another push for the VNS

[seizuregirl]

I had an appointment with my neurologist today, and after his asking the normal questions, when the question, "How many seizures have you had since your last appointment?" was asked, it's been almost 10months since then, and I don't know, of course, but my father had brought me to my appointment and my dr. then asked for him to be included too because he has witnessed a few of them and can describe what happens during some of them.

After that, he started to tell me about the vns again, I had tried to tell him that I already knew what it is, and how it works, and we had that conversation at my last appointment, but my father, after having it explained to him by my dr, got excited and is now all set for me to have this done, and we were sent home with the VNS pamphlet for us/him to look through.

 

[seizuregirl]

My father did a quick look through the pamphlet a short while ago, and is now even more excited and convinced that the vns will be what stops my seizures, but if it doesn't stop them, then they will rarely happen, they will probably only happen if I forget a dose, or take it later than I normally do.

As for my opinion with the vns, I just don't want another surgery. My father has told me that my dr had said he wasn't trying to make it sound as if there was nothing left for me, and they were out of options, just that my dr. really doesn't know what else to do.

 

[Bernard]

The VNS has been beneficial for some people, but there are real risks and potential negative outcomes with it too. CWE has many stories covering the whole spectrum of experiences posted here and there.

Most neuros/docs seem to run out of ideas after trying several drugs and testing to see if you are a candidate for surgery. Have you tried exploring any CAM options (see chart linked in my signature)?

 

[valeriedl]

Let your father know that the VNS isn't a cure all and may not stop your seizures!

I got a VNS about 4 years after I was diagnosed with epilepsy and it has helped me a lot. I am still having seizures and taking meds though.

It has reduced the average number of seizures I have a month, from around 20 to 5, it has reduced the length of my seizures and it has also reduced the amount of meds I take.

If I feel the seizure coming on and use the magnet it can stop the seizure but not always. If someone uses the magnet on me while I'm having the seizure it will bring me out of the seizure faster but they might have to use it more than once.

 

[Topcat]

My seizures were completely out of control before I got my VNS. No it's not a cure all but it sure has done wonders for me.