Going on vacation and tapering off meds

[marika853]

Have been busy getting ready for a 6 week vacation to Budapest. I will be taking my 2 grandsons ages 3,8 and their other grandma will also be traveling with us.
I have also asked my dr. to reduce my Keppra since I haven't had any episodes for a long time. I have gone from 1000 mgs. daily to 750 and when we get settled will go down to 500. The reason I chose this time to do this is because in Budapest I will not be driving and will be with family at all times.
I just hope that it will not backfire and get unpleasant. I've already warned everyone about this and they are prepared. We will be staying with my sister-in-law, who lives there and was with me during my very rough times. Then in June my son and daughter-in-law will also be joining us.
So keep me in your prayers and I will be keeping a journal of my adventures.
M

 

[Carpentergirl]

Best of luck to you...remember to get plenty of rest...vacations/travel can be stressful...anxiety and excitement of it all can somewhat work against you...I have to say I admire your courage...there is no way in hell I would choose a vacation time with my family as my time to decide to reduce my medicine! lol But...it sounds like you will be surrounded by loved ones, who know what to do...I hope your vacation is an overflowing enjoyable experience! Prayers for you and your bravery

 

[Cint]

Marika,

As Carpentergirl said, the stress that goes with traveling overseas can reduce your seizure resistance level, so I do hope your family realizes this. The times I've been overseas, I would never think of lowering my meds because of the changes in time and culture. But you say your family who knows will be with you. Let's hope they know where to find an epilepsy dr. if needed.

Good luck!

 

[masterjen]

I fully understand your desire to reduce seizure medications, but have to wonder why now. IMHO, I would wait until you are in a reduced stress and more controlled environment where your doctor is nearby if needed. Good luck on the trip, have fun and wishing you well.

 

[marika853]

Thanks everyone. The reason I chose this time is because when I am at home, I am alone and do not have anyone to observe the situation. Plus if I would have a serious set back my license could be taken away. I will only start tapering on the 2nd week after we have adjusted to time and location and I do have access to dr. there.
I am looking forward to making some lasting memories for the little ones and if I get stressed I will just go for a walk and "Let go and Let God."
M

 

[Cint]

Thanks everyone. The reason I chose this time is because when I am at home, I am alone and do not have anyone to observe the situation. Plus if I would have a serious set back my license could be taken away. I will only start tapering on the 2nd week after we have adjusted to time and location and I do have access to dr. there.
I am looking forward to making some lasting memories for the little ones and if I get stressed I will just go for a walk and "Let go and Let God."
M

I live alone and had my license taken away, so life does go on with/without seizures and meds! A serious setback seems more likely to take place while your under the stress of being with little ones and in a foreign land. And if the little ones were to witness a seizure, that WILL make a lasting memory for them! onder: Oh well, just speaking from experience.

 

[AlohaBird]

I will only start tapering on the 2nd week after we have adjusted to time and location and I do have access to dr. there.

That's good that you are waiting until the jet lag is over. I would caution to only go through with this if you really feel that you are sleeping and eating well. Those are two things that are very easy to let slide while on vacation.

 

[marika853]

Yes. I will make sure that I am rested and well-fed. Who knows, I may not even go for it. I have enough meds with me to last the whole time so if I decide not to do it. I won't. I just want to be able to do what I feel necessary for Me!
M

 

[AlohaBird]

That's good to have the meds as an option. but I really think your plan is terrific.
What's different about your plan from most peoples' vacation experiences is that you will be staying with family, hopefully eating mostly home cooked food (I love Hungarian food, just stay away from that super strong coffee they brew).
For some people having lots of family around sounds incredibly stressful but, for you, it sounds like a very supportive, caring environment.
Have fun and best wishes for the medication taper.

 

[lindsayschu2]

I did this as well--It wasn't exactly planned however. I was coming off of long-term use of clonazepam and took my last scheduled dose (after 2.5 months taper) while in Honduras last New Years. It did destabilized my myoclonics a lot--what I ended up doing was going back up to my last tolerated dose to stabilize a little bit so it didn't ruin the rest of my vacation, and finished my taper once I got home. I think the stress of eating different foods, using bug spray 24/7 and travel didn't help. Your plan sounds well reasoned and of course I support whatever decision you make for sure (not that my opinion should factor in to your decision)! But it's a good plan to have enough meds to go back up a little just in case the result aren't what you can tolerate.