Extreme weakness, why?

[MuayThaiFighter]

I'm at wits end. In just about every possible way my mind gives up right now. I am not on any anti epileptics right now because the generic keppra seemed to be causing more issues then fixing them.

What im really edgy with is how extremely bad things have gotten ever since I left my video EEG. The Keppra stopped abruptly and all hell broke lose. Now I am stuck in my bed and my gaps of clarity are getting smaller. This started happening because I would get very weak. So weak that I could barely talk. Standing up is out of the question at times, I keep dropping things. I can't seem to walk straight. What could be going on?!?! Im to out of it to look things up now but this is beyond manageable. Can having seizures uncontrolled like this make your physically weak? I think this all comes down to the overall lack of control or am I way of the mark?

I just don't see anything normal or acceptable with a doctor thinking this is ok for a 24 year old male who was not showing these level of problems before the meds were all messed up. I see the neuro in January and they always check your strength. Back then I could pass their little test, but as of the last month I can barely hold up a cup of water without shaking. onder:
What are the neurologists looking for when they test your arms and legs for resistance?

 

[xxspellsxx]

I'm not sure, I know I have had to cut down my running by a lot, I can manage just about 8 miles but that's it. Befor I could run forever. I'm am also getting weaker because use of it. I think in my case I might be the medication so I'm trying my hardest to push past it. After a tonic clonic I have no mucle strength at all.. But once rested I'm a bit better. It must be driving you crazy! I hope you can get some answers soon, my response is pretty much useless, but wanted you to know I know how you feel. Ella.

 

[AngelwithDentedHalo]

When I saw the Neurologist the first time, he did all kinds of initial tests that he could perform right then like having me touch each finger with my thumb and then do it backward, following his finger with eyes only, feeling my neck, etc. He hasn't really done things like that since but maybe doesn't feel the need to, although that will probably change now that he knows about my tremors.

Sorry you feel so bad, hope it gets better soon.

 

[jyearta]

Have you had your B12 levels checked?

when I got so weak in the same way you describe my B12 was very low.
Eat more protein (peanut butter) and drink protein drink (whey protein powder).

 

[huskymom]

(((HUG))) I am so sorry that this is happening to you! Can you have someone take you to a emergency clinic? I would think that something could be done before your appointment. Have you called the dr. and told him all of this? I really think that you should get checked out. If you can get some meds to help for now, I think that would be great. Hang in there!

 

[jackier]

Tony, if you're having uncontrollable seizures then this weakness is normal-at least for me it is. As you know, your body goes through a hell of a lot(putting it mildly).
A status episode I had in Aug zapped my energy level so badly that I've just now started climbing stairs to our 2nd floor correctly. I hope you have someone there with you to help, if so take the help.
I agree with jyearta, eat some peanut butter & crackers for the protein(plus its easy to make). Also you might try a B complex vit-it has given me some energy. Give yourself time, don't expect too much too soon of yourself. And remember we are here for you...

 

[Nakamova]

Tony, there could be several things contributing to your weakness. Withdrawal from keppra can mess with your appetite and sleep, so make sure you are eating and drinking properly. Dehydration can be hard to notice and can make you very tired and weak. Try to eat balanced meals, and consider adding a B-vitamin supplement if you don't take one already.

If the weakness is neurological rather than physiological -- perhaps from some kind of nerve damage from the seizures -- then I think it may be worth seeing a doc before January, as Huskymom suggests. Can you get to the ER?

The various neurological tests are meant to determine if there is a particular problem, and if so, where in the body or brain it may be originating. Some of the exercises test motor function, and look for any issues with gait, balance, or reflexes. Among other things, the doc is checking whether responses are normal or abnormal, symmetric or asymmetric, strong or weak.

The resistance tests can help determine if a problem is muscle-related or nerve-related. If it's nerve-related, the tests may also help suggest which nerves, nerve roots, and brain areas may be involved for particular areas of weakness.

I hope you start feeling better soon.

 

[LJ-Bain]

I'm sorry that you are going through this.
The medication designed to help us can sometimes become our worst enemy.
Please get help sooner than January if you are so weak! Your body has been through alot and needs to heal but perhaps it needs a little extra help. Something more than mere rest may be required.
I wish that I had suggestions...when all my problems began I had incredible weakness too and couldn't even get up to go to the washroom (that's when I learned what a commode is). I was glad to be in the hospital then.
You are right. It is not OK for a 24 year old to be showing these level of problems.
Keppra withdrawal is certainly no laughing matter. Emotionally, and physically it is wreaking havoc on you. Whenever I would reduce my Keppra when I was withdrawing my seizures would increase until my body adjusted so I can't imagine what it is like cold turkey.
Stay strong.

 

[AngelwithDentedHalo]

Nakamova, as someone who's had kidney failure 3 times, I know about dehydration. It's very important to stay hydrated. Dehydration is the main thing that made me so weak, along with other things but it contributed to a large portion of it.

 

[MuayThaiFighter]

Thank a lot everyone. I am making sure to stay clear on hydrating myself, when im going through the phase of having seizures I tend to not drink or eat. So I force myself to drink water and eat when im clear. I slept really well last night and haven't had any seizures today, so I know sleep is a big cause. Last time I was in the hospital for an extended stay they sad I was dehydrated, and I was drinking plenty of liquids so idk. I will give the B Vitamins more of a try. Hopefully sooner then later I get tangible things from the Drs. so I can be out side and what not.

 

[jyearta]

I wanted to mention that fortified cereals helped me when I when though. time like this.

I glad to read you got a good night sleep.

keep us posted, we are all worried about you and are here for you.

 

[RunningGirl85]

You should definitely try to get a blood test - maybe check for not only B12, but also iron I don't know if seizures/medications deplete iron, but I know that anemia can cause tons of issues similar to what you're describing. This, of course, is in addition to what everyone else has suggested. Also, have you had any other changes of medications? I know your situation is not like mine, but I felt TERRIBLE when I forgot to put my Celexa in my pill box for four days. I COULD NOT figure it out. Not to say you're doing the same thing, but sometimes we don't notice some things... Especially if things are making our brains foggy.

I really do hope you get to feeling better and can get everything figured out.

 

[Eli]

I agree with and to reinforce others suggestions...

I'm currently averaging a mix of 31 partials and tc's a month. Fortunately they cluster so I get a couple good days a month.

I dehydrate so I keep pedialyte on hand, orange flavor is tolerable and non msg soup. About the only things I can force down during those spells.

I added vit b to my meds this summer.

But yes, I am exhausted, shaky and weak and have to spend a good bit of time resting afterwards.

I also have people that call daily and stop by weekly to make sure I'm still alive.

I had one of my more severe tc's this past week. I managed to call someone when it started but dropped the phone as it cycled thru. They could hear me. I came to a couple hours later.

And no, no one should have to feel this crappy!!!

Take care and be careful. /huggs