Just registered, and what do I see?
"Looks like you have never posted a message in the forums before. Why not make your first post today by saying hello to our community in the Foyer (our introductions forum)?"
OK. I'll do it!
Hello there, everyone! I don't really know what to say, but I've been feeling kind of low lately, and my bf suggested I try some kind of support group or something.
Here's the thing: after reading so many posts on here, I'm going to sound like the whiniest person on Earth to most everyone here. Fair warning, all; I'm sure I'll get laughed at or make people turn away in disgust, but I need to get this out. So in addition to feeling bad about myself b/c of the epilepsy, I'm also feeling guilty that I'm going to complain at all. Feeling mighty sheepish... :sheep:
My history (short version): 2 seizures in my life, one at 19, initial dx = JME, put on Depakote, tapered off after 3 years, 18 months drug-free/sz-free, then had the second one at 24 (I'm 31 now), dx evolved into "generalized ep" or something; put on Lamictal. Tried to go off it recently (after over 5 years sz-free, my previous neuro thought it would be OK, but since I moved, I had to find a new neuro who'd let me try it), but the first EEG after I was totally off the L. was abnormal, so back on the drugs I had to go, just a little while ago.
Pretty discouraging, and now I'm feeling all restricted and fettered (mostly because I have crappy Rx coverage - no copay, just a percentage - and Lamictal is mega-expensive) by this drug and my condition.
[BTW, I'm fairly sure I don't get any side effects from the Lamictal, aside from the vivid dreams - I read a VERY frightening message board with hundreds of entries talking about side effects, and how nearly everyone has cognitive problems while taking it; trouble thinking and memory loss - I haven't noticed any, but it just doesn't seem like it's the best strategy for me, not with as few seizures as I've had. ]
Like I said, major whiner, but I was very much hoping to be able to leave it behind, and I feel like I've gotten nowhere, and it's pointless to do anything to further improve my health, because I'll still have to take the drug. Not to mention having to structure my whole life around making sure I can pay for it, and that I take it right. And even if I stop taking it against doctor's orders, then I get to live in fear that I could have a seizure at any time.
Anyway, that's as short as I can make it. Thanks for reading this far, if you got to this point. Call me a whiner, it's fine.
And two questions: First, if I tell the doc I don't want to take the Lamictal, she'll probably refuse to see me anymore, right?
Also, if the EEG tech was driving you absolutely BONKERS and was the most irritating person you can imagine (to the point where you were TRYING to write nasty things to her in your brain waves), could that possibly result in an abnormal EEG?
Again, thanks.
"Looks like you have never posted a message in the forums before. Why not make your first post today by saying hello to our community in the Foyer (our introductions forum)?"
OK. I'll do it!
Hello there, everyone! I don't really know what to say, but I've been feeling kind of low lately, and my bf suggested I try some kind of support group or something.
Here's the thing: after reading so many posts on here, I'm going to sound like the whiniest person on Earth to most everyone here. Fair warning, all; I'm sure I'll get laughed at or make people turn away in disgust, but I need to get this out. So in addition to feeling bad about myself b/c of the epilepsy, I'm also feeling guilty that I'm going to complain at all. Feeling mighty sheepish... :sheep:
My history (short version): 2 seizures in my life, one at 19, initial dx = JME, put on Depakote, tapered off after 3 years, 18 months drug-free/sz-free, then had the second one at 24 (I'm 31 now), dx evolved into "generalized ep" or something; put on Lamictal. Tried to go off it recently (after over 5 years sz-free, my previous neuro thought it would be OK, but since I moved, I had to find a new neuro who'd let me try it), but the first EEG after I was totally off the L. was abnormal, so back on the drugs I had to go, just a little while ago.
Pretty discouraging, and now I'm feeling all restricted and fettered (mostly because I have crappy Rx coverage - no copay, just a percentage - and Lamictal is mega-expensive) by this drug and my condition.
[BTW, I'm fairly sure I don't get any side effects from the Lamictal, aside from the vivid dreams - I read a VERY frightening message board with hundreds of entries talking about side effects, and how nearly everyone has cognitive problems while taking it; trouble thinking and memory loss - I haven't noticed any, but it just doesn't seem like it's the best strategy for me, not with as few seizures as I've had. ]
Like I said, major whiner, but I was very much hoping to be able to leave it behind, and I feel like I've gotten nowhere, and it's pointless to do anything to further improve my health, because I'll still have to take the drug. Not to mention having to structure my whole life around making sure I can pay for it, and that I take it right. And even if I stop taking it against doctor's orders, then I get to live in fear that I could have a seizure at any time.
Anyway, that's as short as I can make it. Thanks for reading this far, if you got to this point. Call me a whiner, it's fine.
And two questions: First, if I tell the doc I don't want to take the Lamictal, she'll probably refuse to see me anymore, right?
Also, if the EEG tech was driving you absolutely BONKERS and was the most irritating person you can imagine (to the point where you were TRYING to write nasty things to her in your brain waves), could that possibly result in an abnormal EEG?
Again, thanks.
