Concussion + Epilepsy = Great First Semester at University

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Hi Emily - Happy New Year & good 2 meet U - (scuse textspeak-it's often easier 4 me) - as "Nak" says this is a great place 2 B - It's horses for courses I'm afraid re E - but it's good that you've kicked the booze into touch - I see some folk at clinics who are in a he'll of a state coz they can't/won't do that - Stay in touch - No matter wot Ur question someone here will have the answer (& you think of the money our bloody consultants get paid when our expert advice is free!!)
BW; Col
 
Hi Emily,

You're right. This is a marvelous place to stumble upon in the event you find yourself aboard the S.S. Epilepsy (where things can get a little crazy). We're all in the same boat here. I'm new to the forum too, but already it's apparent these boards are frequented by many knowledgeable and compassionate people. I wish I'd found it sooner.

I play hockey and rugby too. (Though I did get out of the scrums and switched to back.) The risk of concussion is not one to disregard lightly. I've found too how severely even one can exacerbate the seizure situation. However, I'm personally more likely to incur a concussion walking around campus and town given the amount of concrete in these places and my tendency to FDGB on a regular basis, than I am in a helmet playing hockey or on the turf. So I continue to play on account that the benefits for me outweigh the risks. I strongly believe exercise-induced endorphins are one of the most effective AED's. Then again I'm an addict- my decisions may be slighted.

It really isn't easy to go against hockey and rugby culture and call it quits after a drink or two, but for the most part people don't notice as long as you're having fun. Especially as we get older, people respect others for making conscientious decisions and sticking to their guns more than for their boat racing skills or keg stands (tho I do admire those talents a fair bit). It's hard to believe sometimes, but there's more to the socials than the alcohol. Even more than knowing all the words to all the songs. :o)

Anyhow, I'm confident if you take a focused, aggressive approach to seizure management, like you take to battle on the ice or the pitch, you'll do just fine. Find a good doctor. Go to a seizure specialist rather than a neurologist if you can. Like you know, it's all about the team. Work with the best and never settle on your quality of life. Keep fighting and advocating for yourself or find someone who will. Don't worry. You got this.

Thanks for sharing your story. Keep us posted in your adventures in the big (not so easy) E, and other adventures as well.

All the best to you,
Alli
 
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Oh deep joy! Where have you been all our lives, Ajax? - She's intelligent, eloquent, fun to know, a laugh, one of "our gang", an attractive character ..... AND ..... She plays rugby!! (I knew there was a God!!).

Col.
 
Thanks so much for your post Alli.
Unfortunately I made the smart decision to play pick-up hockey a couple days ago which aggravated my concussion so I can't give you the long grammatically correct response you deserve. I feel brainless and I have to study for my microbio exam tomorrow which is based in memorization. For a girl with no memory, this is a tad bit disheartening but c'est la vie.
Its been exactly 4 months since the concussion today, so I thought I'd be fine but I was wrong. I don't think i'm going to be able to run safely until summer due to the impact with the ground. helloooo stationary bike and eliptical machine ...ugh.

The rugby family mentality is a wonderful one, thats for sure. "Tape it or wrap it, then get back on on the field." And you have to love the those post game rituals. Speaking of rugby songs, im pretty sure my roomates 'university of dundee womens rugby songbook' is on my living room table in my apartment hahaha glorious. I'm glad you still play!
I did a research paper on the effects of exercise on epilepsy and seizure occurrence last semester, which was basically a review of the existing literature, but it seems to be most often safe to participate in exercise and occasionally beneficial (of course this depends on whihc types of seizures you are prone to)

Thanks again, and have a great Tuesday!
This forum makes for a great study break
Em

Labor Omnia Vincit
 
A little late for a welcome, but WELCOME TO CWE.

:cheers:

I make a great cup of coffee, so sit down and stay awhile. :)
 
Thanks buckeye fan :)
and no worries Endless, no more of that for this one. My competitive sport endeavours are on hold for at least a year, and I accepted that playing rugby is no longer an option in september.... stung a little... couple tears here and there... but i accepted it nonetheless.
 
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