Hello

[mandie8]

I am new to this site, and not at all sure what I am doing. So if I goof up, I apologize in advance. I just wanted to take a few minutes to introduce myself. I am 38 years old. I have been having seizures since around the age of 6. My seizures have usually only happened about once a month or even every 3 or 4 months, and now they have become 2 or 3 a week within the last month.

I have been a meat wrapper for the last 21 years, and never had a problem with seizures at work, until the last few months. I used to only have them as I was falling asleep, so they were no big deal in the way of my job. Now, I have had 3 at work. When not having them, I am constantly dealing with auras, which were very seldom for me until recently. Now I am out on sick leave, and feeling kind of sorry for myself, I guess you could say. I am very embarrassed. A little dissapointed in myself, and thinking that it's just hard for people who don't deal with this to understand completely.

I take carbatrol, and phenobarbitol. The doctor I am seeing now does not want me on the meds. He wants me on keppra. However, the side effects from it, is as embarassing at work as the seizure itself. I am beside myself right now, as I've never ever been out of work, and am depressed enough without this. So, here I am. Thank you for reading this. And, I m sure it's nice to meet you all.

 

[Nakamova]

Hi mandie8, welcome to CWE!

Do you know why the seizures have escalated in the last few months? Have you already begun transitioning off the carbatrol and phenobarb onto the keppra? If so, that may be a cause.

If the meds don't seem to be a factor, it's worth trying to figure out what else may be playing a role. Sometimes it can be something specific -- like fluorescent lights or an infection. Sometimes it can be something with a cumulative effect like stress and fatigue. Or it can be something gradual, like changes in metabolism or hormones. Some folks are sensitive to certain foods or food additives (MSG, Nutrasweet, gluten), or have gotten out of balance nutritionally. I don't know if any of these apply to you, but it can be helpful to keep a seizure diary to help identify and patterns.

If you are unhappy with changing your meds, it's your prerogative to decide to stay put. Just make sure you are informed and comfortable with your decision one way or another. If your neurologist isn't supportive or respectful of your opinion, it's your prerogative to change neurologists.

Best,
Nakamova

 

[mandie8]

I honestly don't know. I don't believe it's the keppra, because I quit taking that a few months back. However, in the process of weening me off the carbatrol, he switched it to generic, and I have had a time getting him to switch it back. As far as my meds go, that is the only difference. Lights, noises, flashing, and such never seemed to bother me. The stress level is through the roof, though. We have had some financial setbacks, work was getting very stressful, and it was taking a toll on my marriage, which was just more stress. I have been doing a lot of research on this since it has all started. I recently found out that a long period of abuse as a child could cause enough damage to the brain to cause seizures. I was severely abused my whole childhood, and my sister has recently approached me about this. She wants me to bring it forth. I'm also struggling with that, and have everyday. I don't like my new doctor, and I am definately changing. I am thinking that since the seizures started around the same time the abuse did, that I will schedule an appointment with a therapist as well. My biggest thing at the moment is not working. I hate feeling unproductive, but I am lucky enough to have people to love me through it. Thank you for reading my post.

 

[Nakamova]

Generics can cause problems because they can vary in the amount of active ingredient more than than the brand version, and because they can be inconsistent from batch to batch and manufacturer to manufacturer. People sensitive to even slight changes in their medications can end up having seizures as a result. Many neurologists will specify "Brand-Only, No Substitutions." Your neurologist should do the same, and if he won't, it's another strike against him.

I'm sorry that your childhood was so horrific. A therapist can make a big difference so I hope that you find a good one to help you deal with it all. You might be interested in this thread: http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f22/emotional-trauma-stored-body-520/

 

[mandie8]

Very interesting. Thank you for sharing this