Hi all! Mom of a teenager with epilepsy

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Vanessa

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I have to say that I am relieved to find this site and my main reason for joining is to find resources for my son to help him cope. Initially, he was diagnosed with just complex partial seizures, but recently they tend to evolve into generalized seizures. He is embarassed and convinced he will never be able to drive again. All in all, he handles having epilepsy pretty well. He has been to the hospital (via ambulance) 3 times in the past 9 months. Each time, he has lost control of his bladder (one was at school) and for the most part he seems unfazed by it. Although he is a teenager, so he may be more affected than he lets on. He started on Topamax last August and has had breakthrough seizures. We have increased his dosage over time and he is now taking the regular adult dose (he is 6'3"). However, he is a teen and on occasion forgets his meds which causes more breakthrough seizures. Does anyone have any ideas for how to help a teen remember their meds?
Thanks!
 
Get a pill reminder box. Maybe one with a alarm set for a certain time to take them.
 
Hello, Vanessa:)

After being hospitalized for blacking out & hitting the back of my head on a bumpy manhole cover (I discovered from my blood tests I forgot to take my meds) in 2000, I asked my doctor how I could remember to take my meds, he said, "Wear a watch with an alarm on it & set the alarm to the time I want you to take your medicine." I haven't forgotten to take my medicine since. Hope this suggestion helps.
 
Hi Vanessa! I'm a high school teacher, and I have tonic-clonics. :) Like your son, I've had seizures at school. So I understand a bit of embarrassment. As for whether your son will get to drive or not, that depends on where you live. In the US, some states allow the doctor to decide. Other states like California, are mandatory report states, where the doc/hospital must notify DMV if you have a seizure.ANd other states are somewhere in between. Just tell him driving isn't everything. :) I didn't get my license till I was 21-22 yrs. old. :) But I have it. :) As for helping him remember his meds...pill reminder boxes work for a lot of people. Also, use the driving as a motivation for him to remember his pills. :)
 
Hi, hello

and how do you do?

It's very nice to meet you Vanessa! Welcome to CWE.....such a great place to be! Mr B, our host, has built us an AWESOME home to "live" in here. So make sure you check out all the wonderful nooks and crannies....

As for remembering to take the pills......there are a variety of pill boxes with built in reminders/alarm clocks available OR he could even set an alarm on his cell phone to remind him. If it has to be taken during school, it can be prearranged that the nurse calls him down every day at a specific time....or that the teacher for that class just sends him down instead, knowing what's going on, but just getting it done in a different method.

I have a pill case that I carry with me to work at my WalMart job, and I set an alarm on my cell phone. Several people know when I have to take my meds and why, and see to it that I get my arse back to do so on time. :) I load it up before I go on the clock every day......

Just some thoughts......
 
:hello: Vanessa!

Welcome to CWE!

My goodness! Your son has surely grown! Unfortunately,
so has life! He is now going through the phase of "My Future
and what is in store for me?" ...

While this is a process of "independence" and "dependence"
transition. You don't want to "steal" that phase away; but
you can at least help assist him without "offending him".

One thing you can do is, CVS Pharmacy by far has the best
"coolest" weekly pill planner boxes! When it's time to go pick
up his prescriptions, take him WITH you; and let HIM pick out
the "hot duds" - he will less likely to "forget" the medications,
and plus letting him pick out the ones to take with him to
School (and if he aims high and heads to college or employ-
ment, it sure will come in handy). This will make HIM feel better
about himself and the choices HE MADE (and not his parents).
He will feel more responsible for himself!

Do not worry or say anything if he picks some wild things,
remember, it's HIS and not yours, and he's most likely going
to remember it because after all - he's the one who picked
it out. (Most likely he's going to brag about it too - Kids -
*sigh*) So ignore that part, it's part of growing up. Just be
grateful it isn't another one of those wild outfits! LOL!

(No worries, I suffer too - I have a 24 year old son, who
is about to get married, and some of the things he buys;
I often wonder if I am his mother?)

:roflmao:

But do encourage him to come online, we have a group of
teens and college students onboard in CWE. And he'd get
a real kick out of this! Especially to the fact, we even have
a Moderator that oversees the room of the same age gap!

:tup:
 
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