It sounds as if you are in a similar state as I was prior to surgery. It was hard to contrive. I went through 3 neurologists (2 of which I disliked for various reasons). The 3rd was great. By the time I saw him I had been through 3 meds with no help. I was averaging complex partial every 28 days. With the third neuro I started Lamictal, slowing increased dosage over 18 months or so, I would get a honeymoon as the dose would increase but they eventually came back. He suggested a neuro team in Jacksonville to evaluate surgery potential. The #1 neuro is a former Mayo neuro, who choose to begin his own team with his surgeon specifically for epilepsy. After 2 MRI's I went to the hospital stay for 1 week for the EEG evaluation on camera. They stoped the lamictal, starved me, prevented me from sleeping, flashed lights on and off, etc. My wife and daughter were there to comfort me as much as possible. In the end they had triggered 3 seizures! I didn’t even realize it! But my wife said oh yes you did! Review of the results indicated all 3 seizures originated from the same point on the left temporal lobe. THIS IS A VERY POSITIVE SIGN FOR SURGERY SUCCESS. He said this made me a very good candidate for surgery, was far enough away from the major area of language/memory and an 80% chance of success. I jumped on it, let’s do it. Years of frustration, no driving, med side effects, mental stress, affecting my job, my family, friends, dog, cat…….lets do it! They indicated there was more testing to do, WADA, neurophysco, etc. and it took months to get everything complete and all of the time and additional testing required medical and physiological success. My surgery was in April. They did not have to shave my head, they cut and just lifted the skin with hair on it! Recovery in the hospital was pain med dependent for headaches, but after a week or so they were gone and I was walking again, although I had very little energy. Six titanium screws just above and behind the left ear. At first there was a very distinct tenderness and I could easily feel scar tissue. Now after 8 months there is no way I can even tell there was a cut there. The only real side effect I have is being happier than ever in my life. I know that there is a possibility that they could come back someday, after all, I am still and always will be an epileptic, but my life has taken a different course, a happier, positive course. I know that not all epileptics are candidates and it may be too risky and I donate to research and support. But I believe many overlook surgery and are too afraid, but I suggest we carry through with evaluation when your trusted neuro suggests you should and then decide. It could be that it’s more likely to be safe and successful than we may think. I WILL BE DRIVING in DECEMBER! GOOD LUCK TO YOU GEMSISTER and all of YOU!
.