iam really hopeful some one take a few min to try to teach me

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robertworley28

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There are no support groups in my area for epilepsy I know you all have better things todo rather than try to explain this all to me but at the end of the day it helps my partner who has epilepsy
 
You haven't really given us much to go on there. What kind of seizures does your partner have?

If you have any questions though, there are many people on here all with different experiences (and some in common).

Welcome to the site!
 
We are new into this vanderbilt at this point just says epilepsy my partner has lost his job and stays at home mostley unless we r. Together for fear of driving I know that must be very hard and depression also is taking a toll on him I only want to help but knowing mentally where he is how do I do that
 
Hi Robert --

I would encourage your partner to visit this site! Just about everyone here has dealt with the tough parts of having a seizure disorder. I know that the time right after a diagnosis is very stressful because of all the unknowns. The good thing is that there are a lot of medicines to treat epilepsy, as well there are alternative approaches as well. There are steps you can take to be proactive -- ways to cope with the seizures, the meds, the doctors, other people.

Is your partner on meds? Are they controlling his seizures? Some of the meds have side effects that can affect mood, so they may be contributing to your partner's depression. Can you ask at Vanderbilt about counseling for your partner to deal with the stress of diagnosis?

Another important thing you can do as a partner is help keep a seizure journal -- if your partner's seizures are uncontrolled, the journal records when they occur, how long, what form they take, if they are changing in any way -- all information that can be helpful when talking to the neurologist. Another thing to record is the meds and anything that might be a side effect. Lastly, the journal can be a great way to identify potential seizure triggers. These triggers can be physical (such as fatigue, or photosensitivity), or physiological (such as low blood sugar or nutritional imbalance), or emotional (stress), or a combination of any of those. Identifying and avoiding any triggers can potentially help reduce seizures, or med doses, or both.

Please feel free to check out the archives and post questions.

Best,
Nakamova
 
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Meds switching from depakote to wellbutin in process of that now it seems to be helping but meds make him very tired he also says the meds alter his mood and I don't doubt any think he is dealing with but this all being new to us I sometimes want to take his reactions a little personal we have never got mad or argued over this I just a better under standing
 
Wellbutrin is an anti-depressant, usually not used all by itself for seizure control. Will your partner be on any other med at the same time? It can be a bit of a merry-go-round trying to find the perfect med -- one that provides the best seizure control with the fewest side effects. Hang in there -- both you and your partner -- because the side effects affecting mood and fatigue can sometimes recede as the body adjusts to the med. If the side effects persist and become a quality of life issue, then it may be time to reconsider he dosage level or try a different med.

You might want to read posts by CWE member OCCB -- like you, also helping a partner with epilepsy. You can read them here:

http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f22/oh-no-here-comes-sun-8911/
 
4 meds total they have just changed them so not sure of the name but I will find out depression I think is the worst fight for him his mood is rarley ever just happy he is seeking help for that please just be patient with me
 
Well, having

E strike at any age is difficult, to say the least. But when you're older, and having it show up out of the blue can be more difficult, because the loss of freedom that happens is quite........depressing and to some, humiliating.

Check out the following link for descriptions of the different types of seizures. That should help you some.

Types of Seizures

Support forums like this one will help you and your partner immensely. Vanderbilt is also a great place for resources, I believe.

Never be afraid to ask the neurologist questions--that's what they are paid for, they are NOT Gods. YOU are paying THEM.

Start keeping track of things, and create a journal to see if there are triggers for your partner's seizures. Is he photosensitive? Does it have to do with sleep? Food? Caffeine? There are any number of reasons that could be possible triggers.

Keep in mind that some things are now out of his/her reach to do....and this is probably hard for him to deal with. Finding ways around those need to be addressed--and yes, doing so may be annoying, BUT try to put yourself in his/her shoes. It won't be easy, but TRY. Your partner isn't looking for pity, I imagine, but empathy and understanding.

Meds and diet will be important. While things get sorted out, limit the caffeine--preferably to none. And, if the docs have put your partner on meds, make sure they're taken on time. Don't nag, that will create more problems, but set up a simple system for your partner to be able to remember to take them on time.

If you would like some suggestions as to what to put into the journal, please feel free to ask. I have a great list.

Your partner is more than welcome to join here, and ask all they questions they want as well.

Welcome to CWE by the way. You'll find lots of nooks and crannies here in the house that Mr B built for this wonderful dinner party. The Kitchen and The Library are chock full of information, the Padded Room is a great place to vent when you need it.

Hopefully Eric or Buckeye will be around with some decent coffee and brats or cold drinks (see the wedding dress thread :) ) I keep burning the coffee.

Good luck, and take care.

Meetz
:rock:
 
Keppra can have major effects on mood. One of its side effects is "Kepprage" -- it makes people grouchy, short-tempered, volatile. Some people have found that taking vitamin B6 (along with other B Vitamins) can help with this particular side effect of Keppra.
 
What are some of the more personal side effects. Of keppra such as sexual desire feeling crowded all the time iam trying to give as much space as poss but I don't want our relationship to lose affection or my partner to feel iam losing intrest due to the side effects of meds or mood its just a bumpy road and will smooth out
 
Helpful but things I already knew looking for detailed effects. Iam trying hard to under stand everything but we both have a lot on us right with other issues so plase be patiant. Thanks
 
Hi, Robert,

Keppra did something to me that isn't mentioned in a lot of the literature - it kind of removed my "off" button. I ate a lot, spent a lot, and my sex drive went through the roof. I talked a lot, worked a lot. It was just A LOT. No off button!
 
Oh, good

I wasn't the only one that Keppra did that too.....I turned into an Energizer Bunny. URG. And saw things in triplicate, the kaleidoscope way. What a trip.

But things that were supposed to take me 4 hours got done in 20 minutes....

Time to get off the Keppra train!!!!!!!
 
As far as I know, Keppra has not had any mood changing effects on me......at least no one has been brave enough to say anything.......:roflmao:
 
Hi Robert - I wanted to welcome you to the forum.

I am a caregiver of my daughter who has seizures. Though she has not had one for months now after making major nutritional changes. I feel for you with the drug side effects. My daughter had many when we tried medication. She is no longer on any medication at this time.

It isn't always easy being a caregiver or partner. One has to choose words carefully, timing is also so important. However, they do need a shoulder, and a cheerleader from time to time. Remember that along with the mood changes brought on by meds, they also are feeling pretty darn useless, and life is out of control. Finding ways to shift the focus from time to time has helped my daughter and my relationship. When I focus too much on IT, that is when irritation starts to show.
 
update

I have had a few respond to my asking for help and thanks to those few I think I need to be more positive and let things just happen I can't change any of them so in my ming my partner seeing iam ok and still happy with him that will be a positive move for him by my mood staying good not saying it will always be easy but hey is any thing in life lol as always hoping for feed back and new views
 
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