Worried...

[sniegs]

My mother had a seizure tonight.

I was watching TV in the living room at about 7:45pm or so when I heard a loud crash coming from the kitchen.

When I ran through the house to see what happened I found her on the floor. It looked to be tonic-clonic.

She says she hasn't had a seizure in over 30 years. She's been on two anti-epileptic drugs, and up until now has claimed that she is "cured" and doesn't have epilepsy.

Anyway, when I found her, her head was bleeding. She must have hit her head on the counter when she fell. The head wound wasn't too bad, but it was still a head injury, so I wasn't going to mess around.

The nearest hospital is only a mile away, but I don't drive because of my own epilepsy, and I wasn't about to risk it. (My father is away in the mountains for a week, so I am on my own.)


I called for an ambulance, and did what I could to keep her safe while the seizure continued. (It lasted for about five or six minutes.)

She woke up in the ambulance, and was at first confused as to where she was, then angry because she had had a seizure.

Once we were in the ER, they ran some quick tests. Her doctor was contacted, and an appointment was made for Monday morning.

When she was left alone with me in her hospital room, she told me not to tell anyone about this. Not even my father. (Which is silly, because it's going to show up on the bill, which is going to come out of my father's paycheck.)


She was released from the hospital an hour ago; she's in bed sleeping now, and seems OK. I did my best to remain calm during the hospital trip, but now I'm worried.

She had had a lot to drink the night before (more than she usually does). Maybe this was a contributing factor? I know she regularly drinks, and it makes me very uncomfortable knowing how many medications she takes as well, but she seems to have little regard for what can result from too much drinking.

She has plans to go downtown tomorrow, and she's going to want to drive. I don't know what to make of that. DC has great public transportation, and we live very close to a Metro station, but since she injured her foot a couple of weeks ago, she doesn't want to walk on it too much. The thought of her driving the day after a seizure worries me. I don't know if I am being irrational for feeling this way, but it is hard to make myself feel otherwise. I don't want to hold her back from the things she wants to do, but at the same time I want her to be safe.

Hm... I guess my point is that I'm worried.

[homemom360]

as well you should be, on top of the t/c that seemed to have just mysteriously reappered after 30 so yrs. there is the fact that she hit her head, it may not have been a bad bump but it does not take much to effect your ability to function, aspecially when there are other factors in the picture. i would suggest talking to your mother and if nothing else at least tell her of your fears and suggest to her that she not do anything more than necessary till after she sees the doctor. if your feelings matter to her i don't think she should have a problem with waiting a day to be able to do things.
on a personal note to you, i hope that you are able to calm your fears through the night. being there alone i know does not make it any easier. remember we are here for you and there is always somewhere you have someone to talk to.
keep us updated on yourself and your mom. good luck...

[Meetz1064]

the alcohol is a contributing factor. And it wouldn't surprise me if she forgot to take her meds, too.

You DO need to tell your father...he's going to find out one way or another anyway. It's not like she can hide it from him. And she needs to be honest with her doctor, too, about how much she actually drinks.

Feel free to come back and vent, or whatever you need to. We'll be here for ya.

Take care!

Meetz

[Bernard]

Sounds like you did everything you could under the circumstances.

She had had a lot to drink the night before (more than she usually does). Maybe this was a contributing factor? I know she regularly drinks, and it makes me very uncomfortable knowing how many medications she takes as well, but she seems to have little regard for what can result from too much drinking.

Its quite likely. Did you mention this to the docs at the ER? If her doctor knows about it, he might talk to her about it (and she might listen better to the doc than you).

She has plans to go downtown tomorrow, and she's going to want to drive.

Did the docs at the ER instruct her not to drive? Or her neurologist/doc? You can remind her that if she has an accident - even if she is not at fault - no insurance is going to cover her.

You should absolutely call your father and let him know. Your mother might be mad in ths short term, but it is the right thing to do.

[sniegs]

Thank you all for your support. I really appreciate it!

She was better today, though she did go out for a morning drive while I was still asleep (when I woke up and saw that the driveway was empty I freaked out a little... but she came back unharmed about an hour later).

The ER doctor had advised against driving, at least until she meets with her doctor on Monday.

My mother was also angry with me for telling the ER doctor about her drinking habits, epilepsy history, and age (she's 65).

I am considering going with her to her doctor tomorrow. I am concerned that she is not being honest with her doctor about her drinking habits and other things.

While she was gone this morning, I called my father's cell phone and left a voicemail informing him of what had happened. He called me back this evening and told me that he was glad that I told him; he had had a feeling that this would happen (as did I). He won't be able to come home until the end of the week, but he said that when he comes back, we will have a talk with her about our concerns. She is difficult to talk to one-on-one, but maybe when we approach her together, maybe she will hear us.

Anyway, thanks again for the support. You guys are great.

[skillefer]

I understand being worried. Especially since it's been 30 years since her last one. I'd definitely go to the doctor's appt. with her since your dad won't be able to. Also, don't feel bad about telling the docs in the ER about her drinking and epilepsy history. Honestly, it could be the drinking that triggered it, or her hormones, or even an increase in weight. It could also be that for some reason, her meds have quit working for her. Glad to hear that you told your dad. He needs to know. After all, it's his wife. Take care sniegs. And don't be surprised if your mom tries to downplay what happened with the neurologist. Just try to be there and be supportive. We're here for you.

[stilldancing_98]

I know how hard it is to watch a parent and a child have a seizure when you have it yourself. But , I am a woman of 43. Pretty independant. Sometimes I like somebody to come to appointments with me. And I know that this is a vitally important one. But please try not to push yourself on her. She has had a whole life and do you know how she feels about others going to her appts? I am sorry this has happenned to your mom. I get angry and sad when its been a couple of months. You must love her very much to have such concern for her.Teresa