that just makes it harder.

[Meetz1064]

keeping a journal of what he does, eats and sleeps, etc. I do have a list, if you'd like it, that's a bit more detailed that is suggested for E journals.

The reason for starting an E journal? To help find what may be triggering the seizures in the first place--and then to help you possibly control them. Many different things, such as lack of sleep, food, photosensitivity and more can all be triggers to a seizure.

You have landed in the right place for information though.

Welcome to CWE. I'm sure you're going to fit right in. Sit back, relax as much as you can given the situation you're in, and feel free to hang around. Mr B has an excellent party going here. Bring your husband, too. I'm sure he'll find some support he'd like as a new E patient. We've got several of those around, too.

Hopefully one of the guys will bring around some decent coffee--I keep burning it. Eric? Buckeye? Arvind?

Anyway....let me know if you'd like for me to post that list. I'll be more than happy to. It's mostly common sense--and you can use a calendar, notebook, computer--whatever you want--to keep track of everything.

Nice to meet you!

Meetz