Hi All,
I am relatively new here and have JME (well the Neurologist says it is not a classic JME but very similar signs on the EEG and symptoms of myoclonics, Grand Mal). I live in Spain and work for TUI, a large tourism company and have a wonderful life in the sun with my Spanish husband and 2 labradors. Obviously here with everyone on holiday and the fabulous year round lovely weather, the social life is great with people sat on terraces, enjoying a drink, having ´tapas´ (a lovely little snack you get when you buy a drink). I love a glass or 2 of wine but sometimes maybe overdo it. My husband is just amazing with my epilepsy, he takes it so well and ALWAYS looks after me so well. I especially feel grateful that he doesn´t make it a bit deal, and when I have a seizure, he cares for me and then life goes on as normal. I don´t like a lot of fuss and attention afterwards. I tend to have a grand mal every 6 months, almost to the day! I know I shouldn´t drink alcohol on meds but have always said I won´t let epilepsy run my life. But, if it really is this that is causing the seizures then of course I would stop! But, why is it that I can drink for 6 months and nothing, then suddenly it hits. Do seizures build up over time? I am so scared of grand mal seizures and they ALWAYS are in the morning about 1 hour or so after waking up. My husband even bought me a ´tea maker´ machine so I can have my tea without getting out of bed to avoid any injuries. I just don´t understand that if it is alcohol why it doesn´t happen every time I drink. I am not an alcholic but here in Spain it is very social to have a few drinks and relax and I drink a few times a week a maximum of 4 glasses of wine 3 times a week. Please any advice or similar experiences would be much appreciated. I don´t know whether the medication I take just doesn´t work or it really is a need of cutting the alcohol right out. I take Keppra 2500 mg and 400 mg lamictal every day. By the way I have had epilepsy for 23 years and just found this website. I have spent hours over the last few days reading peoples experiences and it is so useful and nice to hear other peoples experiences. Please help me with all your experiences and advice. Un abrazo (Spanish for a big hug to all friends). xx
I am relatively new here and have JME (well the Neurologist says it is not a classic JME but very similar signs on the EEG and symptoms of myoclonics, Grand Mal). I live in Spain and work for TUI, a large tourism company and have a wonderful life in the sun with my Spanish husband and 2 labradors. Obviously here with everyone on holiday and the fabulous year round lovely weather, the social life is great with people sat on terraces, enjoying a drink, having ´tapas´ (a lovely little snack you get when you buy a drink). I love a glass or 2 of wine but sometimes maybe overdo it. My husband is just amazing with my epilepsy, he takes it so well and ALWAYS looks after me so well. I especially feel grateful that he doesn´t make it a bit deal, and when I have a seizure, he cares for me and then life goes on as normal. I don´t like a lot of fuss and attention afterwards. I tend to have a grand mal every 6 months, almost to the day! I know I shouldn´t drink alcohol on meds but have always said I won´t let epilepsy run my life. But, if it really is this that is causing the seizures then of course I would stop! But, why is it that I can drink for 6 months and nothing, then suddenly it hits. Do seizures build up over time? I am so scared of grand mal seizures and they ALWAYS are in the morning about 1 hour or so after waking up. My husband even bought me a ´tea maker´ machine so I can have my tea without getting out of bed to avoid any injuries. I just don´t understand that if it is alcohol why it doesn´t happen every time I drink. I am not an alcholic but here in Spain it is very social to have a few drinks and relax and I drink a few times a week a maximum of 4 glasses of wine 3 times a week. Please any advice or similar experiences would be much appreciated. I don´t know whether the medication I take just doesn´t work or it really is a need of cutting the alcohol right out. I take Keppra 2500 mg and 400 mg lamictal every day. By the way I have had epilepsy for 23 years and just found this website. I have spent hours over the last few days reading peoples experiences and it is so useful and nice to hear other peoples experiences. Please help me with all your experiences and advice. Un abrazo (Spanish for a big hug to all friends). xx