Haven't had a convulsion in almost 3 years - until today

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Stinkpot

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I haven't been here in a while. For anyone who doesn't know, I'm 26. But I'm having an issue and I seriously need some help. I'm confused and I just don't understand anymore. While I still have simple partials - I didn't have any convulsions after taking depakote for almost 3 years - until today, but why?

First off, I'd like to thank the person(I forgot who it was and the thread) here who told me I could have Catamenial Epilepsy. I've done alot of research about it and I'm 100% sure this is what I have, considering I have a hormone imbalance with hormone related issues, such as heavey long-lasting periods, no sexual/romantic/having a partner desire, and sleeping problems that I have had since I was 12(when I started menstrating).

I now also have RA.

Considering catamenial epilepsy is caused by a hormonal imbalance, and I guess it's high amounts of estrogen, I researched on how to reduce estrogen and regulate hormones. Unfortauntly, the best meds would have to be from a doctor - and I'm already struggling with trying to see a doctor for my Arthritis. So I decided to look for easier access, and found out that Alfalfa has been proven to regulate hormone levels. I found me a big bottle at the store of pure Alfalfa tablets(Ikk! Make sure not to chew them!). I've been taking them for about 2 weeks, 2 tablets a day, as the bottle said.
I didn't notice anything new. My period is the same nightmare from hell like every month.

And to make things even worse - I had my first convulsion in almost 3 years today! Collapsed right in my yard on my way to work! But what's strange, my postical moment(my postical moments are yelling and crying) was very short-lived and unlike my prior convulsions, I did not drool, I was completely alert and awake after the postical moment(after my convulsion, and the postical, I'm unresponsive for about 30 minutes), my muscles were not stiff, I didn't have a headache and I didn't feel confused.

I guess there could be a few possible triggers - but I need an explimation for them.

Sleeping pills. I just researched on Diphenhydramine, and it said it could trigger seizures in epileptic. I've been taking diphenhydramin based sleeping pills for over a year(I have to take them cause I have to wake up early for work), and I haven't had a convulsion - why would it suddenly happen now?
I have simple partials almost everymorning(on work days). I have simple partials just from being awoken early. So I'm a little confused on this one.

New Vitamins: MSM for Joint Health and CitraCal Bone Density Builder - Could those be linked to anything? I've been taking those along with the Alfalfa for about 2 weeks.

I am having my period, back before taking depakote, my convulsions would occure around or during my menstrual cycle. Also, my period is a week early and very sluggish. It's my 3rd day, and my blood is still thick and dark like the first day. I've had this type of period last year. Could this convulsion be linked to this period? Are my hormones changing?

Do you think that there's no answer and that my life is going to be a living hell like back then and have seizures every month, lose my job, become even more underweight cause I can't afford my food, and suffer RA until my mobility is completely lost? Or do you think there's an answer?
 
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The CitraCal Bone Density Builder contains genistein which is a phytoestrogen. Genistein acts like natural estrogen -- since you're sensitive to high estrogen levels, it could be triggering your seizures.
 
Ohh Stinkpot, it makes me sad to read your post. I feel the pain. I have not been diagnosed with Catamenial seizures, but I have been diagnosed with generalized epilepsy and the majority of my seizures do occur around my period.
I have been doing research about estrogenic foods and I'm not sure about the new pills that you are taking, but if they are related to alfalfa sprouts, I think that they are high in estrogen. Actually all sprouts are. A book that I just got is "The Anti-Estrogenic Diet" by Ori Hofmekler. It is a great resource and i am really enjoying reading it!
You may also want to talk to your doctor about taking progesterone. I'm no expert on hormones, but I'm told that progesterone balances estrogens.
I hope that you are feeling better and if I can help, please let me know.
 
Thanks guys. And Jann, I was also diagnosed with general epilepsy, but I'm pretty sure probably both of us have catamenial if we are having seizures near and during periods. The strange thing is that most of the period-based seizures I had occured in the afternoon - this seizure happend early in the morning. Something must of triggered that seizure. I looked around on my floor to see if I dropped a pill - I found nothing. And I can't recall eating something that would trigger it in general unless something was hidden inside of it. I took your advice and threw the Alfalfa out. It obviously wasn't helping anyways.

I also forgot to mention something interresting that happend yesterday. While I was having simple partials, my dog who is blind and pretty dumb(even before he was blind, he's very annoying!) suddenly jumped on my back and started pawing me and made his yippy sounds(he's a pug, typical little dog sounds) like he was excited to see me. I've never seen him act like that. Do you think he predicted that I was going to have a seizure? I heard there are dogs who know how to do that.
 
Im so sorry you went for so long without having a seizure and then one hits. :( Try to stay positive. I know its a huge let down, but all we can do is pick ourselves up and move on. Hang in there. Were here for you!
 
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