Seizure at work

[Grneydgurl]

On the 30th, last Friday, I had a seizure at work. I work in a very busy gas station. I am having a hard time with the recovery process of this one for several reasons. One, I haven't had one in four years. I recently underwent a study at Hospital in Lebanon, NH to see if I was a candidate for the VNS therapy because I am hypersensitive to medication. The specialist that I saw, stated that I showed no signs of seizure activity. So with other situations, I convinced myself to stop taking my Depakote. He had dropped me from 1750mg a day to 250mg. So 4 months ago, I stopped my meds, on my own. Secondly, I wear wigs for another medical reason and obviously it came off and I have no recollection as to who was there, etc. Thirdly, I was out for an hour and 15 minutes. I was awake talking to everyone, but I have no recollection of it. I have no warnings, but for some reason I was REALLY confused. I said it to the girl that I was working with at 3:30 and I "came to" in the ER at 5:10 pm. Now the last thing that I did, and I really wish I hadn't but I wanted unanswered questions answered was, I watched the video recording from the surveillence tapes. Which I am glad that we have so that I can make a recording for the Neurologist. It is implanted in my mind, not what I look like, but how many people I affected. My manager vomitted, my sister in law who I work with and have known since high school is having nightmares, I have people refusing to work with me because of the 'what if' scenarios. I have asked them not to treat me any different and the majority of them have been bending over backwards accomidating me with what makes me feel comfortable and what makes them feel comfortable because of the staffing. I work 2nd shift and there is only two people on during a shift. Friday just so happened to be during shift changing and everyone was there. I just don't know how to get over this last episode. I hit a major slump with depression these last few days. When I called my dr and notified him of this occurance they could only give me his first available appointment......March 5. They had me start my medicine (Depakote) 500mg 2x's a day and I have blood work on Tuesday. And they recommended that I turn my license in to the DMV until further notice. Which I will not do, BUT I WILL NOT drive either. It is such a hassle to get my license back. I seriously would not be able to live with myself if I hurt someone else's family or my own. So I am walking now and depending on everyone else.

[Bernard]

Hi Grneydgurl, welcome to the forum.

... I recently underwent a study at Hospital in Lebanon, NH to see if I was a candidate for the VNS therapy because I am hypersensitive to medication.

I'd highly recommend you look into EEG neurofeedback (see link in my signature) before the VNS.

... Thirdly, I was out for an hour and 15 minutes. I was awake talking to everyone, but I have no recollection of it. I have no warnings, but for some reason I was REALLY confused.

This period after a seizure where you appear to be conscious and functioning is called a post ictal state. It is not uncommon for you to not remember anything that occurs during this span or to be angry, confused, etc. during it.

[RobinN]

Hi Grneydgurl.. WELCOME

How frustrating. Couldn't have picked a better time....?
Sorry... my 16 year old has grand mals / tonic clonic seizures at high school in the middle of the quad. Or in Math class when everthing is quiet. Not easy at all. I can understand the embarassment and the after effects you are having to deal with. What Rebecca so maturely states is... you can't change what others are going to think. I would hope that those close to you will gather some knowledge and understanding.

I hope you are feeling better.

[Grneydgurl]

The VNS study is my last resort. I have undergone EEG's, CT's and MRI's several times. Some MRI's with contrast dye some without. I totally understand the "states" that I go thru with the tonic-clonic seizures but what I was getting at was this one was the longest I have ever been through. The one I had before this I went head first into a tub full of water, and I wasn't "out" as long as I was for this one.

Im trying to educate, alot of people are asking questions. Everyone knew at work that I had them, I wear a bracelet all the time. But as they all stated when I came back to work, it's one thing to say, I have epilepsy/seizures, the grand mal kind, then actually witness it. They said everything I told them went out the window.