*chuckle* I see Meetz beat me to the punch.
Anyway, welcome to CWE. And yes, it sounds like seizure activity, but definitely go see a neurologist. Now, as for the journal, definitely keep one. It'll give your neuro and you more information. And, you may notice a pattern that you didn't think existed. Here's what I usually tell people to jot down:
1. Food and drink (when, what, how much)
2. Sleep (how many hours each night)
3. your period (if you're a female) (what day it starts, how long is your cycle)
4. odd feelings (smells/tastes/sounds/feelings/sights, migraines, etc.... when and how long they last)
5. seizures (when, how long it lasts, and what you were doing prior)
6. Any stress in your life and how you deal with it
7. any OTC meds or supplements you use
Now, here's some things you might want to change in the meantime....
1. Make sure that you eat 6 small healthy meals a day. (By small, it should fit on a dessert/salad plate, for every carb you need a protein, and avoid prepackaged or fast food. In other words, shop the edges of the grocery store.)
2. Make sure you get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. ( no ifs, ands, or buts)
3. Don't take OTC meds.
4. Quit all caffeine consumption. (no sodas, tea, coffee, mate, energy drinks, etc....)
5. develop a healthy way to relieve stress (exercise, walking, yoga, meditation, art, journaling, writing, painting, prayer, etc...)
Here's why.
Stress, Lack of sleep, low blood sugar, all can trigger seizures. So if there's any history of diabetes in your family at all, you really need to watch the blood sugar. Caffiene can also trigger seizures. As can MSG (which is in almost all fast food, and many prepackaged foods...) which explains the suggestion to shop the edges of the grocery store. Stress can mean not only emotional stress, but physical stress such as illness as well. So you may find that your more likely to have a seizure when you're sick. For example, colds and flus tend to make it easier for us to have seizures. Also, stay away from OTC meds if you can. Especially antihistamines or sinus medicine. They tend to have chemicals in them that act as stimulants. Some people are photosensitive. So for them repeating patterns, or flickering lights can trigger seizures. For those, I usually suggest replacing any corkscrew shaped energy efficient light bulbs with the old fashioned ones. The new ones can cause seizures. As can certain light effects in movies, tv shows, and computer sites.
For others, its a matter of the body no longer being able to tolerate specific foods such as dairy or gluten. Everyone has different triggers. If you can find a pattern, then hopefully you can avoid your triggers. Even if you can't, by keeping a journal like this, it will give your doc more info about your life as well as your seizures. And knowledge is power. My doc always encouraged me to quit smoking. So if you do, i'm encouraging you to quit too. If you don't, don't start.
Also, limit how much you drink. If the doc puts you on meds, you may find that they tell you not to drink. That's because the alcohol can interract with the meds in a dangerous way.
I know...it seems like a lot of changes to make. But think of it this way.....it's not only for our own good....but it lets us have a longer and more productive life with our families and those we love. If your spouse doesn't go to your docs appt with you, they should. My hubby goes with me to all of my appointments. That way, if I forget something I wanted to ask, he reminds me. (That's another thing the journal is good for too....a place to jot down the questions and answers....)
Also, meds effect everyone differently. If you and your doctor decide to use meds as a treatment, remember that they only work for about 60-70% of the people who try them...and that it can take a while for them to kick in. It's not a magic bullet. And sometimes, it takes combinations of different meds. If the doc puts you on meds, many of them you have to work your way up to the therapeutic dosage...and that takes time. Side effects are usually lethargy. Occasionally, weight gain. Loss of memory is also fairly common. One side effect that docs don't usually talk about is lack of sex drive....so don't be surprised if it happens.
The thing to remember is that a diagnosis is not a death sentence. Feel free to ask questions, chime in, or just vent when you need to. We've all been through it.
Your still the same person you were before you got diagnosed. So try to think of epilepsy as being like asthma or diabetes....a medical condition to be dealt with.
