Getting nervous for my VEEG

[jemsister]

I'm trying not to stress out, but as the day gets closer I'm finding it harder and harder to avoid feeling anxious about the test. Anyone out there have any experiences to share that might help me relax? I'm not worried about anything in particular, I think it's mostly just not knowing what to expect, and then of course the fear of being taken off the meds and what that will do. I've been taking them for nearly 16 years, it's hard to not think about what on earth is going to happen when they're gone.

 

[Nakamova]

I haven't had a VEEG myself, so no specific advice. But I'd say whatever relaxes you in general may work for this as well. Sometimes writing about it can help -- putting your anxieties down on paper or "offloading" them on other people can help move them out of your system figuratively AND literally. If you have pictures or items that you find reassuring, you might want to keep them close at hand during the VEEG.

When's the big day?

 

[jemsister]

I check in Tuesday morning. You're right, bottling up the anxiety only makes it worse. I'm going to have to find some stress outlets.

 

[LW6279]

Screaming at the top of your lungs works! Good luck!

 

[Cint]

Bring lots of reading material or since your an artist, drawing material. And make sure you bring clothing that you don't have to pull over your head, since electrodes will constantly be glued to your head. Plus the point of all this is to see where your seizures originate from and identifying the type of seizure(s), so no need to be nervous about being taken off your meds. You will be under constant observation and care if you go into a seizure.

 

[RunningGirl85]

Well, I'm here now! Do you have someone coming with you? I know I would've liked that... I also wish I'd brought my own snacks, since I can't leave the room, and I have nobody with me (and hospital food isn't always the best!) It sounds to me like they do stuff a little different for everyone depending on their situation. THey sleep deprived me for two nights, then last night said I could sleep - though I still slept like crap. They took me off of my medication on Tuesday, and are probably putting me back on tonight.

If your room will have wifi, I would definitely say having a laptop has helped me. And then you can post constant updates like I have been! lol. Trying to stay awake and being bored have been my biggest issues. In my case, stress isn't bad, because it generally provokes seizure activity. Also, high caffeine content is a trigger for me, if it is for you as well, you might want to consider some energy drinks? I wish I'd brought them, because I've been having to wait for nurses to get some for me, and that moves a little slower than I think would be most useful for me.

Good luck

 

[jemsister]

RunningGirl, yes, thankfully I'll have my husband with me. They actually told me that I had to bring someone, so that wasn't really optional for this facility, I guess? I'd be nervous going alone! I'm definitely taking my laptop with me, and they have WiFi. Also taking my art stuff and origami stuff. And a good book. Hopefully that will cover it!

I think we'll probably shop for room food the day before check-in. I know I'd like to have a few familiar things, in case the hospital food is terrible (which is often the case, blah). I've been sick lately, so thinking about food shopping isn't tremendously appealing right now. Hoping to feel better in the next couple of days. Stomach flu has been ravaging our household. D=

 

[Autumn Breeze]

Yes, good idea, take food!! And drinks. I had to stay for a total of 72 hours, my husband, kids and MIL and one of my SILs came to visit after I called and told everyone i was awake (this was after my very first seizures). They asked "what can we bring?" I said "something edible" lol

 

[CQ:)]

RunningGirl, yes, thankfully I'll have my husband with me. They actually told me that I had to bring someone, so that wasn't really optional for this facility, I guess?

Some hospitals do prefer that you have someone with you.
When I had my VEEG in 2010 the hospital I had it asked me to bring someone with me who was able to recognise my siezures. I took my Mum with me as she is the one who knows my seizures the best & what to look out for when I have a partial. If I had a seizure & wasn't able to press the button myself then my Mum was able to.
While I was in the hospital for the VEEG I had some memory tests done & my neuropsych evaluation. My Mum had to leave when I had these done so before she left the room the people who were doing the tests & evaluation asked Mum what to look out for if I did have a seizure eg - with my partials I usually either stare into space or not make sense when i speak.

 

[jemsister]

Still feeling nervous about the VEEG, and I think some of my nerves are from not knowing what this whole pituitary gland thing is all about. I'm super anxious to get that taken care of.

My parents came and got the kids yesterday and took them to their house for the week. I miss them so much already. =( Really hoping this week flies by fast.

 

[jemsister]

CQ, I can't remember, but it seems like my doc said I would probably also be seen by a neuropsychologist. We'll find out, I guess!

 

[CQ:)]

CQ, I can't remember, but it seems like my doc said I would probably also be seen by a neuropsychologist. We'll find out, I guess!

Josie -
Is the VEEG part of pre surgery tests or to try to get some seizure activity so the neurologist or epitiologist can treat your seizures better?

I had to have a neuropsych evaluation as part of my pre surgery tests to see how the epilepsy affected my memory & me as a person & if I was ready mentally to have surgery. I am still in regular contact with my neuropsych, I email her on a regular basis with updates or any querries. When I go to the epilepsy clinic I also see the neuropsych.

I have read on here that other members have seen a neuropsych for reasons other then surgery eg - checking their memory & concentration.